There is no worse way to start the day than with a wry neck. Wry neck is a common term used to describe a painful neck that limits the way you can move. Medically speaking, we call the same presentation acute torticollis. At my Myotherapy clinic in Coburg, Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I get to hear clients often telling me: “This has happened on and off for years.” And this is the first piece of the clinical history that tells me we’re probably not dealing with a simple muscle spasm, and that’s where we start looking for why the neck keeps becoming irritated in the first place. Wry Neck Is Often Acute on Chronic The first misconception we need to clear away is that wry neck comes out of nowhere. The reality of the fact is that many people have developed underlying dysfunction over months or years. Therefore, the neck has been compensating until one day something relatively small, sleeping awkwardly, reaching for something, reversing the car or even sneezing, is enough to trigger the painful episode. The acute pain is simply the last straw that broke the camel’s back. So the million-dollar question is: Why did your neck become vulnerable in the first place? That’s where an initial consultation is important, and that’s why I spend my time investigating during an assessment. A Previous Whiplash Injury Could Still Be Affecting You A common overlooked cause for wry neck that I get to see here at my clinic is a previous whiplash injury. Indeed, while someone may recover fine from this type of incident, others develop subtle changes in how their neck moves and how the muscles coordinate movement. So yes, it can be either a physical strain or irritation of the ligaments, or even neurodegeneration at the muscle level. That’s why, even years later, the body may continue protecting certain joints while overloading others. Research by Woodhouse and Vasseljen (2008) has shown that people with chronic whiplash often demonstrate altered cervical motor control, reduced movement quality and persistent dysfunction long after the original injury. That’s why, if you’ve ever had a rear-end collision, even if it happened ten years ago, even if it was due to a contact sport injury, it’s worth mentioning during your assessment, as it is an important piece of information. Hypermobility Can Also Play a Role Another presentation that I come across in my clinic, for people who suffer from wry neck, is hypermobility. Indeed, being flexible isn’t always an advantage. This is because if some joints move excessively, your muscles have to work much harder to provide stability. Over time, these muscles become overworked and fatigued, especially around the neck and upper back, which is an area where muscles already work hard most of the time, as they have to ensure we can stay straight while we stand or sit. When stability can’t keep up with mobility, the body often responds by developing muscle guarding. That’s when the neck suddenly “locks.” On the other hand, the lack of stability also creates an overload of joints, which may get easily irritated, and then initiate the pain response. Your Neck Doesn’t Work Alone Another important thing to be aware of is that we should stop focusing only on where the pain is, as the source of the problem. In fact, the cervical spine is part of a much larger movement system. So, poor movement through the upper back, reduced thoracic mobility, rib restrictions, shoulder dysfunction or altered control through the lower spine can all change the workload placed on the neck. And this is a long time game, not something that happen in one night of bad sleep. A way to conceptualise this is: If one link in a chain doesn’t move well, another link has to move more than it should, and eventually that overloaded area becomes painful. That’s why my assessment as a myotherapist doesn’t stop at your neck. I look at how your entire spine works together. The goal is to improve the balance between mobility, where mobility is needed, and stability, where stability is required. And this can only be done and maintained via exercises. Can a Better Pillow Fix a Wry Neck? I did already dedicate a full blog post about the pillow topic, but it is worth it to touch base about it even here, as this is probably one of the most common questions I get when talking about wry neck. A supportive pillow can certainly help reduce stress on your neck while you sleep; however, a pillow doesn’t: Change how your joints move. Improve muscular control. Restore stability. Correct movement patterns that have developed over the years. Therefore, think of a good pillow as something that is improving the environment rather than fixing the cause. If the underlying issue is poor movement control or spinal dysfunction, changing pillows alone usually won’t stop the episodes from returning, and it can end up being an expensive search. Your Workstation Might Be Causing the Problem Another issue that I get to see mostly with office workers is for those who work with multiple screens, like two or even three computer screens. This setup becomes a problem when the main screen isn’t positioned directly in front of you, and you end up spending eight or more hours each day with your head slightly rotated toward one side or the other. Now, try to think about what that means for your joints and muscles on that side. Until you repeat that position every day for months or years. The muscles on one side of the neck become overloaded because they are constantly contracted, while the muscles on the other side are constantly stretched. One of the simplest changes you can make is ensuring your primary monitor sits directly in front of your body, or if that’s not an option, then make sure to swap your screen software-wise. So you end up having even days looking at right, and uneven days, looking to the […]
Monthly Archives: July 2026
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Wry Neck (Torticollis): How To Fix It Once For All?
