Shoulder bursitis is a frustrating condition that causes pain when lifting your arm, reaching overhead, or even lying on your side. In this blog, we’ll explain what shoulder bursitis is, whether a cortisone injection is the right choice, why exercise therapy is crucial, why a combination approach often works best, and how ultrasound imaging plays a role in accurate diagnosis. What is Shoulder Bursitis? As with many joints in the body, even the Acromion Clavicular Joint (ACJ) is characterised by the presence of a bursa known as the subacromial bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder tendons, specifically the supraspinatus tendon, but partially also other cuff rotator tendons, as per the deltoid tendon. When the bursa becomes inflamed and swells, it can lead to pain with overhead movements, night pain, and reduced shoulder strength. This presentation is often linked to rotator cuff–related shoulder pain, which is why treatment usually targets both the inflamed bursa and the surrounding muscles. What Can Cause It? Shoulder bursitis is often caused by repetitive movement with the arm above the head. This type of motion, indeed, is quite common in certain sports (basketball, cricket, volleyball…) but even in factory settings and other types of work environments. It is not gender predominant, but it is more common for older patients, due to the possibility of being exposed to those types of movement for a longer time. The compression of the bursa, in the longer term, is what leads the bursa to swell. The compression may happen while the space between the acromion and the humeral head reduces while the arm is moving, like in flexion and abduction movements. We also have to say that, given the anatomical differences that characterise each individual, someone could be more prone to this type of injury than others, given a wider or thinner space between the above-mentioned structures. Common Shoulder Bursitis Symptoms As per many conditions, even shoulder bursitis’ symptoms can vary from person to person. Here is a list of the most and least common ones: Pain on the outside or top of the shoulder; Pain that worsens when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back; Sharp pain when lying on the affected shoulder (often disturbing sleep); Aching pain at rest or after activity; Shoulder stiffness or reduced range of motion; Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm; Tenderness around the shoulder joint when touched. Occasional swelling or warmth around the shoulder (less common). What treatment Options Are Out There for Shoulder Bursitis? In terms of treatment options, we are looking at mainly two approaches, and as science has proven so far, the best approach is the combination of both. Cortisone injection Manual therapy Should I Get a Cortisone Injection? Yes (sometimes). Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections can provide fast pain relief, especially if pain is stopping you from sleeping or moving. Considering rest and movement as activities that we can live without, it is important to find a quick therapy that can restore those activities. On the other hand, the relief is usually short-term. In fact, without strengthening exercise, pain can return. Injections also carry small risks such as: Temporary pain flare-ups Skin thinning A rise in blood sugar for people with diabetes Why Exercise Therapy is Essential If cortisone injections help with the pain, exercises are what fix the problem long-term. Research consistently shows that shoulder-strengthening programs improve pain, function, and quality of life over weeks to months. At my Fitzroy North clinic, as a Clinical Myotherapist, I can guide you through: Rotator cuff strengthening to support the joint Scapular control exercises for better shoulder mechanics Gradual load progression so your shoulder adapts safely The time frame of healing can range between 6 and 8 weeks, with continued strength gains over 3 months. During this time, it is important to maintain consistency with the exercises, 3 times a week, increase the load as necessary, and allow the body to rest when needed Why the Best Option is Both: Injection + Exercise As mentioned earlier, cortisone injection is a quick fix to restore the shoulder functionality and reduce pain drastically, but it works only in the short term, and most people receiving this form of treatment would experience pain again within a few weeks post-injection. Therefore, to have a better chance of settling the presentation in the long term, it is suggested to combine cortisone injection with a structured exercise program, which would result in better outcomes than either treatment alone. Here is a breakdown: Injection reduces pain → lets you move and exercise. Exercise builds long-term strength and function → prevents flare-ups. Together, they deliver both short-term relief and long-term recovery. This is the approach I often recommend at Melbourne Massage & Treatment, Myotherapy Clinic, in Fitzroy North. And for those who are keen to restore their shoulder functionality via exercises, I do offer a treatment plan specific to the Fitness Class. This way, you get to have a tailored program for your strength activity at a discount price. If you think this would work for you, book your next appointment now via the booking page. The Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Shoulder Bursitis Ultrasound scans for shoulder bursitis are a reliable method for confirming bursitis and guiding injections. Along with an ultrasound scan, it is not only possible to check the status of the bursa, such as thickened or inflamed, but it is also possible to see if another structure (like a rotator cuff tendon) is the source of pain. Lastly, studies also show that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate than “blind” injections. Shoulder Bursitis Treatment at Fitzroy North Clinic At Melbourne Massage & Treatment, I combine hands-on myotherapy, targeted exercise programs, and collaboration with GPs to address a presentation like shoulder bursitis. Our approach is: Thorough assessment → sometimes supported with ultrasound imaging (for this, you will need a GP’s referral). Exercise rehab → first-line, tailored to your pain and goals – Starting with Isometric exercises, then step into concentric with load. […]
Tag Archives: myotherapy
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Shoulder Bursitis – What You Should Know
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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 AssessmentLet’s start with assessing posture, joint range of motion, and functional movement patterns to identify restrictions or weaknesses. Addressing the Root Cause of PainPain 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 MobilityUsing 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 StabilityOnce 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 EducationAfter 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:
Oct
