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Tag Archives: exercises

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Tendinopathy

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
Tendon and Tendinopathy diagram
30
Aug

Tendinopathy refers to the tendon’s painful or irritating condition, usually brought about by repetitive stress or overuse. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area. It often results from activities that put excessive strain on the tendon or sudden increases in activity levels. What is a tendon? A tendon is a tough, flexible band of fibrous connective tissue that ties a muscle to a bone. The force generated by the muscle would be relayed through tendons onto the bones, thereby allowing movement of the body. Tendons are made of closely packed bundles of collagen fibers, which enable them to be strong enough to bear such stresses of activities. As tendons are not as stretchy as muscle fibres, they deal with load differently. Indeed, if put under an intense load, repetitively stretched, or used for repetitive movement, tendons get irritated. What are the stages of tendon degeneration? Regardless of age or biological gender, we will all experience some form of tendon degeneration throughout life. The more tendons are used, the earlier the degenerative process will be. In this context, we must reevaluate the negativity of the world’s “degeneration.” So, instead of giving a negative value to this world, let’s consider tendon degeneration only as a process of change in the tendon structure. This process is made of 3 stages: Reactive Tendinopathy: The first stage is characterized by a non-inflammatory reaction with a thickened tendon from increased protein production. The tendon can return to normal if the stress is reduced. Tendon Disrepair: If untreated, this is typically the second phase after reactive tendinopathy and is identified by further separation of collagen, disorganization of matrix, increased vascularity, and neural ingrowth. It normally needs to be diagnosed through imaging. Degenerative Tendinopathy: This is the final stage, characterized by permanent changes including cell death and marked matrix disorganization; it results in thickened and nodular tendons. Poor prognosis is associated with this condition. What to do when experiencing tendon pain? As you start experiencing pain, it is always suggested to reach out to a professional health therapist to evaluate what the problem is. In regards to tendon pain, the first step, independently from which stage of degeneration the tendon is in to, is suggested rest from the movement that flair up the area. On top of that the usage of heat pack is reccomended for a couple of times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Tendon have a low blood supply compared to muscles, and the heat applied from outside can help in driving more blood to the area. Moving forward, if the pain is still present after three days, then the usage of an anti-inflammatory is recommended. The suggestion is to wait 3 days because, in the first three days of pain, the body puts in place what we call the “initial inflammatory response”, a phase in which the body increases blood volume to the area together with other biochemical reactions that kickstart the healing process. If, after three days, the inflammation has not ceased, that’s when the anti-inflammatories are needed. How do we treat tendinopathy at Melbourne Massage and Treatment? As a Clinical Myotherapist, I would suggest starting in the early stage with hands-on treatment and exercises-rehabilitation, such as a Myotherapy session. Past the first 3 days of inflammatory response, is good to start looking into why the presentation is not progressing for the better. Treatment modalities: Deep tissue massage is a modality that can stimulate relaxation and drive more blood to the area affected. Myofascial Dry Needling (MDN) can target the muscle attached to the tendon/s. It can help boost a new inflammatory response, desensitise the painful area, and increase muscle activation by interacting with the central nervous system. Exercises are then the takeaway for home. In the early stage, we would use isometric exercises to desensitize the area, partially load the muscle and keep the tendon active with constant load. This type of exercise can be used during the 1st or the 2nd week, based on the degenerative process we are dealing with. In terms of the time of load, based on the subjective finding, a time would be outlined. Roughly, we know that we are looking at an isometric load that would last about 30 to 45 secs with a break between one load and the next one, of the equivalent time. How long could it take to recover fully? Scientific studies have shown that the recovery process for tendinopathy varies from 3 weeks to 6 months. This is a big range of time, of course, and it is all about the gravity of the presentation, the tendon location, and the amount of rest that can be achieved along the recovery process. That said, as per all the exercises, the program is suggested for a minimum of three days a week and a maximum of five days a week. That would give enough time for the structure to be loaded and have time to recover, too. In conclusion, if you are suspicious of suffering from a tendinopathy, do not hesitate to reach out to Giovanni and Book Now for your next Myotherapy treatment. FAQ Q: What is tendinopathy? A: Tendinopathy is an injury to the tendons and results from repetitive stress or overuse. The result of the tendinopathy is pain, tenderness, and swelling into the affected area. Common activities causing this generally include over-straining or suddenly increasing the level of activity. Q: What is the degeneration process of the tendons? A: The tendon degeneration progresses in three stages: 1) Reactive Tendinopathy. 2) Tendon Disrepair. 3) Degenerative Tendinopathy. Q: What should I do if I have tendon pain? A: If suffering from tendon pain, basic things that you may try include: Rest the tendon from any activities that worsen the pain. Apply a heat pack for 10-15 minutes several times during the day as this helps to increase blood flow. Anti-inflammatory medication can be considered after three days, as this is typically when the initial inflammatory response has […]