There is no worse way to start the day than with a wry neck. Wry [...]
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Why I Chose Coburg for My Myotherapy Clinic
I had been looking for a new space to relocate my Myotherapy Clinic, and when [...]
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Lipalgia Syndrome or Lipoedema? Why the Name Matters
Lipalgia Syndrome is a name for a condition that most often, and more commonly, we [...]
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Melbourne Massage and Treatment Is Returning to Coburg in July 2026
After two wonderful years in Fitzroy North, I am now ready to announce that Melbourne [...]
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When You Should Stop Running? And For How Long?
Here at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Myotherapy Clinic in Coburg, when treating patients who love [...]
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Jul
I had been looking for a new space to relocate my Myotherapy Clinic, and when I found one in Coburg, I knew it was the right choice. As I started telling my client and friends about my relocation plan from Fitzroy North to Coburg, the question they ask is: “Why Coburg?” And the answer is actually quite simple. In many ways, it feels like coming home. A New Chapter, in a Familiar Place For who has been following me for a while, you may know that in the last couple of years my clinic, Melbourne Massage and Treatment, wsa based in Fitzroy North for the last couple of years. But my professional journey didn’t begin there. Long before opening the Fitzroy North clinic, I had already been practising in Coburg for 3 years. And I was practising at home. I came to know the area well, and over the years, I built relationships with many local clients and healthcare professionals. Returning to Coburg wasn’t about moving somewhere new; it was about returning to a community where I already felt connected, and where I still live, actually. More Space Means Better Care Another bigger reason behind the move was the opportunity to create a clinic that better reflects the way I like to work. Myotherapy isn’t about rushing people through appointments, and is more about yes, hands-on treatment, but exercises play a crucial role in your recovery journey, Whether you’re coming in with persistent neck pain, recovering from a sporting injury, managing lymphoedema, or seeking Manual Lymphatic Drainage, treatment works best when both practitioner and client have a calm, comfortable environment. The new clinic at 325A Moreland Road, Coburg, gives me exactly that. Indeed, there is a dedicated waiting room as soon as you walk in. From there, you can access the studio, which is presented with a dedicated fitness class space, and again, a third space, which is only for massage. This all set up, gives me the opportunity to keep expanding the quality treatment for Melbourne Massage and Treatment while maintaining the one-on-one care that has always been at the centre of my practice. Easier to Reach Another advantage of the Coburg location is accessibility. Many of my clients travel from the surrounding suburbs, including: Pascoe Vale Brunswick Preston Reservoir Fawkner Thornbury Essendon Kew Fawkner Being located on Moreland Road makes the clinic easy to reach, regardless of whether you’re driving or using public transport. In fact, parking is straightforward, with unlimited parking on Haig Ave, the side street of the clinic. At the old location in Fitzroy North, I know, parking was a bit of a challenge. After all, arriving stressed because you’ve spent twenty minutes looking for a parking spot isn’t the ideal way to start a treatment session. And if you don’t drive, and you want to opt for public transport, you can easily reach the clinic via tram, bus or train. The trams that stop close by are 6,19 and 58, and the train stop close by is Moreland Station. The bus 510 stops right in front of the clinic. Staying Close to Melbourne’s Northern Community Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed working with people from all walks of life; indeed, I learned many treatment techniques, which would give me the opportunity to get to know more people and more conditions. Among those presentations, we find: Office workers dealing with chronic neck and shoulder pain Athletes wanting to improve recovery People living with lymphoedema who need ongoing management Clients recovering from surgery People simply want to move more comfortably again Coburg sits right in the heart of Melbourne’s northern suburbs, making it an ideal location to continue supporting this diverse community. More Than Just a Change of Address Again, this relocation is not just about changing the