Functional movement is all those types of movement that you may have been training at the gym, like a squat, but really, those movements are what we are designed to deliver daily. Per the squat, think about sitting. Now, if you are young and fit, you may not need a great deal of mobility to sit on a chair, but as we get older, if we don’t train to maintain this form of mobility, things can really get difficult, and the risk of injury would increase. That’s where Myotherapy can really help you to understand which joints need more work in terms of mobility, but also which muscle groups you need to train to keep your stability at doc, so that your functional movement, especially when done under load, is going to be safe and with less risk of injury.
What Is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on assessing, treating, and managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North, I use techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation, myofascial release, dry needling, and corrective exercise to restore normal movement and prevent pain from returning.
What I love about being a Clinical Myotherapist is that when working with my clients, I have to deliver a tailored treatment plan, as everyone is different and everyone presents with a unique body, which may need a different approach to reach the same goal. All this, starting from joint mobility and stability.
Why Joint Mobility and Stability Matter
Let’s start by defining what mobility and stability are:
- Mobility: the ability to move through a full range of motion
- Stability: the control that keeps your joints aligned to the body plane and supported
To move well under load and deliver safe exercises, you must have good mobility and stability where needed.
For example, if your hips lack mobility, your lumbar spine might compensate, creating discomfort and increasing the injury. Furthermore, a lack of mobility, it means you can not fully engage your muscle fibres, as less movement means less contraction or elongation of the muscle fibres involved in that movement, so less power and less growth.
On the other hand, lack of stability is given from your lumbar area, which is not able to support a heavy load, and that’s how you can hurt your back.
How Myotherapy Enhances Functional Movement
Here at my clinic in Fitzroy North, as a clinical myotherapist I focus on helping you restoring balance through a whole-body approach.
Here’s how Myotherapy helps:
- Comprehensive Movement Assessment
Let’s start with assessing posture, joint range of motion, and functional movement patterns to identify restrictions or weaknesses. - Addressing the Root Cause of Pain
Pain is central nervous system response to something that doesn’t work at is best. It may be an injury, or it may be a sensitization of the area. As a clinical myotherapist I help you break the cycle of compensation and discomfort, allowing more efficient, pain-free movement. - Improving Joint Mobility
Using targeted soft tissue therapy, myofascial release, and gentle joint mobilisation, we help reduce tightness and restore freedom of movement across affected joints and muscles. - Building Joint Stability
Once mobility is restored, we focus on improving control and strength. Personalised exercises activate stabilising muscles, enhancing balance and coordination to prevent re-injury. - Long-Term Support and Education
After every appointment I ensure to leave a detailed PDF file with the exercises we look into, so that you are able to reproduce our work at home or at your gym. But for every question, and for your progressions, I am always here ready to help.
Who Can Benefit From A Myotherapy Session?
Myotherapy is suitable for people of all activity levels. At our Fitzroy North practice, I regularly help clients dealing with:
- Muscle tightness or restricted joint movement
- Neck, shoulder, or lower back pain
- Postural strain from office work
- Sports or exercise-related injuries
- Limited flexibility affecting daily performance
The Takeaway on Myotherapy and Functional Movement
To improve your functional movement starts working on the right balance between joint mobility and stability. Myotherapy offers a targeted, evidence-based way to achieve that balance, and I am here helping you move better, feel stronger, and prevent future injuries.
If you’re ready to enhance your movement and reduce pain, book a Myotherapy session at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Fitzroy North today. Let’s get your body moving the way it’s meant to.
And if you have any question, please use the form below to reach me out:
7 FAQs — Myotherapy and Functional Movement
[accordion_item title=”1. What is functional movement?”]
Functional movement refers to the natural movements your body performs every day—such as squatting, bending, lifting, or reaching. These movements rely on healthy joint mobility and stability to prevent injury and maintain strength.
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[accordion_item title=”2. How does Myotherapy improve functional movement?”]
Myotherapy helps restore mobility, reduce muscle tension, and build joint stability. This combination allows your body to move more efficiently and safely, especially during exercise or daily activities.
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[accordion_item title=”3. Can Myotherapy help with gym training or sports performance?”]
Yes. Many clients use Myotherapy to support training goals. By improving range of motion, muscle activation, and movement control, Myotherapy can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury under load.
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[accordion_item title=”4. What’s the difference between mobility and flexibility?”]
Flexibility refers to the ability of a muscle to lengthen, while mobility involves how well a joint moves through its full range of motion. Myotherapy focuses on both to improve overall movement quality.
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[accordion_item title=”5. How often should I have a Myotherapy session?”]
The frequency depends on your individual needs and goals. Some clients benefit from weekly sessions for acute issues, while others attend monthly for maintenance and performance enhancement.
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[accordion_item title=”6. Is Myotherapy painful?”]
Myotherapy should not be painful. Some techniques may cause mild discomfort, especially when addressing tight areas, but treatment is always performed within your comfort range.
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[accordion_item title=”7. Where can I book a Myotherapy session in Fitzroy North?”]
You can book directly with Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North via our website or by phone. We’ll start with a thorough assessment to design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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Giovanni La Rocca
Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipoedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.