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Exercises the cure to pain

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
a picture with people performing exercising
01
Aug

Exercise is the cure for pain, and it is an underestimated medicine that could sort out many of our bodies’ aches. Strengthening exercise, such as exercising under load or resistance, can be done at home or the gym, and it should be part of our weekly routine. It is never too late to start exercising; everyone can benefit from it. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we always encourage our patients to make a treasure of the exercises we show, and if you have any questions about it, do not hesitate to ask. Exercises as Medicine. Exercise can be considered a potent medicine, offering many benefits beyond physical fitness. Regular physical activity has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also helps manage weight, improve mood, and enhance mental well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, exercise strengthens muscles and bones, improves sleep quality, and boosts overall energy levels. Its ability to promote longevity and quality of life underscores its role as an indispensable component of preventive healthcare, highlighting the transformative power of exercise as medicine (Ruegsegger & Booth, 2018). How Exercises can help: Mechanotherapy. Mechanotherapy is the therapeutic application of mechanical forces to tissues and cells to promote healing and enhance physiological function. This approach harnesses the body’s innate response to physical stimuli, such as exercise, massage, and physical therapy, to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve overall tissue resilience. By strategically applying mechanical forces, mechanotherapy aims to optimize biomechanical properties, restore normal tissue function, and alleviate symptoms associated with musculoskeletal injuries or chronic conditions. This therapeutic modality underscores the importance of tailored physical interventions in healthcare, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation and wellness that complements traditional medical treatments. How many days a week? Ideally, you would like to exercise 3 to 5 times a week for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily, with 1 to 2 days of rest. The reason behind this is covered by the scientific research and data that we have in hand nowadays, which reveal the importance of loading the body with resistance and weights to grow and regenerate the body components, like muscle, tendons, ligaments, etc… and also the fact that, once the body has been put under load, it also needs time to rest and repair itself, which is crucial for maintaining optimal physical and mental health (Lee et al., 2017). Indeed, if we look at the effect of exercises on muscles, the muscles present with micro tears and micro damage post-exercise, which, the day after the training, reproduce pain, better known as DOMS ( Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness ). Time is needed to allow those microtears to recover. How long should DOMS last? As per all the inflammatory responses, DOMS can last between 24 to 72 hours. During this time frame, the body supplies extra blood to the muscles in order to implement a recovery process. During this time frame, to reduce discomfort and aches, you can use a heat pack (remember, no longer than 15 minutes), massage the area with oil, and do gentle movement. Avoid taking anti-inflammatories, as those would slow down the inflammatory response put in place by your body to heal. If pain persists longer than 72 hours, you can book a consultation or refer to a GP for advice on meds or scans. Can exercises be DOMS-free? Yes, exercises don’t have to reproduce pain every time. When you don’t feel that your muscles have been working that hard, it means that you haven’t pushed them to their limits, and therefore, they are not developing new fibres. Is this a bad thing? No, not necessarily. It is all about what you are aiming for. Indeed, if you are aiming to recover from an injury or you are training for a competition, then yes, you would aim to feel the DOMS the day after, especially if you are at the start of your training journey. On the other hand, if you are happy with the level of strength achieved, you can keep the current presentation by doing general training, without pushing your body close to its limit, by exercising twice a week only and by not increasing the load of resistance/weights as weeks pass by. Exercises and muscle bulk. Doing regular exercise is not going to make you bulky unless you are keen to be hyper-disciplined about the type of exercise, timing, and nutrition. But let’s see in more detail what happens to the muscle cells during exercise. Firstly, we have to understand that hypertrophy. Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of muscle cells due to the rise in their component proteins. There are two primary types of hypertrophy: myofibrillar hypertrophy and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. Myofibrillar Hypertrophy: This type of hypertrophy involves increased size and number of myofibrils within muscle fibres. Myofibrils are the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction. Training focusing on heavy resistance and lower repetitions (e.g., weightlifting) typically induces myofibrillar hypertrophy, increasing muscle strength and density. Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy: Sarcoplasm is muscle cells’ fluid and energy storage area. Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy involves an increase in the volume of sarcoplasm within the muscle fibres. This type of hypertrophy is often associated with higher repetition ranges and moderate resistance (e.g., bodybuilding workouts). It results in larger, more visually noticeable muscles but with less emphasis on maximal strength gains compared to myofibrillar hypertrophy. Mechanism of Muscle Growth: During exercise, particularly resistance training, muscle fibers experience microscopic tears. In response to these tears, the body initiates a repair process that involves synthesising new proteins to rebuild and strengthen the muscle fibers. Over time, with consistent exercise and adequate nutrition, this repair process leads to an increase in muscle size and strength. Importance of Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for supporting muscle growth. Adequate protein intake is essential as proteins are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, while fats contribute to overall health and hormone regulation. Additionally, sufficient […]