clinic’s postcode. It was about creating a space that allows Melbourne Massage and Treatment to continue growing while staying true to the philosophy I’ve always believed in: “Step by step – Move More, Live Well”. I don’t believe treatment should be rushed, and if you know me, you know that well. I don’t believe every client fits into the same treatment plan; indeed, everyone needs a different level of care and attention to detail for their best performance and well-being. Lastly, I don’t believe pain should simply be masked without understanding why it’s there; therefore, I always share with my client my clinical reasoning and the “why” I take a certain approach to their presentation. How is all of this implemented in my Myotherapy Coburg Clinic? Well, the answer is easy: every appointment starts with listening to your concern. Only then do we decide together on the most appropriate treatment approach, because the treatment that works best for you, may differ from the one that works best for someone else. Looking Forward This move represents an exciting new chapter for Melbourne Massage and Treatment. I’m grateful to every client who has supported the clinic over the years, whether you’ve been seeing me since my earlier days in Coburg, joined me in Fitzroy North, or are discovering the clinic for the very first time. If you’re looking for a Myotherapist in Coburg, or you’re seeking treatment for lymphoedema, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, remedial massage or musculoskeletal pain, I’d be delighted to welcome you to the new clinic. I look forward to helping you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things that matter most. FAQ – Myotherapy and Lymphoedema Clinic Coburg
Jul
Lipalgia Syndrome is a name for a condition that most often, and more commonly, we all call Lipoedema. But why so? And why Lipalgia Syndrome would be more accurate than Lipoedema? My name is Giovanni, and I am a Myotherapy and Lymphoedema therapist who runs Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Coburg. Here at my clinic, I get to work often with clients who have been diagnosed with Lipoedema or clients who are suspicious of having Lipoedema. That said, it can happen that the client themself, are confusing one condition (Lipaglia Syndrome or Lipoedema) for something else, and that’s also because they see oedema in their limb, and associate that with having Lipoedema. But we now know that oedema is not a symptom of Lipoedema unless we are looking at Lipo-Lymphoedema, a really advanced stage of the syndrome, which is not as common as we think. Let’s break down the names: Lipoedema and Lipalgia Syndrome The term Lipoedema combines the Greek word lipo (fat) with oedema (swelling). Unfortunately, as mentioned above, this terminology can be misleading. This happens because by reading the name, we think we have to see an oedema in this presentation, where an oedema, actually, should not be. Because an oedema is caused by a dysfunctional lymphatic system, which is not what we look at when talking about Lipoedema. In fact, Lipoedema is actually a chronic, painful disorder of abnormal adipose (fat) tissue. This is why an increasing number of clinicians have suggested that the condition would be more accurately described as Lipalgia Syndrome, meaning Lip (fat) algia (pain), therefore, painful fat. Then, all this said, to clarify what’s going on with the lymphatic system, there are several investigations that look into the exact role of the lymphatic system in lipoedema, and by now, it is well established that lipoedema is a different condition from lymphoedema. This is because the lymphatic system is generally intact in the early and moderate stages of lipoedema, although secondary lymphatic overload can develop in advanced disease, leading to lipolymphoedema. This distinction is important because the diagnosis, because the treatment approach is different for lipoedema than for lipolymphoedema. Pain Is the Hallmark Symptom for Lipalgia Syndrome One symptom that can be used to mark the difference between Lipalgia Syndrome (or Lipoedema) and other conditions is pain. Patients commonly describe their legs, hips, buttocks or arms as: aching heavy tender to touch painful even with light pressure bruising easily feeling constantly sore without a clear injury In fact, unlike obesity, where enlarged fat tissue is usually painless, Lipalgia presents with diffuse, persistent pain throughout the affected tissues. If someone presents with some of the above symptoms and with a body that mimics the look of Lipoedema, but they don’t experience any pain, well, they don’t have Lipoedema. And again, that’s why we should call it Lipalgia Syndrome, because what we have to look