Exercise is the ultimate medicine for longevity and well-being. That said, there are different ways to exercise, and you should choose which one based on your goals and needs. Ultimately, even if you will prioritise one type of exercise over others, training in different ways, it is the best option to build resilience, strength and obtain the best results. But what are these main ways of training? Well, in this blog, we are talking about Strength Training and Hypertrophy. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North, I help people achieve this goal, with tailored injury recovery Myotherapy plans that may start with hands-on treatment but aim to get the person moving and moving under load. What Is Strength Training? Strength training, in its pure form, is a type of training that aims to improve the body’s ability to produce maximal force. This is possible by optimising the nervous system’s capacity to communicate to the muscles what action has to be delivered when placed under load. In fact, the goal isn’t necessarily to make muscles bigger, but to make them stronger. Here is a breakdown of what a strength training session would be like: Typical rep range: 1–6 repetitions per set Load: Heavy (80–100% of your one-rep max) Rest periods: Longer (2–5 minutes) Primary outcome: Improved neural efficiency — your brain and muscles learn to work together more effectively. This type of training benefits everyone, from athletes to everyday movers, by: Enhancing joint stability Improving bone density Increasing functional power for daily tasks. What Is Hypertrophy Training? Now, we will examine another form of training that aims to increase muscle size. Indeed, hypertrophy focuses on creating controlled muscular fatigue that stimulates growth in the muscle fibres. Here’s how it works: Typical rep range: 6–12 repetitions per set Load: Moderate (60–80% of your one-rep max) Rest periods: Shorter (30–90 seconds) Primary outcome: Increased muscle cross-sectional area (growth). Hypertrophy is popular for aesthetic goals, but it also has significant benefits for: Joint support Posture Injury prevention, especially when paired with proper mobility and recovery practices like myotherapy. Who Would Benefit from Strength and Hypertrophy Training? Let’s be clear that both styles of resistance training can benefit a wide range of people — not just athletes or bodybuilders. But here is a clearer breakdown of which training belongs to which goals: You’ll benefit from strength training if you: Want to improve performance in sports or daily activities that require lifting, pushing, or pulling. You are seeking to increase bone density and joint stability, especially as you age. This is a big one for menopausal women. Need to enhance posture and core control to reduce the risk of back or shoulder pain. Are recovering from injury and looking to restore functional movement patterns safely under guidance. You’ll benefit from hypertrophy training if you: Want to build muscle mass for aesthetics, strength, or body composition. You are addressing muscle imbalances or weaknesses identified during myotherapy assessments. Need more joint support and stability through improved muscular structure. Aim to boost metabolism and energy expenditure through increased muscle tissue. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I often integrate tailored exercise advice with fitness class sessions, helping clients find the right balance between strength, mobility, and recovery for their individual goals. Massage Therapy, Dry Needling, and the Role of Passive Treatment Massage therapy, dry needling, and other forms of passive therapy are valuable tools during the recovery phase of an injury or when pain and tension are high. They help by: Reducing muscle tension and spasm Improving blood flow and assisting with tissue healing Calming the nervous system and reducing protective muscle guarding Restoring short-term mobility to prepare the body for movement At my Fitzroy North clinic, these treatments are often used early in a client’s recovery journey to reduce pain and restore comfort. However, while these therapies are excellent for short-term relief and acute recovery, they must eventually be paired with movement under load to create lasting change. Why Movement Under Load Is Essential for Long-Term Wellness Passive treatments can help you feel better, but loaded movement enables you to function better. When you progressively load muscles, tendons, and joints, your body adapts and becomes stronger and more resilient. This is what keeps pain away in the long term. Here is a practical and simplified explanation: “You have to think that the body, while it does age, it does slow down in any form of its metabolism, including the regeneration of tissues, which gets worn down, and finds it difficult to be regenerated. This is where movement under load plays a crucial role. Movement under load indeed, it is the stimulus that the central nervous system needs to maintain the body’s regeneration active and effective”. A further breakdown of why movement under load matters beyond recovery: Builds tissue resilience: Strengthens muscles and connective tissue to handle daily demands. Supports nervous system retraining: Teaches your body to move efficiently and safely. Improves joint health and posture: Strengthens stabilising muscles that protect joints. Reduces recurrence of pain: Prevents the same issues from returning by addressing root causes, not just symptoms. Another way I would express the difference between passive therapy and exercises (under load) to my patient is: “Massage and needling help you feel good now, but movement under load helps you stay good later.” That’s why our approach combines hands-on therapy to relieve pain with movement education and strengthening to keep you moving well long after your treatment. How Myotherapy Complements Strength and Hypertrophy Training Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that aims to improve the performance of any individual who has gone through an injury or someone who wants to maintain functionality and wellbeing. In a Myotherapy session, we would start with some form of testing to evaluate the person’s capacity in mobility and strength and from there we create a treatment plan that aims to improve the current presentation. A treatment plan may include: Soft tissue therapy Corrective exercise Movement assessment Goals of myotherapy: Address muscular imbalances […]
Oct