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MLD and Surgery

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
Wound of a knee post surgery
11
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.

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I did my back

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca

“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.  

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Nervous System

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
nervous system components
04
Dec

The Nervous System (NS) controls the voluntary and automatic functions of the body. It is made up of: brain spinal cord nerves Subdivision of the Nervous System The nervous system, initially, can be divided into the Central Nervous system (CNS), which is made of the Brain and Spinal Cord and the Perhiperic Nervous System (PNS), which consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. In more detail, the PNS can be divided into Sensory Neurons and Motor Neurons, the Motor Neurons can be divided into Somatic Neurons and Autonomic Neurons, and finally, this last is divided into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems. The function of the Nervous System The nervous system can also be defined by its functionality. For this subdivision, we have three categories: Sensory Affarent function Integrative function Motor Efferent Function The afferent function is characterised by a signal that travels to the brain from the PNS. The integrative part analyses the sensory information, stores some aspects, and makes decisions regarding appropriate behaviours. The Motor does respond to the stimulus by initiating an action. The Nervous System is made of Neurons. Neurons carry messages to and from different parts of the body. To be functional, neurons need three components: Oxygen Stimulation Food Neurons can start within the brain and travel down to the spine or can begin with the peripheric portion of the body and travel to the spine and brain next. Either way, the information can travel in one direction only. For afferent neurons, the direction is from the peripheric body portion to the brain, and the efferent is from the CNS or Brain to the peripheric part. Synapses connect neurons. The Synapse is the space where information is exchanged between two neurons. For a signal to be transmitted along a neuron, a chemical reaction has to happen within the neuron cell. This chemical reaction is better known as Action Potential. Once an Action Potential is started, an electric signal, within the order of mV would be transmitted from the Neuron cell to the opposite end, called Axon Terminal. At The Axon Terminal, the neurotransmitter would be passed and sent to the next neuron, receiving those substances through the receptors on its cell membrane. This is just a simplification of how communication between two neurons happens. In reality, there are variations to this communication methodology, and not always does the communication succeed. The NS is responsible for the following: memory, learning and intelligence movement controls the organs’ functions: – heart beating – breathing – digestion – sweating the senses: – sight – hear – taste – touch – smell The Sympathetic and Para-Sympathetic NS. The  Autonomic NS controls the body parts we don’t have to think about it, like breathing, sweating or shivering, indeed the main organs. The SNS controls how we respond to emergencies. It makes our heart beat faster and causes the release of adrenaline. Where the parasympathetic nervous system prepares the body for rest (for example, when we go to sleep). The PSNS and the SNS work together to manage the body’s responses to our changing environment and needs. Massage and Nervous System As massage or manual therapy is a direct stimulus of the body, it plays a role in the response of the NS. What can happen is due to genetic factors, muscle tensions, and bulge disk nerves can get trapped along the way. Using the different testing approaches, such as Myotome and Dermatome, Giovanni can guide you through understanding where the nerve got entrapped or pinched. But this type of work is mainly for conditions where physically the nerve is involved in pour functionality. An example can be when someone has poor strength, on one hand, compared to the other, or when the sensitivity of a patch of skin is not so accurate. MLD and Nervous System Another technique, such as MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage), plays a role in the Parasympathetic Nervous System. An MLD treatment is profoundly relaxing, as it calms the nervous system, reduces pain and restores balance. This happens because of the mechanic repetitive movement used during the technique. There for, no pain has to be replicated during the treatment, or the SNS gets activated, as per pain response, and the body goes into “alarm” mode. Physical or mental pathologies can play a crucial role in the functionality of the nervous system, and techniques like MLD or Massage therapy generally can help in reducing symptoms and assisting in overcoming pain and body dysfunctions. Along the mental conditions, we find Anxiety or Depression too. In conclusion, any Massage Therapy or Manual Therapy, including Thai Massage, Remedial Massage, MLD and or Myotherapy, are great tools to release the tension in the body and improve the status of the nervous system. On the other hand, breathing, as per already disgust in the breathing wave blogs (Blog 1, Blog 2) plays a vital role in the well-being of the body, mind and nervous system. Feel stressed and need to release some tension? Book now your next massage at Melbourne Massage and Treatment.        