for, is not oedema, but pain, as main symptom. That said, this pain often limits exercise tolerance and significantly affects quality of life. Current research consistently identifies pain as one of the defining characteristics that separate lipoedema from obesity and many other fat disorders. Therefore, from a clinical perspective, this symptom (pain) is essential to diagnose someone with Lipalgia Syndrome (Lipoedema). On the other hand, if a patient presents with enlarged legs or arms without pain, it is worth carefully considering whether the diagnosis is truly Lipalgia Syndrome (Lipoedema). Other conditions may be more likely, including: obesity with disproportionate fat distribution lipohypertrophy lymphoedema chronic venous disorders mixed presentations involving more than one condition Therefore, don’t try to self-diagnose with social media or a simple Google or AI search, as the reality of facts is way more complicated. Why the Name “Lipalgia” Makes More Sense The use and understanding of language influence how diseases are understood. In fact, the word lipoedema understandably directs attention towards swelling and fluid accumulation, when in fact the most disabling symptom for many patients is pain. That’s where the term Lipalgia shifts the focus towards what patients actually experience every day: chronic painful adipose tissue tenderness heaviness impaired movement reduced quality of life Although Lipalgia has not yet become the internationally accepted medical terminology, many clinicians believe it better reflects the clinical presentation and may help reduce confusion with lymphoedema. What Is Lipohypertrophy? One of the conditions that is often mistaken for Lipoedema is Lipohypertrophy, because both conditions involve a symmetrical increase in subcutaneous fat, particularly in the legs and sometimes the arms. The key difference is that Lipohypertrophy is generally not painful. So yes, those conditions are really similar, and the people with lipohypertrophy usually have enlarged limbs but do not experience the diffuse tenderness, aching, easy bruising and persistent discomfort that characterise Lipalgia. For this reason, recognising the presence or absence of pain is one of the most valuable aspects of the clinical assessment. And again, an accurate diagnosis is important because management strategies differ depending on the underlying condition. Assessment at Melbourne Massage and Treatment At Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Coburg, I provide comprehensive assessments (not diagnoses) for people experiencing leg or arm enlargement, chronic pain, lymphatic conditions and soft tissue disorders. What I refer to as assessment, and not diagnosis, is the fact that I don’t have the clinical possibility to diagnose anyone with anything, but I can point you in the direction of further investigations to get to understand what is happening to your body. Further investigation can involve talking to your GP about specific tests or referral to a specialist, who can assist you in understanding what your body is going through. Every assessment aims to distinguish between conditions such as Lipalgia (Lipoedema), Lipohypertrophy, obesity-related fat accumulation and lymphoedema so that treatment can be tailored to your individual presentation. Early recognition, education and appropriate management can significantly improve comfort, mobility and long-term outcomes. On my end, I can still offer MLD to overcome pain and where present oedema, and Fitness Class to help you and your body get stronger […]
After two wonderful years in Fitzroy North, I am now ready to announce that Melbourne Massage and Treatment is officially relocating back to Coburg from 1 July 2026. This move marks an exciting new chapter for my clinic, moving into a larger, dedicated treatment space at: 325A Moreland Road, Coburg, VIC, 3058 The new location gives Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Myotherapy and Lymphoedema clinic, the opportunity to grow independently in a space designed specifically for client care, wellbeing, and long-term community connection. A New Space In Coburg for Your Well-Being While Fitzroy North has been an important part of my clinic’s journey, the move back to Coburg comes with exciting opportunities. To start with, the location is a shop-front, and so it provides more visibility. There are still plenty of options to reach the clinic via public transport, and greater potential for the clinic to continue growing. Having a standalone clinic also means clients will now be visiting a dedicated wellness space rather than a room inside a GP clinic. This allows for a calmer and more personalised treatment environment focused entirely on