Experiencing a vertebral fracture can be an overwhelming and challenging experience to recover from, but this doesn’t mean there is no safe protocol and successful treatment pathway out there. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I am here to assist you in this complex journey, which could be by offering MLD treatment, Myotherapy or Fitness Class. But let’s first understand what fractured vertebrae mean, and what we have to be aware of when working with this type of injury. Spinal Damage vs. No Spinal Damage Let’s start to look into what difference makes to have a spinal fracture where the spinal cord was injured and where it was not. With spinal cord damage, a fracture may injure the spinal cord or nerves, leading to severe symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or paralysis. These cases are medical emergencies requiring hospital care. The rehabilitation process for someone who encounters spinal damage varies based on the severity of the injury. Surgery may be necessary to repair the nerve, but there is also the fact to consider that there may not be a recovery option and life paralysis (quadriplegic or paraplegic) as an outcome. Without spinal cord damage, it is a result of a bone fracture only, without affecting the cord. These are painful but often managed with an initial period of rest and bracing and gradual rehabilitation. At our Fitzroy North clinic, Giovanni carefully assesses your needs and works alongside your medical team to provide safe and effective rehabilitation. Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Vertebrae Your spine has three main regions, and fractures behave differently depending on location: Cervical (neck): Mobile but delicate; fractures here can have severe consequences. Thoracic (mid-back): Stabilised by the rib cage, but injuries here often come from higher-energy impacts. Lumbar (lower back): These vertebrae carry the body’s weight, so fractures here cause significant pain and restricted movement. Based on where the fracture is, the treatment and recovery options and plans differ. Scans for Diagnosis To properly understand the type of fracture and the severity of the fracture itself, scans are essential. Here is a short list of what diagnostic scans are available and which are most commonly used, and why: X-ray: The first step to confirm a fracture. This type of test is good to see the fracture at the bond level; it is quick, but as a downside, it exposes you to radiation. CT scan: Provides detailed 3D imaging to assess the fracture’s stability. The downside of a CT scan is that, as it is based on X-Ray technology, it can still expose you to radiation, and it can take longer to be delivered, and it is essential to be lying down while receiving the scan. MRI scan: Compared to X-Ray technology, MRI scan would not expose you to radiation, and is used to detect any involvement of nerves, discs, or the spinal cord along the fracture, as this type of scan is used for water-based tissue in the body, and not bones. These scans help guide safe rehabilitation, ensuring the right treatment approach from day one. Something else to keep in mind from the result of the scan is that not everything that a scan shows must impact your life. Indeed, a building disk may show in your scan, but that doesn’t mean that that specific pathology is something related to your spine fracture (it may have been there already before), and that doesn’t mean the body would not look after it while you are recovering from the spine injury. Types of Vertebral Fracture Common fracture types include: Compression fracture – vertebra collapses, often linked to osteoporosis (also called a wedging fracture). Burst fracture – bone shatters outward, sometimes threatening the spinal cord. Flexion-distraction fracture – usually from high-speed accidents where the spine bends suddenly. Fracture-dislocation – bone and soft tissues are displaced, often requiring surgery. Avulsion – It is a type of stress fracture, characterised by a small piece of bone pulled away from the main bone by a muscle or ligament (typical along the transverse process). Mechanism of Injury Fractures can occur from: High-energy trauma – car accidents, falls, sports collisions. Low-energy stress – in osteoporosis, even coughing or bending can trigger a fracture. Scheuermann’s disease – in this specific condition, the vertebrae may grow at different heights compared to the sagittal plane. A meticulous clinical history intake can help in figuring out he chance of you suffering from a vertebral fracture. Healing Time and Recovery As per all non-complex bone fractures, most vertebral fractures take 8–12 weeks to heal, even if recovery varies depending on age, bone health, and whether surgery was required. What we know is that nothing can actually boost the healing, but different therapies, active and passive, can help in assisting the healing process, ensuring a positive outcome. What then can be done during the recovery time is: Early phase: Pain management and protection of the fracture. Rehabilitation phase: Gentle guided movement, strengthening, and improving mobility. With myotherapy support, clients can return to safe daily activities while minimising the risk of re-injury. What to Avoid in the Early Stages of a Vertebral Fracture As mentioned earlier, in the early stage of vertebral fracture, it is important to prevent further damage to the spine and wear a corset that helps in stabilising the spine, while the body is starting the calcification of the bone. Even though you may wear a support, you will want to avoid: Heavy lifting, twisting, or bending movements. Prolonged sitting without support. High-impact exercise or activities. Movement is still recommended, as it can still promote fluid movement and relaxation. Therefore, it is possible to go for walks, move your arms, and move your legs even if in a seated position. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage in the Early Phase of a Vertebral Fracture At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I got to offer MLD as a form of treatment for relaxation, which can have a positive impact on pain perception and tension relief from the spine area. MLD is a gentle […]
Sep
A pain response is a signal created by the brain to let you know that something within the body is not right, or at least, that something, potentially, is not right. This means that pain is a sensation that can also be there when no actual damage is present in the first place. But when you feel pain in the neck, in the shoulder, in the knee or somewhere, how can you differentiate if it is a pain given by muscles or by a joint? In this blog, I want to talk about the difference between muscle pain and joint pain. Muscle and Joint Pain: Let’s Start With Clinical History Intake When someone presents to the clinic in pain, the first thing I do is to track down their medical history, which includes their daily activities, previous injuries (old and recent), sports history, medications, quality of sleep, etc.. From there, I start to narrow down when they have been experiencing the pain, and what caused it in the first place, and where they feel it. Already, that information can give a good perspective of what we are looking at, in terms of muscle pain and joint pain. Knowing the time frame of the pain, the location of the pain can already give an answer. But before jumping to conclusions, we need to do some testing Active and Passive Movement: The Differences In Pain Response After an accurate intake of the clinical history, we would proceed with some testing, including active and passive range of motions. Active range of motions (AROM) are those movements