Lymphatic drainage massage might sound like a mouthful, but it’s a technique with many fantastic benefits. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we know the magic it can work on the body. This article dives into its incredible perks, and how it could change your well-being for the better. Boosts Immunity Lymphatic drainage massage can supercharge our body’s natural defence mechanism. The lymph system works overtime to remove waste and toxins. Giving it a gentle nudge with a massage can help it work more effectively. Check out this report by the Australian Department of Health on improving general well-being. Reduces Swelling Ever suffered from swelling or water retention? This massage can help reduce these symptoms, making you feel lighter and more comfortable. Learn more about swelling from the Better Health Channel, an Australian government initiative. Enhances Skin Health A radiant skin isn’t just about what products you apply. A proper lymph flow can remove impurities and rejuvenate your skin, giving it a natural glow. Here’s a guide by Dermatology Australia discussing skin health. Promotes Relaxation Who doesn’t love to feel relaxed and rejuvenated? This massage technique doesn’t just benefit the body but also soothes the mind. Explore more relaxation techniques from the Australian Psychological Society. Supports Weight Loss Paired with a healthy lifestyle, lymphatic drainage massage can also support your weight loss journey by improving metabolism and eliminating waste. The Science Behind Lymphatic Drainage Massage When we think of massages, the first image that often comes to mind is a serene spa setting with calming music in the background. However, the lymphatic drainage massage goes beyond mere relaxation; it’s backed by solid science. The lymphatic system, comprising a network of and vessels, plays a pivotal role in our body’s defence. It acts as a filtering mechanism, ridding our body of toxins and waste. The Australian Medical Association states that the healthy functioning of our lymphatic system is crucial to our overall health. A lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the flow of lymph. The procedure can be likened to gently guiding rivers of life-giving fluid along their natural pathways, ensuring optimal functioning of the system. Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Athletes It’s not just those looking for relaxation or detoxification that can benefit from this massage. Athletes, both professional and amateur, can reap significant advantages. After intense training sessions or events, the body may retain fluids or develop minor swelling. By assisting the body in removing these excess fluids and accelerating the removal of waste products, the lymphatic drainage massage can significantly reduce recovery times. Many Australian sports teams, recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport, have incorporated these massages into their recovery protocols, attributing faster return-to-play times to this therapy. Aesthetic and Cosmetic Benefits Beyond health and athletic performance, lymphatic drainage massage offers aesthetic benefits too. Today’s world sees a growing trend in non-invasive treatments for beauty and well-being, with many Australians opting for natural solutions to look and feel their best. One such popular procedure is liposuction. Post-surgery, patients often experience swelling. The lymphatic drainage massage can be a valuable post-operative tool, as highlighted by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. By reducing swelling, pain, and the risk of complications, the massage facilitates smoother and faster recovery. Moreover, the increased lymph flow resulting from the massage can lead to brighter and more radiant skin, as the removal of toxins can help reduce puffiness and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance. Mind-Body Connection While we’ve delved into the physical benefits, it’s vital to acknowledge the mental and emotional perks of the lymphatic drainage massage. The Australian Psychological Society emphasises the importance of holistic well-being, where the mind and body are interconnected. The gentle touch and rhythmic movements during the massage can induce a deep state of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety levels. This mental calmness has a ripple effect on the body, promoting better sleep, improved digestion, and an overall sense of well-being. Guidance and Training For those interested in learning more about the lymphatic system and the specific techniques used in its massage, several institutions in Australia offer courses. The Australian Traditional Medicine Society provides resources and training for holistic treatments, including the lymphatic drainage massage. Considerations Before Your Session While lymphatic drainage massage offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to approach it with some considerations: Consultation: Always have a chat with your therapist at Melbourne Massage and Treatment beforehand. They can offer guidance tailored to your individual needs. Hydration: Drinking water before and after the session can help in the effective elimination of toxins. Frequency: Depending on your goals (be it relaxation, recovery, or cosmetic benefits), the frequency of your sessions might vary. Health Conditions: If you have medical conditions, especially related to the heart or circulation, always consult a healthcare professional before booking a session. Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Traditional While the traditional lymphatic drainage massage continues to be popular, there’s a growing interest in combining it with modern technology. Machines and devices, approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, are now available, offering an enhanced massage experience. These tools can provide a deeper and more consistent pressure, leading to potentially improved results. However, whether you opt for the manual massage or its technologically advanced counterpart, the underlying principle remains the same: guiding and stimulating the flow of lymph to promote better health, both inside and out. Embracing The Lymphatic Journey Australia’s rich tapestry of natural beauty, from its sprawling beaches to its lush hinterlands, is reminiscent of the intricate network of our lymphatic system. Just as we need to care for our environment, so too must we nurture our body’s natural systems. In a world that’s continually moving at a fast pace, pausing to embrace treatments like the lymphatic drainage massage is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. The journey towards better health, enhanced physical appearance, and mental tranquillity awaits. So, why wait? Dive into the lymphatic experience and let the waves of relaxation wash over you. Conclusion With numerous benefits to […]
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Oct
Choosing the right massage treatment is pivotal to address individual health concerns and relaxation needs. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we understand this necessity and endeavour to offer personalised services that cater to a diverse range of preferences. This article serves as a guide, aimed at simplifying the choice process for prospective clients, illustrating the benefits of various treatments and ensuring an enriching experience. Deciphering the Choices Massage treatments are varied, catering to different needs and preferences. It’s crucial to understand your requirements before opting for a service. Researching and opting for the most suitable treatment can result in enhanced wellbeing and revitalisation. 1. Remedial Massage Targets specific issues or areas of discomfort. Often recommended for individuals with chronic pain or tension. A systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues to assist in rehabilitation, pain, and injury management. 2. Deep Tissue Massage Addresses muscle pain and stiffness. Uses slow, deliberate strokes focusing on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. 3. Sports Massage Beneficial for athletes. Focuses on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements. A Consultative Approach Identifying your health goals, lifestyle, and any underlying medical conditions is essential when choosing a massage treatment. A detailed consultation with the experts at Melbourne Massage and Treatment can provide insights and guide you to the right choice, ensuring optimal benefits. Always consider your comfort level, pain tolerance, and any specific areas that need attention. Research and References Informed decision-making is crucial. Referencing reliable sources like the Australian Government Department of Health and the National Health and Medical Research Council can provide credible information and insights into the most suitable massage treatments. Essential Considerations Type of Massage: From relaxation to therapeutic, determine what you seek from the massage. Therapist’s Expertise: Experienced therapists at Melbourne Massage and Treatment are skilled in diverse techniques to meet individual needs. Budget and Frequency: Determine the financial and time investment you are willing to make. Delving into Specific Needs Every individual is unique, bringing forth varied preferences, needs, and health conditions. Thus, a one-size-fits-all approach is not applicable in the realm of massage therapy. It’s crucial to consider individual requirements and desired outcomes when exploring massage treatments. Melbourne Massage and Treatment specialises in curating experiences that are as unique as you are, addressing your specific needs and concerns with utmost precision and care. Importance of Professional Advice Professional advice plays an indispensable role in ensuring that the chosen massage treatment aligns with your health goals and conditions. It allows for a