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Sitting on the floor

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
Seating Sqout
29
Oct

Sitting on the floor is the new mobility movement. Sitting at the desk and sitting on the floor. Working in the office is a challenging task for the body, and in the last few years, something made this task even worst. Covid-19 forced millions of people worldwide to work from home. Consequently, many people reduce their daily movement activity and start increasing their stress response to work and everyday life. But what does covid-19 have to do with seating on the floor, you may ask yourself? Well, for convenience, and other rules, such as hygiene too, we nowadays spend most of our time sitting on chairs. At least within Western cultural settings. Asian Squat But as we all know, floor seating is an ancient practice in the East side of the world. In our collective mind, we all can refer to Asian people squatting anywhere they can, and with not much problem. In the West, squatting is associated with going to the gym, training, and being sporty. It is funny, isn’t it?! So, that’s where covid-19 is linked to seating on the floor. I am working from home and sitting on the floor. Due to the covid pandemic, many people have started working from home. But the home ergonomics for office work differ from those in the office. In addition to this, we have to add that as big and comfortable as a chair can be, it is always a chair. Indeed, the chair is a silent killer. Sitting on a chair limits our ability to move around as discomfort arises. Think now about sitting on the floor and standing back up. For the average adult, doing this task is not a comfortable thing. Why so? Well, because we are not used to it. All this year, sitting on a chair did reduce our body adaptability to the ground sitting. Sitting on a chair for long hours would: stiff up the hips, which are in constant flexion increase pressure on the Lumbar back arch the thoracic area, with an increase in kyphosis reduce the necessity for mobility In fact, within 20 minutes of no movement, a muscle would adapt to the shape it is sitting into. On the other hand, as the muscle starts losing its neuroplasticity, the joints controlled by those muscles would start stiffening up too. This is such a domino effect that it would break the equilibrium along the stability/mobility joints chain. How to prevent this? Well, sitting on the floor is a good start. Sitting on the floor comes with the benefits of more mobility options. As we may feel uncomfortable with the sitting position, changing position would be a spontaneous and comfortable act once on the floor. But as we are so used to sitting on chairs, starting sitting on the floor for 8 hours a day can be challenging. So, rather than sitting on a chair all day, initially switching between floor sitting, chair and standing up is good. This process would allow the body to slowly break the bad habit of rounding onto the desk from the stiff chair seating. Also, the body is not designed to either sit on a chair or stand up for so long for so many days. So the habit of changing position would improve mobility, and with it, many other things would come down to and ease. In conclusion, to improve the Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) presentation of someone who spends long hours sitting at a desk, the steps to take are: reduce the symptoms of pain and discomfort in the Cx area start losing up the thoracic area Improving hip mobility allows the person to spend more time on the floor. The work that needs to be done within the thoracic area is to lose the vertebrae by doing some mobs and reducing tension on the lat dorsi muscle. In this next post, we will look into the following: How to sit on the floor and how to stand back up Exercises that can help to improve the floor seating time. Would you like to improve your mobility? Book Now a Thai yoga class with Giovanni or a Massage session to learn more about what can help you.

