What is Remedial Massage Therapy?
A Remedial Massage therapist studies full-time for 1 ½ years and are well educated in human anatomy, physiology, and have a sound knowledge of various muscular conditions/problems. They can also prescribe corrective exercises. Remedial Massage Therapists use a range of techniques to assess & treat muscular conditions which cause pain & affect movement & function, including clinical assessment, deep tissue massage & stretching.
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is the assessment and physical treatment of muscle pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure encompassing muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia of the human body.
Pain or symptoms caused by a muscle (myo) or fascia is described as myofascial. Myofascial pain is usually not specific and is often described by the patient as a 'deep ache', 'tightness' or 'tenderness' in an area. Other symptoms can include reduced range of motion of muscles, and joints, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. There are many other symptoms depending on the condition and patients may have one or many symptoms.
Caitlin Smith Myotherapist
Myotherapist at Rowville Sports Medicine Centre
Caitlin graduated from RMIT, Melbourne campus in 2010 with an Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy. She is passionate about working with athletes. She has a sports background having competed and coached basketball at the domestic and elite level. She comes to us having recently completed an internship with Carlton FC for the 2010 AFL season. She also enjoys working with chronic conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia and pain management. Caitlin is focused on empowering clients to work with their difficulties and enjoys supporting them to gain positive outcomes. Caitlin joins RSMC as a soft tissue specialist and is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care and treatment.
Adele Appleby Myotherapist
Myotherapist at Rowville Sports Medicine Centre
Adele completed her Advanced Diploma in 2002 at RMIT and then a Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy) in 2005, and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Strength and Conditioning. She has also lectured for the past 6 years for the Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy) at the Southern School of Natural Therapy.
Adele has worked in a variety of areas, ranging from members of the general community to professional sports, primarily Golf and Basketball, as well as armature level with cricket and athletics. However, regardless of her patients background Adele’s primary focus is to not only treat the presenting condition but to identify and minimise the cause.
Adele is qualified and experienced in a wide range of soft tissue treatments, including dry needling and cupping, and has additional strengths in postural correction and corrective exercise.
Benefits of Myotherapy and Remedial Massage
Soft tissue manipulation on muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, joints and skin reduces and/or eliminates:
- Pain
- Tension
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasm
- Limited range of motion in joints
- Restricted movement
- Poor circulation
- Scar tissue and postural deviations
Massage encourages nutrition and development of the muscular system, by stimulating its circulation, nerve supply and cellular activity.
Common conditions that Myotherapists can treat include:
- Sporting & Occupational injuries
- Stiffness & pain associated with poor posture
- Associated joint and vertebral dysfunction & pain
- Acute & chronic conditions affecting function & mobility
- Headaches/migranes
- Acute & chronic stiff & painful neck
- Chronic overuse syndromes- tendonitis, RSI, tennis/golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel
- Acute/chronic back pain/'sciatica'
- Athritis/Multiple Sclerosis
- Hand/finger numberness/tingling- thoracic outlet syndrome
- Knee, leg & foot pain- shin splints, patella tracking dysfunction, runner's knee, ankle sprains
- Pregnancy- pre/post natal complaints
- Chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia
- Pain & dysfunction associated with stress & tension
- Rehabilitative stage of an injury or illness
Treatment options for Remedial/Myotherapy
Sports Massage
Designed to prepare athletes for an upcoming event, aid recovery after a vigorous workout or competition, maximise training gains and achieve peak performance. This is achieved through specialised medium to deep massage techniques. Sports massage can help prevent niggling injuries that often hinder optimum performance and achievement, whether you are a top athlete or a casual jogger.
Neuromuscular Technique
A specific approach for treatment of chronic and acute pain. Advanced massage techniques are used to treat muscle dysfunction and postural imbalances. Ice/heat treatment may be included. As well as a postural analysis.
Deep Tissue Massage
Firm pressure treatment to de-activate trigger points, loosen contracted muscles & increase blood flow
Remedial Massage
Can include a combination of deep or soft tissue treatements, trigger point therapy, corrective exercises,cupping and stretching techniques.
Relaxation Massage
Slow, soft tissue massage using long, continuous strokes, excellent for stress release and total relaxation.
Myofascial Release
Application of substained pressure and movement into fascial system in order to break down adhesions and restrictions. Fascia is a network of connective tissue that holds the body together, this treatment is directed specifically on the fascial system by way of light traction. If there is an impairment in this system it can result in pain, reduced flexibilty, poor circulation and loss of endurance.
Pregnancy Massage
Whether you are after a pampering relaxation session or relief from sore tired muscles. Pregnancy massage can promote increased circulation helping remove toxins and bringing in fresh nutrients, relieve pressure through the lumbar back, shoulders and help reduce swelling throughout the lower limbs, pregnancy massage is specifically designed to reduce stress/tension and fatigue promoting the well being of your unborn child.
Pre-Labour Massage:
Pre-labour massage helps sedate the nervous system, release endorphins (natural pain killers) leading to a state of deep relaxation.
Gift vouchers and packages
Gift vouchers are available for our Massage Services and are a great gift idea!
You must advise of your gift voucher when booking your appointment and present your voucher at the time of appointment.
Most gift vouchers are valid for 3 months.
Massage services can also be purchased in a package of 3 appointments, which gives you a $5 discount off the cost of each massage.
What to expect from a Myotherapy consultation
Assessment- clinical assessment is reliant on history taking, examination routines of particular joints or regions, assisted by palpatory skills and a thorough understanding of joint and muscular assessment procedures. Assessment of potential causes of dysfunction is also important, as is a detail postural examination. Specific treatment modalities are applied before applying certain exercises to help maintain the effects of the treatment.
Treatment modalities
Soft tissue manipulation, Trigger point therapy, Myofascial dry needling, Myofascial release, cupping, thermal therapy/cryotherapy, TENS machines, postural assessment and correction, Corrective exercises (stretches/strength), Core stability exercises and diet and nutritional advice.
Post treatment adivce
It is important to increase your water intake by 3-4 glasses within the 24 hours after your treatment/massage. Treatments/massages effect the hydration of the body's cells, so by increasing your water intake it will help reduce any post treatment side effects which can include, headaches/ sensitivity, post massage soreness,and fatigue. If at all worried about how you are feeling the day after treatment please do not hesitate to call our clinic and speak to one of our Therapists.