tailored experience that is not only refreshing but also therapeutically beneficial. Our team of experienced therapists at Melbourne Massage and Treatment are equipped to provide informed suggestions, ensuring your massage experience is personalised, safe, and profoundly relaxing. Addressing Various Health Concerns Massage treatments are often sought for alleviating a range of health concerns, such as stress, muscle tension, pain, and fatigue. They can also offer remarkable benefits for those grappling with chronic conditions and those looking to enhance overall well-being. Remedial Massage Targets specific issues or areas of discomfort and is often recommended for individuals with chronic pain or tension. A systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues to assist in rehabilitation, pain, and injury management. Reflexology Applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, correlating to different body organs and systems, promoting health and balance. Aromatherapy Utilises essential oils to promote healing and a feeling of well-being and relaxation. The essential oils can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. The Therapeutic Journey The journey of selecting the right massage treatment is intertwined with self-discovery. It is about exploring one’s needs, preferences, and health conditions. Every step, from consultation to the actual massage session, is a stride towards enhanced wellness and revitalisation. By delving into various treatments and embracing the therapeutic experiences they offer, individuals can unlock a world of relaxation and healing. The Harmony of Mind and Body A well-chosen massage treatment doesn’t only soothe the body but also the mind. It creates a harmonious balance, aiding in the alleviation of stress and anxiety. This harmony is pivotal in fostering a sense of holistic well-being and tranquillity. A symphony of the right techniques, expert hands, and serene environment can orchestrate an experience of rejuvenation and peace. Empowered Decision Making Information and awareness empower individuals to make informed decisions. By exploring and understanding the myriad of massage treatments available, and aligning them with individual needs and preferences, one can ensure an enriching and therapeutic experience. A visit to Australian Government’s HealthDirect provides credible information and advice on various health topics including massage treatments, ensuring you are well-informed and confident in your choices. Focused Well-being Approach At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, our approach is centred around the focused well-being of our clients. We consider every aspect, from individual health conditions to personal preferences, to curate a massage experience that is revitalising and enriching. It is our mission to facilitate a journey of wellness that is as unique and varied as our clientele, ensuring optimal satisfaction and health benefits. Remember, the journey to wellness is personal and profound. By aligning your choices with your needs and being open to exploring various treatments, you can embark on a transformative journey towards balanced well-being and rejuvenation, with Melbourne Massage and Treatment as your trusted companion. Conclusion Choosing the right massage treatment can significantly impact your overall wellness and quality of life. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we aim to facilitate this choice, offering expert advice and a range of treatments to cater to individual needs. Get in touch with us to explore the right treatment for you and embark on a journey towards enhanced wellbeing and rejuvenation. Frequently Asked Questions What is the most relaxing massage? Manual Lymphatic Drainage – MLD is often regarded as the most relaxing massage. How often should one get a massage? It depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and […]
Sep
Are you ready to delve into the transformative world of Traditional Thai Massage? At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we’re on a mission to bring the magic of this age-old therapy straight to you. Bursting with energy and a zest for rejuvenation, let us unravel the countless benefits this healing method holds for you. In this vibrant journey, we will unravel why Traditional Thai Massage is more than just a simple relaxation tool. What is Traditional Thai Massage? Traditional Thai Massage, a healing technique rooted in ancient Thai traditions, is more than just a simple massage. It is a holistic approach to well-being, harmonising the body and the mind. In this article, we will delve deep into its incredible benefits. We also invite you to explore the various treatment options available at our centre. Why Should You Try It? Physical Benefits: Improved Circulation: Picture your body as Melbourne’s roadways. Sometimes we get those annoying traffic jams. This massage helps “ease the traffic”, making