that the patient would do on their own, like flexing the shoulder, rotating the hip, etc Passive range of motions (PROM), on the other hand, are movements that the therapist would do with the patient’s body. So you will be asked to keep your arm and shoulder relaxed, and it will be the therapist who moves the arm. Here is where things start to get interesting. If you respond with pain with AROM, we know that you are using both your muscle and joint to deliver the movement, so the pain response that you feel could be either from the muscle or the joint. But if you respond with pain with a PROM, then we know that the response is from the joint, because the muscle, in that specific motion, is not working. How about tendon? So, when delivering a PROM, we may push the movement to its limit, creating a stretch motion. This specific endpoint of movement, if it reproduces a really pinpoint specific pain, that is sitting right on to what we can recall as a tendon (the insertion point of the muscle), it is another differential tool to understand what the pain is caused by. So yes, to simplify, we use PROM to identify a joint pain, but in that joint pain, we include the tendon itself, not only the ligaments. Ligaments, per clarification, are the tissues that hold the bones together and make up the joint. Orthopedic testing: another tool for differentiating muscle pain from joint pain But the rabbit hole of understanding where that pain is from doesn’t stop here. That’s why we also use orthopedic testing when looking at a pain presentation. Ortopedic testing is a test that places stress on a specific structure, and can have a range of sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the test’s ability to identify individuals who have the condition being tested for. Specificity refers to its ability to identify individuals who do not have the condition. Those two terms, that get evaluated in %, can tell us how valuable a test is. And most often, to validate a hypothesis of what can cause the pain, we have to use multiple forms of testing, from AROM to PROM to orthopedic testing and Clinical History. Neck Pain: Muscle Pain or Joint Pain – A case study Neck or upper shoulder pain is one of those common presentations, where the patient presents thinking that it is due to a muscle issue, but then, you prove to them that it is actually their joint that is the issue. Who is Peter, and with what pain does he present himself? Let’s examine a case study of Peter (name of fantasy), a 43-year-old office worker presenting with pain radiating from his right neck to the upper shoulder. Despite various stretches, the pain persists. He tried many pillows, he tried any sleep position, but this pain comes and goes, and has been on for years. Peter presents with a pain level today of 7/10, complaining that certain neck movements are limited and painful. It is hard, for example, to do a head check while driving. Clinical History So, first thing I would do is go through Peter’s clinical history and find out that his pain started about 10 years ago, after a whiplash accident, and that at that time, more than having a collar on his neck for a week or two, he hadn’t done much about it. Hi pain, which occasionally radiates to the neck, also gives him a headache. Sport history includes playing AFL from when he was a kid till his mid-twenties, and nowadays the occasional swim, yoga and pilates class. He spends most of his days working from home or at the office, sitting in a chair. In addition to this, we also know that: No pain radiating down the arms, no pins and needles in the hands; Pain is worst in the morning; Stretching gives an initial relief, but then it gets worse. Differential Diagnoses (DD) Differential diagnoses are the hypotheses we think of when someone presents with pain. Let’s say that is what we think we could find as a problem, given the patient’s complaint we received. And out of 3 or 4 DD’s, we will draw a line that connects all the results and get a Working Diagnosis (WD), which is the most plausible answer given the results we obtained. This said, this […]
Aug
Modern life places ongoing pressure on both body and mind, leaving many Australians searching for natural ways to restore calm. Muscle tightness, fatigue, and poor sleep are often signs that stress has taken hold. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, remedial massage is used as a practical therapy to release tension, regulate the nervous system, and support wellbeing, offering a balanced pathway to sustained relaxation and resilience. Key Takeaways Stress affects both body and mind Remedial massage releases tension and restores balance Circulation and sleep improve with regular sessions The nervous system resets during treatment Melbourne Massage and Treatment offers expert support What is Remedial Massage? Remedial massage is a form of therapeutic massage that targets specific muscles and tissues to relieve pain, promote healing, and improve function. It combines various techniques, including deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and stretching, to address both acute and chronic conditions. Unlike relaxation massage, which focuses on general relaxation, remedial massage is tailored to treat specific problems in the body, such as muscular tension, joint pain, and postural imbalances. The key difference between remedial and other types of massage is that it aims to treat underlying physical issues and dysfunctions, which can, in turn, help to alleviate the mental and emotional effects of stress. Stress can manifest physically in the body in various ways, including muscle tension, headaches, poor posture, and fatigue. Remedial massage directly addresses these physical symptoms, creating a ripple effect that helps to calm the mind and restore balance. How Remedial Massage Reduces Stress? Stress doesn’t just impact your mind; it can manifest physically in the body, resulting in tight muscles, headaches, neck pain, back discomfort, and other ailments. When the body is under stress, it produces higher levels of cortisol harmone, a hormone linked to the body’s “fight or flight” response. This can lead to increased muscle tension, heart rate, and even digestive issues. Remedial massage works by targeting these physical manifestations of stress and promoting relaxation in several ways. 1. Reduces Muscle Tension One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of remedial massage is its ability to reduce muscle tension. When we experience stress, we often unconsciously tighten our muscles, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, back, and jaw. Over time, this chronic muscle tightness can lead to pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. Remedial massage helps to release this built-up tension by applying pressure to specific muscle groups, promoting blood flow, and encouraging the muscles to relax. Targeted Techniques: Techniques such as deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy can focus on areas where muscle tightness tends to accumulate due to stress. These methods help to break up muscle knots and reduce the overall tension in the body. Increased Blood Flow: By improving circulation, remedial massage enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, promoting healing and relaxation. 2. Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which manages the ‘rest and digest’ state. Chronic stress keeps the SNS activated, which can leave the body in a constant state of alertness. Remedial massage stimulates the PNS, encouraging the body to relax and return to a state of calm. Relaxation Response: When the PNS is activated, heart rate and blood pressure drop, and the body enters a state of relaxation. This not only helps with muscle relaxation but also reduces anxiety and promotes overall mental well-being. Lowering Cortisol Levels: By activating the PNS, remedial massage helps to lower cortisol levels in the body. This reduction in cortisol can help combat the harmful effects of prolonged stress, such as anxiety, poor sleep, and immune system suppression. 3. Improves Sleep Quality Stress often leads to poor sleep, whether through difficulty falling asleep or waking up throughout the night. One of the ways that remedial massage helps to combat stress is by promoting better sleep. Through its calming effects on the nervous system and muscle relaxation, massage encourages a deeper, more restful sleep. Relaxation Before Bed: A remedial massage session before bed can help you unwind from the day’s stress, allowing you to go to sleep feeling relaxed and at ease. Improved Sleep Cycle: By reducing tension and lowering cortisol levels, remedial massage helps to improve the quality of sleep, leading to more restorative rest and reduced feelings of stress the following day. 4. Reduces Anxiety and Enhances Mood Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand. While stress tends to be a response to external pressures, anxiety can become a persistent feeling that affects your mental health. Remedial massage has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, particularly by reducing anxiety and boosting mood. Endorphin Release: Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, natural chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of well-being and happiness. This helps to counteract the negative effects of stress and anxiety, providing a natural mood lift. Emotional Release: For some individuals, massage can facilitate an emotional release, allowing pent-up emotions from stress to surface. This can be therapeutic and contribute to a feeling of emotional lightness and mental clarity. 5. Improves Posture and Reduces Pain Chronic stress can lead to poor posture, which, in turn, can contribute to musculoskeletal pain. When we’re stressed, we tend to slouch or hunch over, especially when working at a desk for long periods. This poor posture can lead to discomfort in the back, shoulders, and neck, further exacerbating stress. Remedial massage works by improving posture and reducing musculoskeletal pain. Postural Correction: Remedial massage helps to release tight muscles and realign the body, improving posture and reducing the discomfort associated with poor alignment. Pain Relief: By targeting specific areas of pain, remedial massage can relieve discomfort in muscles, joints, and connective tissue, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. Additional Benefits of Remedial Massage for Stress Relief In addition to the direct effects on the body and mind, remedial massage offers […]
Aug
Thai yoga combines assisted stretching with mindful breathing to restore mobility, release tension, and create deep relaxation. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, this approach blends traditional techniques with professional care, allowing clients to experience greater freedom of movement and a calmer state of mind. With its unique mix of yoga-inspired postures and therapeutic massage, Thai yoga holistically supports both body and mind. Key Takeaways Thai yoga blends stretching, mobility, and relaxation It improves flexibility and posture Stress relief is a core benefit Sessions are fully guided and accessible to all Melbourne Massage and Treatment tailors each session to your needs What is Thai Yoga? Thai Yoga, also known as Thai yoga massage or Thai bodywork, is a traditional healing practice that originated in Thailand over 2,500 years ago. It combines elements of: Yoga-style stretching Acupressure Mindful breathing Meditative touch Unlike a regular massage or a typical yoga class, Thai Yoga is a partner-based practice. The practitioner gently guides you through yoga-like stretches and poses while applying pressure to specific points along the body’s energy lines, known in Thai tradition as Sen lines. The result is a deeply restorative experience that helps release tension, increase range of motion, and calm the nervous system, all without you having to lift a finger. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Thai yoga is offered as part of a tailored approach to mobility, posture, and recovery. Mobility: Loosening Up the Joints and Muscles One of the biggest benefits of Thai Yoga is improved mobility. Many of us deal with tight hips, sore backs, or stiff shoulders, whether from sitting all day, overtraining, or simply getting older. Thai Yoga works to gently open up these areas by: Stretching muscles in a passive and supported way Mobilising joints through guided movement Increasing circulation and blood flow to tight or stagnant areas This kind of assisted stretching helps lengthen muscles and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles), which improves flexibility and reduces the risk of injury. And because you’re not doing the work yourself, your body can fully relax into each movement, allowing for a deeper and safer stretch than you might achieve on your own. Relaxation: More Than Just Taking It Easy Sure, we all love a good nap or a lie-down on the couch. But true relaxation goes deeper than just stopping activity, it’s about letting the body and mind fully switch off, so healing and recovery can happen. Thai Yoga encourages this state of deep rest through: Rhythmic, flowing movements that calm the nervous system Mindful breathing to slow the heart rate and promote stillness Gentle compression and touch that creates a sense of grounding and safety After a session, many people report feeling lighter, looser, and mentally clearer. Some describe it as a moving meditation or a “body reset.” If you’ve been feeling strung out, overwhelmed, or physically tight, Thai Yoga might be the reset button you didn’t know you needed. Who Can Benefit from Thai Yoga? Thai Yoga is suitable for a wide range of people, including: Office workers who sit for long hours and need to improve posture and mobility Athletes or gym-goers looking to aid recovery and reduce tightness Older adults want gentle movement and joint support People dealing with stress, anxiety, or sleep issues Anyone wanting to improve flexibility, body awareness, or simply relax The best part? You