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Joint Mobilisation

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
Feet Metatarsal Mobilisation
08
Oct

Joint mobilisations are manual therapy techniques that improve joint mobility and flexibility and reduce joint pain. Joint mobilisation can be applied to many body joints. Some contraindications have to be taken into consideration for mobilisation: Joint swelling Osteo Arthritis Bone Fracture Bulge disk (if the mobs are intended on a vertebra) Mobilisation VS Adjustment. Mobilisations are different from Chiropractic adjustment. The difference is that Chiropractic adjustments are fast movements applied with more significant pressure. Mobilisations are constant slow, repetitive movements applied to the joint. Along with a Myotherapy treatment, Giovanni would evaluate if mobilisation is the proper treatment for your condition. For example, mobilisation along the spine is recommended when someone presents with a stiff back in the sacrum, lumbar, thoracic or lower cervical area. Giovanni would always double-check with you about what the mobs felt like. Types of Mobilisation. As we already know, the body is made of different types of joints. Given the different types of joints, like socket joints, plane joints and more, others are the type of mobilisation. For example: For a joint like the hip, we can apply mobility like a distraction, anterior-to-posterior pressure or posterior-to-anterior pull, internal rotation or superior-to-inferior pull. Some of these techniques can be applied to other joints, and each way of using a mobilisation aims to improve a specific range of motion. So, all up, the type of mobilisation that we have are: Superior to Inferior; Inferior to superior; Distraction; Posterior to Anterior; Anterior to Posterior; Posterior glide; Anterior glide; Lateral glide; Medial glide. Mobilisation Belt. A mobilisation belt can be used to deliver the mobilisation based on the joint we aim to work on. A belt is a tool wrapped around the designated joint we want to work on and is used to apply stretches that would not be as easy to achieve by hand. An example is a hip distraction. For distraction, we refer to it as a force that pulls a joint apart. In the case of a hip, the head of the femur is pulled away from the hip’s socket from the medial to the lateral direction. As you would imagine, using bare hands for applying this technique not only could result in an uncomfortable approach to the intimacy of the patient, but it would requireFr too much effort for the therapist, resulting in poor mobilisation delivery and risk of injury. Therefore, the best tool is a belt wrapped around the patient’s hip and the therapist’s waist. Why use the mobilisation technique? The mobilisation technique aims not to reproduce pain, cracking sound, or sharp sensation. Indeed, the aim is to reproduce a firm pressure/pull on the joint area. Regarding the thoracic area, if any of those vertebrae reproduce pain or sharp sensation, applying the mobs along the vertebrae/ribs joint would be better. Doing so would still possible to affect spine mobility indirectly. Giovanni’s training for this type of modality started during the Advance Diploma in Myotherapy at RMIT and continued at the Bachelor of Health Science at Torrens University. Mobilisations technique can be applied to Big Toe, Ankle, Shoulder, Feet, Hip, Wrist, Elbow, Vertebrae, SIJ joint, Facet Joint, Clavicle and other body areas. An example of joint mobilisation for the feet. Mobilisations at the ankle area are used for improving ankle mobility. Indeed, improving ankle mobility is to better support during the walk, standing and or running. Always talking about the feet area, the mobilisation applied to the Big Toes is used along the Metatasolphalangeal Joint. Do you feel your joints stiff? Your booking for a Myotherapy treatment with Giovanni is just a click away. This mobilisation is applied by creating a distraction movement within the joint, pulling the toes away and then using it for passive flexion and extension. As mentioned in another blog post about wearing bear foot shoes, the Big toes are meant to extend from 65° to 70°. Conclusion The Big Toes are the feet joint that should push the most in the feet strike as we walk. In conclusion, mobilisations are a great way to increase mobility within a joint allowing better movement and improving the range of motion.