everything flow better. Flexibility Boost: For all individuals engaged in athletic activities, undergoing Thai massage therapy can significantly enhance flexibility, thereby potentially improving performance and the execution of remarkable feats on the football field. Mental Perks: Stress Reduction: Studies from The Australian Government’s Department of Health suggest massage can significantly reduce stress. Mental Clarity: Just like clearing out an old storage room, this massage can help declutter the mind. Overall Wellness: Boosted Energy: Who needs five cups of coffee when you can get a natural increase in energy levels. Balanced Energy Lines: Thai massage aligns the body’s energy lines, creating a sense of balance. Remember to check out the treatments page for more awesome therapies on offer. The Technique: More Than Just Hands When you hear ‘massage’, the immediate image is hands pressing and kneading against a body. But Traditional Thai Massage uses much more. Therapists may use their elbows, knees, and even feet to apply varying pressures. Combine this with stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques, and it becomes a dynamic dance of energy and revitalisation. No wonder it’s often called “Thai Yoga Massage” The aim is to stretch muscles, open joints, and invigorate the flow of energy. After a session at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, you’re likely to leave feeling lighter, more agile, and in a pleasantly peaceful state of mind. The Integration with Modern Healthcare Gone are the days when massage was perceived as merely an indulgence. Today, Traditional Thai Massage is integrated into holistic health plans around the world, including Australia. Leading healthcare providers and even the Australian Physiotherapy Association recognise its therapeutic benefits. If you’re new to this world of Traditional Thai Massage, stepping into Melbally when dealing with muscle stiffness and mobility issues. Recognised by various health institutions, including the Australian Government’s Department of Health, it stands as a testament to the harmony of traditional wisdom and modern science. Considering the increasing interest in mental well-being, many psychologists recommend such holistic treatments as an adjunct to traditional therapy, citing its relaxation and mind-calming benefits. Sessions: What to Expect Melbourne Massage and Treatment might make you curious. Here’s a quick breakdown: Dress Code: Light, comfy clothing is the way to go. Think pyjamas or workout wear. Setting the Tone: Traditional Thai massages are generally on a mat on the floor rather than a raised table. This gives the therapist better leverage to perform stretches and manoeuvres. No Oils or Lotions: Unlike many other massages, Thai massage usually doesn’t involve oils or lotions. So, no greasy feeling post-session. Interactive Experience: It’s not a passive session. Be prepared for assisted stretches and being moved into various positions. Post-Massage: While there’s an immediate feeling of relaxation, the full benefits unfold over the next few days. Increased flexibility, improved sleep, and a clearer mind are just some of the perks to look forward to. Stress Reduction Traditional Thai Massage encourages relaxation, helping to reduce stress and its detrimental effects on the body and mind. As per the advice on the Mental Health website, regular relaxation can keep you in good health and upbeat spirits. Conclusion A Traditional Thai Massage is not just a massage; it’s a journey into a world of relaxation and revitalization, offering both physical and psychological benefits. It’s about holistic health, about merging the ancient and the modern for a revitalised self. Whether you’re a student swamped with assignments, a busy professional, or someone just looking to reconnect with themselves, this massage can be a transformative experience. We invite you to get in touch with our agency for a session that promises not just a massage, but a heavenly retreat right here in Melbourne. Frequently Asked Questions: Q1: What is a Traditional Thai Massage? A Traditional Thai Massage is a healing technique that involves stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension and enhance flexibility and range of motion. Q2: How does it differ from other massage techniques? Unlike other massage techniques, it does not involve oils or lotions. It is performed on a mat on the floor, with the client wearing comfortable clothes. Q3: What are the benefits of a Traditional Thai Massage? The benefits are vast, including muscle relaxation, improved flexibility, stress reduction, and better sleep patterns. Q4: Is it suitable for everyone? Most people can benefit, but always consult the therapists at Melbourne Massage and Treatment for personalised advice. Q5: Is there scientific backing for its benefits? Yes, Numerous studies, including those from Australian health authorities, recognise its benefits.