massage, myotherapy, recovery, and movement. At this stage, Melbourne Massage and Treatment will continue operating as a single-practitioner clinic, yes, still only me, but ensuring the same personalised care and attention clients have always received. And you are a Melbourne Massage and Treatment client, you know the effort I put in my work. Thank You to the Fitzroy North Community The support from the Fitzroy North community over the past two years has been genuinely appreciated. Every returning client, referral, conversation, and recommendation has helped Melbourne Massage and Treatment grow. Although relocating back to Coburg was ultimately the right decision for the clinic’s future, the connection with the Fitzroy North community will always remain an important part of the business journey. And luckily, the distance between the old and new locations is only a few minutes by car, or a short public transport journey. Services Available at the New Coburg Clinic All current services will continue to be offered at the new Coburg location, including: Clinical Myotherapy Remedial Massage Fitness Classes Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Lymphoedema Management Lipoedema Management Thai Massage Thai Yoga Importantly, there will be no price increases to any services following the relocation. Clinic Opening Hours In the new location in Coburg, Melbourne Massage and Treatment will maintain the regular operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm As I currently work by myself, bookings are highly recommended. However, walk-ins are still welcome whenever availability allows. Clients can check live availability through the online booking system. Parking and Public Transport Now, of course, how can you get there? Well, getting to the new clinic is simple, whether driving or using public transport. Parking 1-hour parking is available directly in front of the clinic: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm There is also plenty of unrestricted parking available on Haig Avenue, located directly next to the clinic. Public Transport Options The clinic is well connected by bus, tram, and train services: Bus 510 – Shamrock St/Moreland Rd stop directly in front of the clinic Tram 19 – Stop 28 (Moreland Rd/Sydney Rd), approximately 10 minutes’ walk Tram 6 – Stop 133 (Moreland Station/Moreland Rd), approximately 10 minutes’ walk Tram 58 – Stop 40 (Moreland Rd/Melville Rd), approximately 11 minutes’ walk Moreland Station – Approximately 10 minutes’ walk Accessibility Information The new clinic space in Coburg is larger and more comfortable; however, please note that the premises currently do not have disabled toilet access. Clients with accessibility concerns are encouraged to get in touch before attending so arrangements and suitability can be discussed. Looking Ahead Returning to Coburg feels like coming home for Melbourne Massage and Treatment. The move represents a fresh start, greater independence, and an opportunity to continue building a trusted local clinic focused on high-quality treatment and personalised care. From clinical myotherapy and remedial massage to lymphatic care and Thai massage, Melbourne Massage and Treatment looks forward to welcoming both returning and new clients to the new Coburg location from 1 July 2026. FAQ
Here at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Myotherapy Clinic in Coburg, when treating patients who love running, I am often asked this question: “Do I need to stop running because of my knee pain?” Whether you’re training for an event, running recreationally along the Merry Creek, or simply trying to stay active, knee pain can be frustrating and concerning. But let’s start with some good news: in most cases, stopping running forever is not the answer, and is not something to ever consider. As a Myotherapist who is treating runners and active individuals in Coburg and Melbourne’s inner north, I rarely recommend that someone give up running permanently. What I would personally suggest, on the other hand, is that for a short period of time, if needed, you may need to reduce the running load. Specifically in the acute or subacute stages of recovery. However, that’s very different from being told you’ll never run again. Therefore, what I offer as a Myotherapist is to help you understand why the knee pain developed in the first place and create a plan to return to running safely and confidently. Knee Pain Doesn’t Always Mean You Need to Stop Running Many people assume that knee pain automatically means there is damage occurring inside the joint. But we now know that when we look at pain, the reality is often more complex. So, let’s try to simplify why knee pain can be a thing. Knee pain can develop