Pelvic tilt & back pain

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Top 5 causes of the dreaded pelvic tilt that contributes to lower back pain:

1. Tight hamstrings
2. Weak abdominals
3. Tight glutes
4. Tight erector spinae
5. Tight hip flexors

 

The answer? Lengthen & strengthen! Want better posture? Stretching and exercising are the two most vital keys. Being fit beats being “skinny or slim” and by no means are they the same thing. Fit people come in all sizes, but generally as you will see looking at the image here, their shape indicates a better resistance to gravity and more grace of movement.

Sitting wrong or for too long is another leading cause of the pelvic tilt, given that over time, it tightens the hip flexors which places pressure on the lower back. Most of the people we see that come to us with lower back pain have very tight hip flexors, which is a result of desk work. 

As you can begin to see, there are two essential elements in maintaining good posture and preventing premature shortening of the spine, along with other signs of ageing. These are “stretching and strengthening”. The longer and stronger the muscles, the better health we have as these promote better health all round in allowing freedom of movement and increased range of motion. 

Myotherapy works to do just this, in assisting clients to restore the perfect posture by adjusting the spinal alignment with the support of muscle balance and integrity. Myotherapists are becoming more and more popular in finding solutions to musculoskeletal imbalances and conditions because they treat both together by providing the body’s structure muscular support to hold the bones in correct positioning. 

If you have a posture problem and associated pain and wish to avoid depending on costly drugs or time off work, call us today for a consultation on 9347 5764 or email: bookings@advanced-myotherapy.com

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpus comes from the Greek word which means wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when there is irritation and pain that comes from tight tissue which makes up the carpal tunnel, squeezing the nerves and causing tingling and numbness in the fingers. 

The very same thing occurs in Tarsal tunnel syndrome because the anatomy of the ankle and the wrist are very similar. What usually leads to this condition is exerting pressure on the nerve at the wrist, which can be a results of a number of other conditions such as pregnancy, obesity, arthritis and trauma. It can be a result of RSI / repetitive strain on the wrist and inflammation from work such as uninterrupted typing and the like. 

In surgery the carpal tunnel is cut away to take the pressure off the nerves, which is most of the time preventable with correct care, awareness and treatment. Carpal tunnel can even resolve itself over a period of time and is often a temporary condition or it can also persist and progress which is when Myotherapy should be sought for treatment and recovery. 

Sometimes Carpal tunnel syndrome can be mistaken for tendonitis, which is the inflammation of the tendon that extends the thumb. This can be corrected with the R.I.C.E method of rest and ice along with correct support in place. Carpel tunnel left untreated however can lead to weakening in the hand grip and strength along with atrophy and deterioration. 

Here is what one of our clients had to say after treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome…

“I was diagnosed with CTA – carpel tunnel symcrome, tendonitis and fibromialga and was treated by a Psysio for 4 months once a week.  You have done more for me in one session  than the physio did in that whole time and the tingling is almost gone already.”– Malina Larm


5 Things that Alleviate Knee Pain Naturally

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Read more →

Shoulder Pain

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From frozen shoulder to sprain and inflammation, shoulder pain is a result of a wide range of factors. Most clients we see for the first time with shoulder complaints have had this pain for any length of time, and have spent many wasted dollars trying different forms of therapy and treatment. 


Sometimes they will have suffered months, even years with this condition without successful recovery because many practitioners simply address the symptoms and rarely the underlying cause. Because of this the person only gains short term relief  from the treatment and rarely any long term results and benefits. 


Our priority lies in addressing the underlying reason / roots of shoulder pain to determine whether is comes from postural imbalances, muscular imbalances or injury, so that we can treat not just the pain, but also the cause for immediate and long term improvement and pain relief.  


Chronic and ongoing shoulder pain originates from muscular imbalances which irritate the function of the shoulder joint. This can come from stiffness in the pectorals at the front of the chest or between the shoulder blades (rhomboids). Releasing these tight muscles with deep tissue myofascial therapy alongside strengthening self care exercises, is affective in correcting such complaints.

In chronic cases where someone has tried all other forms of treatment with no success, we find that the cause is often related to other areas of tension and imbalance. In such cases we treat the body holistically to restore balance overall and alleviate pain rather than isolating the symptoms. 


Assessing the muscles in the hips and back will also be essential in working with such problems, to address and issues where lengthening and strengthening is needed, which eradicates postural imbalances. Once bi-lateral treatment restores postural balance, clients will become free from the cause of such pain and will no longer suffer with this condition. 

Benefits of Massage & Myotherapy

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Muscle Therapy, including Myotherapy and Massage have been found to promote endless health benefits.
Myotherapy and Massage are found to have far reaching health benefits from reducing blood pressure to helping with stress management. In 2013 The International Journal of Preventative Medicine published a study revealing the incredible link between massage and blood pressure. In conjunction with the benefit of reducing blood pressure, the study revealed there was also a drop in markers of inflammation, suggesting massage doesn’t just help the heart, it has a far more holistic effect.
Reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, regular Massage has been found to help reduce the effects of aging.