Jun
A surgery, even the most minor cut, is a big deal for the body. And a robust Lymphatic System can help you recover faster from this type of intervention. The lymphatic system is a body system that collects, moves and cleans the excess water and substances, like bacteria, viruses, dirt, tattoos, ink and more, from below the skin and then passes it to the bloodstream. Lymphatic System and Surgery. 80% of the Lymphatic System seats below the skin, and 20% sits with the deep fascia. When going for surgery and the skin gets cut, the superficial layer of the lymphatic system gets interrupted and so damaged. Unless we intervene, the lymphatic system will have a hard time regenerating. Indeed the lymphatic system can regenerate if stimulated. The stimulation of the lymphatic system happens through the touch, like with MLD or through the movement of the body, like exercises, even as simple as muscle contraction. How MLD can help the pre and post-surgery. Indeed, before or after surgery, it is recommended to stay active. This would allow the Lymphatic System to stay active and robust and regenerate quickly. On the other hand, being active post-surgery is not always an option. In fact, during the post-surgery, being active in the area that got stitches can be a contraindication, as the stitches could brake. A cast may be present in other cases, and the muscle near the surgery can’t be moved. That’s where MLD can help the lymphatic system to be stimulated. By doing so, we can guarantee the circulation of liquids in the body. But not only that. Reducing the swell around the cutting area or below the area affected by the operation would guarantee a fast recovery. This is because the oxygen released from the blood capillary, which would initially be too far from the swollen skin, can now reach the wound and help recover the skin cut. But if the area is puffed or swollen, that oxygen can’t travel as far, and the healing will not be as fast. So MLD, by boosting the lymphatic system, reduces the swelling and allows the body’s natural healing process. What to do if I have to go for surgery then? If you are up for surgery soon and you have no contraindication to MLD, what you can do to guarantee a faster recovery is, keep moving as much as you can, stay active, and book yourself in for a few MLD treatments just for the days before your surgery is due. That would help with the Lymphatic System recovery, as a more robust and healthier Lymphatic System would recover faster. And as the risk of infection and post-surgery are under control, and your blood pressure is within the acceptable range (this depends on what type of surgery you did), get moving as possible and come back for a few more sessions of MLD. Whit, what type of intervention can MLD help with? C-section (preeclampsia) bone fracture liposuction carpal tunnel knee reconstruction hip replacement day hospital intervention I went for surgery, and I got Lymph Nodes removed. As often can happen for cancer surgery, lymph nodes get removed if they are contaminated by the cancerogenic cells. Lymph node removal prevents the cancer cell from spreading along the rest of the body. If that’s the case, I may not be the practitioner that does this for you, as my qualification for MLD are up to a level where I can work with a patient who has an entire lymphatic system. Said so, I can still refer you to a practitioner who would be able to look after yourself. Do you have any questions about this topic? Or would you like to book in now your next session? Get in touch now through the contact page or place a booking by clicking here.
Jun
Biomechanics is a branch of biophysics, and it studies the structure, function biomechanics is a branch of biophysics, and it studies the structure, function and motion of the mechanical aspects of biological systems using mechanical methods.d motion of the mechanical parts of biological systems using mechanical methods. Why is Body Biomechanics important? The way we move is a crucial component of injury prevention. Ensuring we are moving using our advantage, forces like gravity and body weight can help us reduce the chance of injury and improve the load capacity. To do so, we must train with a specific protocol that ensures excellent mobility to achieve muscular strength. What is a force? We can define a force as an influence that can change the motion of an object. Gravity is an acceleration that becomes a force when applied to a body. This concept was well explained by Netwon, with the announcement of Newton’s second law that can be summarised with F=m*a. F is the force, m is the mass, and a is acceleration. In the case of acceleration of gravity, it does measure 8.91 m/sec2. Said so, this means that we are constantly accelerated towards the ground. That’s why we don’t float in the air. And to better use this acceleration to our advantage, we have to move weight using the right angles. To better understand body biomechanics, we must introduce the idea of Moment Arm, Vector and Torque. What are Moment Arm Vector and Torque? And why are they essential for understanding human body biomechanics? The moment arm is the distance between the force and the joint that hold that force back. Think of yourself holding a water bottle up with your arm extended out. The joint holding up is your shoulder, the force is the combination of the bottle per the gravity a. (F=m*a). A Vector is the direction in which a force is applied. In this case, the direction is 90° downwards. Lastly, the Torque is the rapport between the Force and the Moment Arm. So, the shorter the moment arm, the easier it would be to lift an object. Understanding this concept would make your body biomechanics application much more accessible. Body biomechanics at the gym. When training at the gym, body biomechanics are fundamental. I often get clients in post-gym injury who don’t know much about mobility training, its importance, and body biomechanics. For example, keeping the weight so the bar is as close as possible to the leg is essential when doing a deadlift. This is because the weight has to be close to the Centre Of Gravity of the body, or the moment arm would be increased, so the torque required to lift the weight would increase too. In this case, the centre of gravity corresponds to the area where the actual torque is required, the lumbar area. Indeed, it is easy to hurt yourself on the lumbar when you bring that bar too far from your body. Body Biomechanic and Thai Massage Traditional Thai Massage, as offered at Melbourne Massage and treatment, tends to use the body biomechanics at its best. Even Thai Yoga exercises are based on the biomechanics principle, using lever and gravity as an advantage to create pressure on your body and reduce tension and heal aches. This, indeed, is what makes Traditional Thai Massage so unique. It is a technique of work where you don’t need great force, it is enough to use your body weight. And because it is delivered on a ground mat, it is easier to apply the biomechanics principles.