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Happy bunion’s story

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
Feet pain free, no bunion
02
Oct

A bunion is a bond malformation at the base of the big toes. The leading causes for bunion are: foot stress high foot arch wearing high heels narrow shoes A bunion is often correlated to Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is due to the cartilage degeneration that separates 2 bonds. In this case, the 2 bonds are at the base of the big toes. This result in pain at big toe extension and during walking. Bunion’s Symptoms Visible malformation, like a bump, on the side of the big toes joint; Sharp pain in the thumb; Difficulties in walking; Stiffness; The big toes point laterally towards the other toes Intervention About what to do for a bunion presentation is to get in touch with a podiatrist as soon as possible. Massage therapy is recommended too, but it is a limited tool for helping in fixing the issue. Along with Remedial Massage, Thai Massage, Myotherapy and MLD treatment, what can be done to alleviate the pain is to treat the surrounding structures, such as the plantar of the foot and the metatarsal area. So, can it alleviate bunion pain and or invert the condition? Yes, it is. Today’s blog post is called “Happy Bunion Story”. So, back in Dec. ’21, Steph start having foot pain, due to osteoarthritis. The reasons behind her conditions are: High foot arch Long hour standing up for work (she is an amazing Wedding and Fashion photographer) Wearing high heels (she used to do modelling) The combination of those resulted in a degeneration of big toes cartilage and a bunion forming. As Steph complained about pain in the big toes, I told her what possibly was happening there. Soon after, she visited her GP and got some X-Ray done, and the result was not much of a surprise. After finding out about her new condition, Steph consulted a podiatrist, who suggested starting a daily routine of exercises for her big toes. Resisted big toes flexion (with a rubber band) Wearing spacer in between the toes Toes abduction from a seated position. But this is not all. The podiatrist even told her to wear an insole in her shoes. Furthermore, she was recommended to buy specific shoes that “protect her foot”. I saw the shoes myself, and I can tell you they didn’t look good. They were thick, big, and didn’t look comfortable to wear. Another podiatrist opinion A few months passed, and I went to see Andy, a podiatrist promoting barefoot wear for my own flat feet condition. As I was talking to Andy about my feet, I couldn’t resist getting an opinion in regard to what Steph was going through. Andy, without much hesitation, suggested that she wear barefoot shoes and continue the exercises. Next, we went down to Sole Mechanic, in Hampton, a shoe shop specialising in barefoot wear. Beforehand we researched different brands and decided to give a goal to the barefoot shoes, “Vivo Barefoot”. Sole Mechanic Experience The experience at Sole Mechanic was a positive one. We booked an appointment for 2 of us, 1 hour all up, so the staff has enough time to guide you through what barefoot is about and the best option. We went through the ankle and toes Range Of Motion and barometric platform test and tried a couple of shoes each. Vivobarefoot, given its ethical approach to shoe wear, was since the start our choice, and so far, the best option we could go for. At this stage, we have a couple of shoes each from Vivo barefoot, one for everyday wear and one for hiking. Back to the “Happy Bunion Story” So, after all this time, Steph now enjoys walking pain-free. The bunion, thanks to the exercises and to Steph’s determination in practising them daily and the new shoes that have a wider shoe box, is reduced, as the Big Toe is now diverging towards the medial side (away from the other toes). Osteoarthritis is a condition that can’t be fixed. Still, when Steph occasionally feels pain we do an MLD session which can help reduce the inflammation symptoms and help in pain management. Said so, the pain is a rare thing and not a daily issue. Furthermore, Steph is not wearing the insole anymore. As suggested by the Sole Mechanic staff, removing the insole is a process that can be done step by step. So, since Feb ’22 when we bought the first pair of Vivobearfoot shoes, took her approximately 2 to 3 months to abandon the insole, and now it is about three months that she is not using it anymore. Hopefully, this post gives you some hope and insights into what’s happening with bunions. If you are in pain and need to reduce the inflammation response to the bunion, MLD may be best for you as a short-term solution. Otherwise, book an appointment with Andy to find out the best way to adjust the shape of your foot as much as possible.