don’t need any yoga experience. Thai Yoga is fully guided, and each session can be adapted to suit your body, flexibility, and needs on the day. What Happens in a Thai Yoga Session? Here’s what you can expect during a typical Thai Yoga session: You stay fully clothed in comfortable attire (like gym or yoga wear) The session takes place on a mat on the floor, not a massage table The practitioner uses their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, or feet to stretch, rock, and apply pressure Sessions can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes The experience is quiet, meditative, and deeply calming You’ll be gently moved through a series of postures, from seated twists to spinal stretches, hip openers, and shoulder releases, all while lying down and breathing deeply. For those seeking greater depth, advanced thai yoga practices may also be introduced, incorporating more complex stretches, dynamic flows, and breathwork techniques to further enhance mobility and relaxation. Thai Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: What’s the Difference? While both practices aim to support flexibility, relaxation, and body awareness, the key difference is that Thai Yoga is done to you, not by you. Traditional yoga involves actively moving into and holding poses, while Thai Yoga is a passive, assisted experience. This makes it ideal for people who: Are you new to yoga or struggle with certain movements Are you recovering from an injury or managing chronic conditions? Prefer a more hands-on approach to bodywork and healing In many ways, Thai Yoga bridges the gap between yoga and massage, offering the best of both worlds. Bringing Thai Yoga into Your Life You don’t have to travel to Thailand to reap the benefits. Thai yoga practitioners are available in cities and regional areas across Australia. Many yoga studios, wellness centres, and massage therapists now offer Thai yoga classes as part of their services. If you’re interested in giving it a go, here are some tips: Look for a certified Thai Yoga practitioner with experience and good reviews Wear loose, comfy clothing (like leggings and a tee) Stay hydrated before and after your session Speak up during the session if any movement feels uncomfortable Approach it with an open mind and no expectations, every session is different Conclusion Thai yoga is more than stretching, it is a practice that restores balance, enhances movement, and promotes deep relaxation. Combining mindful breathing with guided mobility creates space for the body to release tension and recover naturally. Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Contact us today and book a session designed to improve both mobility and relaxation. FAQ
Jul
The term “inflammation” originates from the Latin word “inflammare”, meaning “to set on fire” or “to ignite”. And this is why it may sound scary, and sounds like a bad thing to go through, but in the initial phase of an injury, the inflammation is actually a necessary part of healing. Indeed, this initial step is how your body signals that something is wrong and starts the repair process. On the other hand, if the injury is not looked after, especially when we talk about major injury, the inflammatory process can become problematic. In this blog, we are going to look into what the steps are to take when going through an injury, which can be a sprained ankle, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain, in order to have the best recovery. The 0–72 Hour Rule: Respect the Acute Phase When going through the initial phase of an inflammation, which is the first 72 hours post-injury, the body enters the acute inflammatory phase, and this is absolutely normal and necessary for the body to start taking action towards safe healing. In this process, the immune system rushes white blood cells and inflammatory mediators to the area to begin cleanup and repair. Things to avoid: Avoid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs or corticosteroids): As this process is needed from the body to understand what has happened and to clear up the area from eventual pathogens, taking something that suppresses the process is not ideal. Avoid ice: Ice is a vessel restrictor, which means it would slow the amount of blood that is sent to the area. Yes, it may reduce the swelling, but that swelling is innoquos compare to the consequence of not having blood rushing to the area with the nutrience and substance needed to start the healing process. Things you can do: Protect and rest the area. Avoid using the injured area and place weight on it. Rest it and where possible do really some minimal movement that may not cause pain or disconfort. Compression and elevation help reduce fluid buildup. If your goal is to reduce swelling, you can apply compression and keep the area elevated. After 72 Hours: Shift to Recovery Support Past the first 72 hours, the inflammatory response was meant to be settled. If that’s not the case, that’s when it ok to take anti-inflammatories. That would help manage the pain in the long term and allow you to start moving freely. That said, before you take any medication, always consult your GP or pharmacist. Moving forward, this second phase of the injury recovery is called remodelling and repair. In this phase, it is the time to: Introduce gentle movement and rehabilitation exercises – most often isometric hold, which we spoke about in another blog. Use anti-inflammatory agents (if needed) under professional guidance. Massage therapy and heat packs become helpful — they promote circulation, lymphatic drainage, and tissue flexibility. While the remodelling and repair phase starts past the 72h post injury, the recovery itself may last weeks or months, depends on the type of injury. For more details about the healing process of different tissues, read this blog. What Are The Symptoms of Inflammation Post-Injury You may notice that soon after an injury the body has a really specific way to respond to what just happened. This response include: Swelling – more blood is sent to the area; Skin redness Pain to touch or movement Those are some of the visible or more noticeable aspects of an inflammatory response post injury, but on the macroscopic level, there is more happening, such as the rush of white cells to the injured area, and the increase of blood clotting cells, if the skin is cracked. Food, Fats, and Chronic Inflammation: The Lymphatic Link An inflammation is not a process that comes only from an injury. The food and drinks that we intake are a significant source of chronic, low-grade inflammation, especially when they include excessive amounts of long-chain fatty acids found in ultra-processed foods, deep-fried items, and fast food. Given the chemical structure of those fats, which are made from a chain of 16 carbon atoms (therefore long-chain), they can be absorbed directly by the capillary of the bloodstream, due to the narrow passage at the capillary end. Indeed, those fats would get absorbed by the lymphatic system, which capillaries have a wider aperture. That