“I was lifting the box from the floor, and then, ouch I did my back”! How often have you heard this? What’s going on here? Lower back pain is a common presentation that affects many people all around the world. But hurting your back when picking a box, or even a lightweight as the key, or tightening the shoes, is an injury that doesn’t affect only those with lower back pain. So to explain the mechanism behind these incidents, we have to look into what we call “proprioceptors”, specifically “muscle spindle”. Proprioceptors are body receptors within the skin, muscles and joints that reveal information about the body’s movement and send this information to the brain. How that information is transmitted to the brain is by different types of a pathway that we will see in a future post. In specific, today, we are going to look at the “muscle spindle”. So muscle spindles are proprioceptors that can tell the brain how the body is moving, specifically a muscle, and a proprioceptor that can tell a muscle to relax and change to stretch. Indeed, muscle spindles are different from other proprioceptors, as they can alter their sensitivity as needed. What did Muscle Spindles have to do with my back then? As mentioned above, a muscle spindle can alter muscle consistency. So, when banding forward to pick up the key or do the shoes lase, the back muscle must relax, as they have to stretch. But, if the muscle spindle doesn’t tell the back muscle to relax as you bend, those muscles will stay contracted, and guess what happens next? “Ouch, I did my back.” How to prevent the injury then? To prevent an injury as such, movement is the answer. Movement, as simple as a cat and cow exercise, would create that feedback response between your lower back area and the brain that, in the long term, would ensure your brain knows that when bending, the posterior portion of the body needs to be told to relax. Said so simple movement can prevent the injury, but further exercises, like a deadlift, can help your entire posterior chain to get stronger and get you to the next level of strengthening. But before lifting heavy weights, let’s not forget the importance of looking into mobility. In conclusion, to prevent this injury from happening, start moving. Incorporate regular breaks from your seating at the desk. Have a timer on your desk that, every 45 minutes, remind you to stand up, have a stretch and short walk, a water sip and get back to work. Book your next massage session at Melbourne Massage and Treatment if this post talks to you. How can Massage help? Massage therapy can help in different ways. First, it can help reduce the muscular tension within the lower back area. Second, the massage touch can help increase that body awareness, preventing further injury. The recovery process from an injury does depend from person to person. But within a few sessions within 1 to 2 months, using a mix of techniques, like MLD, Myotherapy and or Thai Massage, there is a good chance of good recovery and injury prevention. Exercises play an important role too in this recovery phase. How Many Sessions would I need? As already mentioned, everyone is different. Based on my experience, to help someone recover from an injury, initially, it can take up to 5 sessions spread over two months to achieve a good result. And again, this is not only about Massage but also about corrective exercises. Therefore, I offer a treatment plan allowing you to uptake five sessions of any treatment type at a discount rate of 10%. This offer is valid for returning clients who already had an initial consultation. This would allow me, as a therapist, to ensure I am the right therapist for you and that we can create a treatment plan that works for you and that you can use for your benefit.