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Blog

Tennis Elbow

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
MLD on Tennis Elbow
25
Sep

Tennis elbow or even known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a condition that occurs on the lateral side of the forearm, at the elbow’s high. A common cause is repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Tennis Elbow refers to how common this condition can be in tennis players. Said so, Lateral Epicondylitis is a condition that can affect anyone. As per Golfer’s Elbow, the pain starts from the elbow area, in this case from the lateral side, and can irradiate down the arm to the wrist. Rest and counter medication can help relieve symptoms. In some cases, surgery is required. Tennis Elbow Symptoms The pain generated by the tennis elbow may radiate down the forearm along the lateral side (thumb side). In addition to the pain, you may experience weakness too. Here is a list of actions that may be difficult to do Shake hands or grip an object Turn a door handle Hold a cup of water Book now your next appointment to restore the mobility of your Tennis Elbow Causes Tennis Elbow As Lateral Epicondolytis is overuse and strain of muscle, it is caused by repeated contraction of the forearm muscles extensor. These repetitive stretches and movements can lead to tiny tears in the tendon tissue, creating inflammation and pain within the elbow area. Playing tennis with the pour technique often replicates this condition, especially using repeated backhand strokes. Many other common motions can cause tennis elbow. Here is an extended list: Using plumbing tools, which require strong grips Painting Using screwdrivers Food preparation, especially when the knife is not sharp Working in the office using a mouse for long hours Treatment Options At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Giovanni offers a variety of options for treating Lateral Epicondylitis. MLD may be the most recommended per inflammation of tendons and muscles. Thanks to the light touch and repetitive movement, MLD stimulates the Lymphatic System directly, which takes care of the inflamed area. Combining Myotherapy, Remedial Massage or Thai Massage technique with MLD can help even release more tension along the arm and elbow. Tennis Elbow Exercises In addition to the massage technique offered at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, exercises placed as per usual a crucial role in recovery. Specifically, we can look in too eccentric exercises, which slow, lengthening muscle contractions. Here is a link to eccentric exercises for the Tennis Elbow. As you may notice in this video, the extension motion of the wrist is supported by the other hand. By doing so, the extensor muscle of the forearm that needs training is not working hard. So the actual strengthening happens in the wrist’s flexion when the extensor muscles are stretching under the extra pressure of the weight.

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Blog

Carpal Tunnel

Posted on by Giovanni La Rocca
Carpal Tunnel median nerve impingmenet
29
Aug

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that opens into the hand. The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and gives feeling to the 2nd through the 4th finger (the medial half of it). Carpal tunnel is a condition that affects any gender, and the prevalent of people affected by this condition, are people who do repetitive movements with their hands and arm. Carpal tunnel Symptoms Numbness Pins and needles in the hand Pain, particularly at night Darting pains from the wrist Radiated or referred pain in the arm and shoulder Weakness of the hand The little finger and half of the ring finger are unaffected. Causes of Carpal Tunnel Presentation Occasionally there is no clear cause for Carpal Tunnel. Said so, sometimes there is a combination of factors such as: Arthritis – C.T. is a consequence of inflammation and swelling Pregnancy – During the pregnancy period, given the increase of hormones, the body tends to retain more fluid, which can compress the median nerve and replicate CT symptoms. Genetics – some people can have smaller carpal tunnel Overuse injury – as previously mentioned, repetitive movement and overload of the wrist can lead to CT syndrome Treatment options Along with different treatment options, massage is the first non-invasive approach someone can try for carpal tunnel. As soon as the symptoms show up, it would be wise to go and see a massage therapist. Techniques such as Remedial Massage, Myotherapy can easily address the problem and alleviate the pain. Depending on the presentation and the cause of the carpobual tunnel, even Applied MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) can be an ideal treatment option. Along the physical therapy, rest is highly recommended, and exercises, as often happen, play the main role. To prevent pain from wrist movement, a splint can help. Other treatment options. Surgery is a standard alternative option for Carpal Tunnel. It is a common intervention and can be done on both hands simultaneously. The patient can choose to go for local or general anaesthesia. Surgery for Carpal Tunnel involves a cut along the palm and the wrist. The surgeon then cuts the ligament to reduce pressure on the underlying median nerve. Once the skin gets stitched back, the ligaments heal themselves, and the new scar would not put so much pressure on the median nerve. Even though the surgery is easy, it can have some complications, like swelling and damage to the median or ulnar nerve. Also, if the ligament was not cut completely, it would still apply pressure on the Median Nerve, and a second surgery would be needed.      

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Melbourne Massage and Treatment - - - Close for Holiday till the 25th/9/2023 - - -
To all the new and returning clients, thanks for being here . I am currently in holiday, and I will be back to give treatment on the week of the 25th/Sept/2023. If you are in severe pain, and feel unwell, please reach out for your GP. If you have any inquire, contact me by clicking here. Booking are open for the month of September and onward. Click here to book your next appointment.