said, once the fat is travelling along the lymphatic system, it would be recognised as an external element and attacked by immune cells such as macrophages, and this is an inflammatory response. Now, when the lymphatic system becomes overburdened with inflammatory fats, it can lead to chronic inflammation. This is also why some people feel bloated, puffy, or in pain even without any injury. This also explains why, when seeing people with Lymphoedema, we refer them to a GP to discuss an anti-inflammatory diet. Given the excess load of the lymphatic system along this presentation, it is better not aggravating it. And to loop back on the topic of this blog, even when you hurt yourself badly with a major injury, or you may be suffering from chronic pain, a balanced diet rich in veggies and fruit, grain and fresh food, is recommended over junk food and inflammatory meals. Top Pro-Inflammatory Foods to Watch Out For: Highly refined vegetable oils Fried foods High-sugar snacks and drinks Ultra-Processed meats How Massage Therapy Helps (and Why Sometimes Hurts) Many forms of massage, especially those where you may experience discomfort and pain, like Remedial Massage or Thai Massage, or even technique like Dry Needling, aim to reproduce microinflammatory response, and that’s why they are effective in helping you with recovery. Indeed, that pain response, is an alarm for your nervous system, which is pushed to send nutrience to the area affected by the pain. Now, what is important is to understand the time frame of healing, the subjective history of the patient we are working with and the level of injury they are presenting with. Massage helps by: […]
I did stop counting the number of times I hear patients say that their hamstrings are tight, and that’s why they can’t bend forward. And I did stop counting, because this happens so often that it is really hard to find someone who actually knows what tissue is limiting their movement. In fact, most of the time, what is happening is not hamstring tightness, but rather a lack of hip hinging and associated hip mobility, or neural tension (in this case, the sciatic nerve neural tension). What Is Neural Tension? When we discuss neural tension, we refer to the lack of mobility of the nervous system’s connective tissues, so the actual nerve as a fibre or tissue, when it’s put under mechanical stress (like tension, compression, or stretch). Here is an example: When we bend forward, the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body) runs from the lower back (Ventral rami spinal nerve L3-S1), through the buttocks (below the piriformis muscle most of the time), and down the back of the leg (right between the hamstrings muscles). When doing such an action, the nerve needs to glide freely, and if any where along its journey, there is a compression, due to other tissue tightness or inflammation, or even a physical outer pressure (a belt from the pants) it becomes irritated, compressed, or “stuck” ending not moving well. That’s where you may experience a pull on the back of the leg. That is neural tension. More specifically, your symptoms can be: A deep pulling or burning stretch in the back of the thigh or calf. Tingling or numbness (especially if holding the stretch for a longer time) A sensation of “snapping” or “tugging” deep in the leg when stretching Limited range of motion that doesn’t improve with traditional hamstring stretches How Is Neural Tension Different from Muscle Tightness? While neural tension and muscle tightness may feel similar, they are fundamentally different in their causes and treatments. Muscle Tightness Neural Tension Origin Muscle fibres are shortened or tense Nerve or nerve sheath is restricted or irritated Sensation Broad stretch, fatigue, cramping Sharp, burning, electric, or pulling sensation Area Felt Localised to the muscle belly Along a nerve pathway (e.g., back of the leg) Improved by Stretching and massage Nerve gliding/mobilisation, reducing irritation Common in Athletes, post-exercise, poor posture Sciatica, herniated discs, hipo-mobility, and a sedentary lifestyle Now, Let’s Talk About Forward Bending When bending forward with the upper body, aiming to reach the toes or the floor with the hands, we may experience a stretch in the back of the leg. That stretch it may not be only your hamstrings but also the sciatic nerve. When this nerve lacks mobility, as expressed earlier, due to things like disc issues, facet joint irritation, piriformis syndrome, or general irritation, it can feel like your hamstrings or calf or back are tight, even when they’re not. A good way to understand if the feeling of tightness is from your nerve or not is to perform a Slump Test. How to perform a Slump Test? Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the slump test: Sit on a chair or table, where both feet are off the ground; Slump your body forward, while looking straight ahead, and your arms are crossing behind your back (which means your spine rounds backward, your shoulder drops forward); Now, start lifting up one leg, while the other one is bent at the knee at 90°; While you lift up the leg, start noticing if you feel any pulling sensation from the lower back going down to the back of the leg or calf (it could be anywhere along the lower back to the feet); If you manage to reach full leg extension, now, start looking down (you may notice tension arising or increasing); If nothing happens yet, then bring your toes (of the leg raised) backwards (ankle dorsiflexion); If, along any step of this process, your pulling sensation increases (more intense) or becomes longer (like from only the back of the leg, it now feels even in the back or in the calf), this is neural tension. Indeed, the tension would feel like a long rope pulled across multiple joints (lumbar, hip, knee) with a burning sensation and maybe some pins and needles. Next, to experiment further with the neural tension, start looking up with the head, go if you can in full cervical extension, and you should feel relief in the back of the leg tension. This last step is proving to you how, by releasing the central nerve (that travels in the central canal of your spine), the neural tension slows down. You are stopping the nerve’s pull from its origin, the brain. Should You Stretch a Nerve? No, not really. Nerves aren’t designed to be stretched like muscles. In fact, if you keep stretching a nerve aggressively, you may end up irritating the nerve and worsening the symptoms. Instead, use nerve gliding or joint mobilisation exercises, which are gentle, rhythmic movements that help the nerve move through its surrounding tissues without overstressing it. And to stay in the loop, let’s look at the sciatic nerve glide: Lying on your back, lift one leg while keeping the knee slightly bent. Slowly extend the knee and flex the foot back toward you, then release. Repeat in small, pain-free ranges. This can help restore nerve mobility without aggravating the nerve. If this is not the case, and you still experience pain and discomfort, then it is probably time to book an appointment (myotherapy) to ensure there is not significant entrapment along the nerve pathway, and see what can be done to relieve that compression. How Myotherapy Can Help with Neural Tension? As a Clinical Myotherapist, I specialised in assisting people with any sort of musculoskeletal issue. Neural Tension is one of those. During a Myotherapy session, we would address, via a detailed clinical history and a series of assessments, what may be the cause of the neural […]