Feb
I spent the last seven years achieving different massage qualifications to offer a service that is different from the standard massage. Why I started studying Massage therapy. My interest in the massage profession started as a curiosity and a desire for a career change. Indeed, before getting into the massage profession, I worked as Pizza Maker for a decade or so. That did allow me to get permanent residence in Australia. But I knew that hospitality life was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, in Jan 2016, I did enrol in a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy at the SSNT (Southern School of Natural Therapies) in Fitzroy. After that, as soon as I finished the course, I decided to go travelling and experience more of the outback life. It was not till February 2018 that I returned to studying massage practice. Thai Massage Qualification. That was in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Pichest Boonthumme. I ended up in Chiang Mai, thanks to a friend who understood what I was looking for. And what was I looking for? Well, I was searching for someone to teach me more than a massage sequence or stroke. So I was not looking for just a random massage qualification. Someone that could show me how to improve myself as a massage therapist and person in the first place. Pichest is the right teacher. Anyway, I passed the first round of training in 2018 with Pichest, I then kept travelling, and before heading back to Australia, I did a second stopover in Chiang Mai, and that was in Jan 2019. But still, before starting the Diploma in Remedial Massage at the RMIT in July 2020, I did go to study with Pichest for another couple of weeks (November 2019). Do you feel like you need help with your neck pain? Book now your next appointment. Back to school. As already mentioned in 2020, in the full Covid-19 pandemic, I decided to completely abandon the hospitality industry and dive more into the massage practice. That’s why I did decide to go for a Remedial Massage course. Once the Remedial Massage course was over, in December 2021, I decided to step into the advance Diploma of Myotherapy, which would last one year more. Between those courses, I also found the time to take a class for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) with the Vodder Academy here in Australia. But, it was not till the latest training with Pichest Boonthumme (November 2022) that I understood how all those modalities are interconnected with the other one. Where am I now, along the massage qualifications journey? I just enrolled in the last year of my Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy at Torrens University. I did decide to enrol in this course for several reasons: Personal challenge. Learn more and more about body and massage practice. I am possibly going for a master’s after it (a master’s in acupuncture).
Jan
Here is a list of services available at Melbourne Massage and Treatment: Myotherapy Exercises Rehabilitation Remedial Massage Thai Massage MLD Thai Yoga What are these services about? First, any of those services are holistic services, so they can’t be official diagnoses for medical conditions, and Giovanni can’t prescribe any medications. What to expect is guidance on how muscularscaletol conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, tight muscle, muscle tear and more…can be looked after and overcome with manual therapy and exercises. As Myotherapist, Giovanni can guide you on how possibly the pain manifests and how with massage and specific exercises, the pain can be placed at ease. Part of the process of pain management is the change in habits. This can include posture at the workstation, but not only, but other changes can also include your training program, which maybe is too intense for your body and needs to be adjusted. How is the massage delivered? Any massage is delivered in total respect of the patient and the therapist. No nudity or sensual massage are available. Only the body area that needs attention would be exposed. The rest of the body is covered in a towel. Undress level is down to bra and underwear when need it. If we are working on your shoulder, there is no need to remove the pants. Regarding individual massage sessions, like myotherapy treatment, remedial massage, and/or Thai massage, an assessment of the muscular scale of the system would be delivered before the treatment. This assessment included a series of ROM. These assessments would help Giovanni understand what muscle or groups of muscles needs more attention during the treatment. What should I do before the massage session? Treatments such as myotherapy, remedial massage, and MLD include exposing the body parts that need to be worked on. Said so, having a shower before the treatment would be much appreciated. You don’t need to wear any perfume, a deodorant is enough. Should I shave? No, you don’t need to shave. If rock tape needs to be used, the rock tape can be placed over body hair. When you have to remove it, make sure to roll it downwards. Do not pull it off like it is a wax treatment. That could lead to ripping hair and skin off. Where does Giovanni work? Melbourne Massage and Treatment services are available at the Fitzroy North studio on Holden St. Book now your next appointment. If this post didn’t answer all your questions, don’t hesitate to message Giovanni through the Contact Page.