when the tissues around the knee are asked to tolerate more load than they are currently able to handle. Here are a few examples: A sudden increase in running volume Returning to running too quickly after time off Weakness in the legs Poor recovery habits Reduced mobility through the hips or ankles Changes in training intensity At our Coburg myotherapy clinic, we regularly assess runners experiencing knee pain and often find that the issue extends beyond the knee itself. The Knee Is Part of a Bigger System The knee joint sits between the hip and ankle, meaning both joints have a significant influence on how the knee functions during running. Following the understanding of the mobility and stability joints, we then need to look at the leg mechanics before assuming the only issue is at the knee. Therefore, when I assess a runner with knee pain, I look at the entire movement chain, including: Hip mobility and strength Pelvic stability Ankle mobility Foot mechanics Running technique Training load Recovery strategies Addressing these factors is often the key to reducing symptoms and improving long-term knee health. Improving Ankle and Hip Mobility to Stop Knee Pain Mobility plays an important role in running performance and injury prevention. Indeed, when mobility is lacking, a stable joint that follows in the chain would try to act as a mobile joint. Obviously, this is not a fun thing. Ankle Mobility Limited ankle movement, especially dorsiflexion, can increase stress through the knee during running, particularly when climbing hills, accelerating, or changing direction. This can happen because if your ankle lacks movement in dorsiflexion, the knee may compensate by dropping medially. So, improving ankle mobility may help distribute forces more effectively throughout the lower limb. Hip Mobility Tight hip flexors and reduced hip rotation can affect running mechanics and increase the workload placed on the knee. Regular mobility exercises can help improve movement quality and reduce unnecessary strain. As part of our running injury treatment approach in Coburg, mobility assessments are often a key component of rehabilitation. Big Toe Yes, you did read that, your big toe. Big Toe is another mobile joint, and it is big because it sits in the middle of the body, and when walking, running or sprinting, it is the primary body mover. Indeed, for walking, the big toe is better to passively flex up to 45°, running 65°, sprinting 85°. Stability Helps Protect the Knee Once mobility is sorted out, or it may not even be the background issue, it is time to look at stability. For stability, we refer to the body’s needs and ability to control movement under load. Many runners with knee pain demonstrate reduced stability in the hips and pelvis, which can increase stress on the knee. To improve the stability, we look into exercises like: Quads focus exercises – Knee extension on the bench Hamstring focus exercises – Knee flexion on bench Step-downs Split squats Single-leg deadlifts Glute strengthening exercises – specific glute medius Improving stability can enhance running efficiency while reducing unnecessary strain on the knee joint. Strength Training for Better Knee Health As the knee is a stable joint, one of the most effective ways to support healthy knees is through targeted strength training. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we often discuss strength as the foundation of long-term injury prevention. Quadriceps Strength The quadriceps help absorb force during running and are essential for controlling knee movement. Exercises such as knee extension, wall sit to start with and then high bar squats, step-ups, lunges, and leg press variations can improve lower limb resilience. Hamstring Strength Strong hamstrings contribute to overall knee stability, as part of the body posterior chain muscle group, and help manage forces during the running cycle. Exercises may include: Romanian deadlifts Hamstring curls Single-leg deadlifts Nordic hamstring exercises Calf Strength The calves absorb significant loads during running, yet they are often neglected. And again, from the posterior muscle chain group are ideal muscles for knee stability, as they support the knee from the distal porion to the proximal area. Exercises ideal for your calves are: Single-leg calf raises, bent-knee calf raises (extra focus on the soleus muscle), and progressive plyometric exercises can all be beneficial. Managing Running Load Is Essential Another cause of knee pain while running is dictated by the running load. In fact, sometimes the issue is simply doing too much too soon, or increasing the load too fast, without allowing the tissue to adapt to the new load. Here is a short summary of what […]