Jul
When the space between the collarbone and first rib gets tight, during movement or even at complete rest, it can lead to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Between the two structures mentioned above, we have the passage of the thoracic plexus (nerves) and blood vessels. The compression of those structure, can result in pain, weakness and numbness radiating down the shoulder, arm, and hand. Because TOS has multiple causes and presentations, effective treatment depends heavily on accurate assessment and an individualised approach, and that’s where myotherapy can play a crucial role. What Causes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? As there are different tissues passing by this space, the nature of TOS can be broadly categorised into three types: Neurogenic TOS: Compression of the brachial plexus (nerves). Venous TOS: Compression of the subclavian vein. Arterial TOS: Compression of the subclavian artery. But not only can different tissues be compressed, but different structures can be responsible for the compression. Indeed, the compression can be due to the scalene muscle, pectoralis minor or bone. And here are some common causes: Muscle imbalances that lead to poor posture (forward head/rounded shoulders); Repetitive overhead activities (which lead to constant compression of the tissues); Trauma (e.g. whiplash or clavicle fracture); Anatomical variations (such as a cervical rib). The Role of Myotherapy in TOS Assessment As a myotherapist, when treating someone with suspicious TOS, we go for a series of assessments that we compare to the clinical history and symptoms. The test itself would aim to reproduce the patient’s symptoms and guide us on what potential structure is compressed. If we are suspicious of TOS, we can aim to reduce tension in soft tissue and give exercises that can reinforce those structures to alleviate any compression in the area. Orthopedic Testing & Myotome Assessment Some common assessments include: Adson’s Test (for scalene involvement) – It consists of reproducing a drop of heart bit in the wrist (affected side) by asking the patient to abduct and extend the arm while rotating (same side) and extending the neck. This would add extra compression on the suspected structures. Roos/Elevated Arm Stress Test (to reproduce vascular or neural symptoms) – It is about asking the patient to lift the arm at 90°/90° and start closing and opening their hands repetitively for 30 seconds to 1 minute. A drop of strength or symptom reproduction would lead to a positive test. Costoclavicular Maneuver (to assess space between clavicle and first rib) – It is delivered by having the patient with depressed and retracted shoulders. The positivity of this test is given by the reproduction of symptoms or a reduction in the distal wrist. Wright’s Hyperabduction Test (for pectoralis minor tightness) – The patients get asked to lift their arm (affected side) above their head while the therapist stands behind and keeps count of the wrist heartbeat. Any symptoms, reproduction, or drop in bit is considered positive. In addition to those tests, we would use: Myotome testing: which assesses the motor function of specific spinal nerve roots; Clinical history: Any history of previous injury, surgeries, work and sport loads; Type and timing of symptoms: When and how those symptoms are reproduced on daily life. All this said, we always have to consider that as therapists, myo or physio as per osteo exc… we can assume that the positivity of many of those test leads to a positive or negative conclusion regarding TOS. Hands-on treatment and exercises in combination can be the easy steps to take to treat the presentation, but can not always guarantee the best outcome, due to each individual’s unique presentation. Hands-On Treatment and Exercise Prescription Once we have more understanding of what is potentially happening in terms of compression, a myotherapy treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes: Manual Therapy Myofascial release of the scalene, pectoralis minor, and upper trapezius muscles. Trigger point therapy to reduce local and referred pain patterns. Joint mobilisation to improve scapular movement and rib mechanics. Neural gliding techniques to encourage nerve mobility and reduce irritation. Exercise Rehabilitation Postural re-education, particularly strengthening the deep neck flexors and lower trapezius. Scapular stabilisation exercises to improve shoulder mechanics. Breathing retraining is necessary if dysfunctional patterns (like apical breathing) are contributing to compression. Neurodynamic stretches are appropriate for nerve mobility. Together, these interventions help reduce symptoms, improve function, and support long-term recovery. The time frame for improvement, if not complete reduction of the symptoms, can be different per individual, but we can estimate a period of time that goes between 12 and 16 weeks. If no changes are reproduced within this time frame, that’s where we would refer the patient elsewhere for further investigations, like a scan. When Is Surgery Needed for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Surgical intervention is typically reserved for cases where conservative care fails or in cases of vascular TOS, where there’s a risk of thrombosis or embolism, but also where anatomical variations, like a cervical rib is present. Surgical procedures may include: Scalenectomy (removal of the scalene muscles) First rib resection Clavicle decompression or repair if there’s previous trauma These operations aim to create more space in the thoracic outlet, thus relieving the compression. Post-Surgical Recovery and the Role of Myotherapy In case of surgery, as a myotherapist, we can still help and ensure a correct recovery post-intervention. Treatment like MLD can help in flushing excess liquid out of the surgery area, but again, we would look into exercises as a form of recovery and rehabilitation of the area affected by the surgery and or affected by the lack of strength that is a consequence of a prolonged period of muscle weakness. More broadly, myotherapy treatment can help with: Pain management Scar tissue Muscle guarding or weakness Neurological symptoms that may persist or reappear Do You Need a Scan if we’re suspicious of TOS? Imaging, as discussed in other blogs, may be recommended when we are suspicious of other presentations, or if standard method are not creating any difference. For example: To rule out cervical disc herniation, tumours, or other causes of neurovascular symptoms. When […]