Jan
Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that manifests on the lower portion of the calf and is caused by overusing the muscle of this region, such as Gastrocnemius and or Soleus. Initially, you may not notice the issue, as it starts as a low-level inflammation and micro-tearing, but as the condition progresses, the damage and inflammation become more relevant. Achilles Tendinopathy can be easy to treat and manage when treatment is delivered in the early stages. If the injury is not looked after, the occurring damage could be much harder to resolve. Symptoms Most commonly, people experience pain in the morning or when the muscle is still cold. As the day progress and you start moving around, the pain may dissipate, and you start feeling better, ignoring the danger. Occasionally, the area would present swollen and or tender at the touch. Treatment options for Achilles Tendinopathy The management of this condition starts by improving the rest time and time off from sports activities, such as: Running Soccer Any sport which includes jumping or being on feet Other helpful approaches include: Heat pack Dry needling Improving Ankle and Big toes the mobility Massage Therapy Rock taping Achilles tendinopathies are not a condition that will heal on its own. As mentioned, it will feel better with rest, but as soon extra activities are played, the pain can back as strong as. Remedial Massage and or Myotherapy treatment can help target the painful area, stimulate an immune system response, and help with the recovery process. Also, along with the hands-on deep tissue work, mobilisation is a great way to reduce the tension in the ankle joint and improve the muscles’ functionality. After treatment, Giovanni will give you some exercises to take home. Those exercises would keep the area tension free, improve the joining mobility and strengthen the area.
Dec
As previously spoken in another blog post, sitting on the floor and working at the pc would be a better anatomical position than sitting on a chair. Why does sitting on the floor work better than sitting on a chair? Sitting on a chair is uncomfortable, especially in the long term. As a massage therapist, most of my clients are people who have cervical pain or suffer from headaches. Sitting at a desk for hours does more damage than you may realise. So, let’s start with the lower body portion. Staying seated on a chair does direct pressure on the thigh, and by doing so, muscles like the hamstring and gluteus muscles get compressed. By compressing this group of muscles, they get weak and stop functioning as they should. In addition, direct pressure is also applied to the sciatica nerve, the main nerve of the lower body portion. The piriformis often compresses the Sciatica nerve. This muscle runs beneath the Gluteus Max and connects the medial portion of the sacrum to the greater trochanter of the femur. So, the deactivation of those muscles would then manifest itself when we try to walk or, in any case, extend the leg. As the “firing pattern” blog post shows, the hamstring and gluteus max muscles are crucial in leg extension and help prevent lower back pain. This is what happens to the muscle part of the lower body portion. But this is not the only issue the body faces with so many hours sitting on a chair. There is more. So sitting on a chair does limit the body’s movement. The decline of the body’s movement creates a cascade of side effects, including mobility reduction in joints like the Hip, Ankle, Feet, and Thoracic. As all those joints don’t move, there is also a diminish in the proprioception body/brain. Another issue is the compensation of the stability joint over the mobility joint. Indeed, when a mobility joint gets stiff, the stability joint above and below would try to compensate. What’s a common finding pain-wise with sitting on a chair for long hours? The prevalent finding is a sore neck. The sore neck happens as the thoracic stuff up. Indeed the lower cervical portion of the vertebrae, which are stability joints, try to compensate for the thoracic stiffness and, in the long term, would cause neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches. Sitting on the floor can improve mobility. Sitting on the floor can help improve your mobility by allowing you to move your body in many different ways without the need to stand up. That movements are what your body needs as mobility exercises. That movement is your body’s way of improving its posture. Indeed, movement is a crucial component in pain prevention. And this doesn’t happen on a chair. How to switch habits? As for all the habit changes, this has to be gradual and not radical. So, start sitting on the floor for 1 hour a day. Give yourself the time to adapt to the change. Slowly you can incorporate more hours, but not in a row. Maybe one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon. Also, incorporate some standing time to sitting on the chair and floor. Implement change, too, within your training. You are doing something new, and your body needs to adapt. As shown in this clip, start, start implementing a habit of sitting on the floor by doing step-by-step movements: Step 1: Move one leg forward, and bend down the other knee. Step 2: Bring both knees down Step 3: Swing the lower leg to the side (either Lx or Rx) Step 4: Let your body weight go, and sit down Step 5: Now let your lower leg come forward and sit cross-leg. Step 6: Do from step 5 to step 1 in reverse By clicking here, and here you will find the links to a Thai Yoga exercise that can help a lot with improving hip mobility.