A recent research study states that anxiety sufferers undergoing withdrawal from psychoactive drugs experienced both significant immediate and sustained reduction in symptoms. By improving the experience of the withdrawal process, providing patients with healthier approaches to managing the way they feel, the study concluded that massage may help retain patients within service areas, improving overall wellbeing. This study was published in the Journal of Alternative & Complimentary Medicine (2010).

 
Studies have also shown significant reduction of symptoms in endometriosis / painful menstruation sufferers, after receiving a series of (massage) treatments. Results showed that the severity of pain and symptoms subsided immediately and lasted up to six weeks. The research concluded that massage therapy can be used to reduce menstrual pain and endometriosis as an inexpensive method of treatment with no reported side effects. Findings showed that there was a significant difference between the intensity of pain before the intervention started and immediately after. This study was published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research (2010)
 
Research has also showed significant improvements in fatigue and insomnia in massage patients. Massage has been shown to promote fast recovery in patients who have undergone surgery for a range of conditions, even preventing surgery in countless cases. We ourselves at Advanced Myotherapy have seen a number of successful recovery cases who have previously been recommended surgery, but thankfully sought a  (our) second opinion.
Read some of our client feedback below.
 
“I’d like to thank you for the awesome work on my back and legs. 6 months ago I couldn’t walk and now I have done the dandenong mountains 1000 steps 2 weeks in a row. You are a life saver. I feel so much better and happier with all the pain gone. Keep the good work up. Again thank you” – Nazih Dib
“Told I needed surgery for Achilles Tendonitis, I wanted a second opinion. After treatment I became more aware of my own contribution to the condition and have since recovered fully without surgery.”- Theo, TNM Consulting
“I had doctors telling me I needed surgery,  now they are scratching their heads after seeing my follow up scan only months later. NO more herniated disc!” – Grant Smith, Sound technician
“I was diagnosed with CTA – carpel tunnel symcrome, tendonitis and fibromialga and was treated by a Psysio for 4 months once a week.  You have done more for me in one session  than the physio did in that whole time and the tingling is almost gone already.”– Malina Larm
“Self Care is the key word for 2012….highly advocated by Advanced Myotherapy ….thanks for the inspiration Advanced Myotherapy…..although I am ageing I get much more out of my body than ever before!”  – Cindy James
“Thank you for a great treatment today and the follow up plan. It was my first experience of a dry needling treatment today, I can truly recommend this treatment. Feeling more movement already.” – Sandra Cleary
“I had severe pain in my elbow and lost a lot of strength in my fore arm. Now I’m back to work as usual without restriction.” – Ramsey Pedro, Electrician
“Running a highly demanding corporate organisation with a family at home, I came to Advanced Myotherapy on recommendation, for the severe pain down my leg. I am now free from the debilitating pain I was constantly in. I highly recommend Advanced Myotherapy for anyone seeking better health.” – Lazarus, Skillup Australia
“Advanced Myotherapy came highly recommended to me for the treatment of my painful feet. I have now been able to maintain an active lifestyle with a more conscious awareness of recovery and self care.” – Cindy James, Interiors That Fit
“Success in the melbourne marathon in tough conditions a pb of 5.06 half an hour faster than expected! Legs feel great thanks to training and Advanced Myotherapy!”  – Joanne Baxas
“Thanks a lot! No matter what persistent pain I have, you make them disappear in an instant! You are a true PAIN MAGICIAN!!!”  – Veronika Nemes
 

 

Muscoluskeletal Disorders

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Comprising of bones, nerves, joints and muscles, musculoskeletal disorders are treated my Myotherapists who are trained specialists in this area. Muscles join bone to bone which forms the foundation of the structure of the body. The focus of Advanced Myotherapy is not only the treatment of root causes of conditions, as well as their painful symptoms, but on lengthening and strengthening the muscles in order to maintain and promote strength and flexibility. 


These are two key principles that we place importance on as Myotherapists for the purpose of increasing mobility, range of motion and physical alignment. For the full effects of Myotherapy to be gained, it is normal for a person to have 3 – 5 sessions for lasting results of most musculoskeletal conditions. Disc herniation is a common problem that often affects the lower back, given these discs normally absorb the greatest pressure from the spine. The next most common area for disc herniation is your neck, given the weight it carries in holding the head, affected by the pressure of poor posture.

Common signs of disc herniation

Disc herniation happens when poor posture leads to irritation from the spine placing pressure on the nerve roots. A common sign of disc herniation is constant pain, numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, arm or hand or shooting pain in the lower back. Pins and needles sensation is another warning sign of this condition which impinges the nerve roots. Weakness in certain areas or the inability to stand straight / tall is often the result of pinched nerves. 

If being recommended for surgery, always seek a second opinion. Surgery is invasive and often results in further pain and long term restricted use. In most cases it is largely preventable and easily avoidable with correct treatment, advice and care. Musculoskeletal disorders can easily be reversed using myotherapy to correct causes and relieve resulting pain. Below are a few examples of what is possible with the right treatment care.

“I’d like to thank you for the awesome work on my back and legs. 6 months ago I couldnt walk. Doctors said they could do nothing and now I have done the dandenong mountains 1000 steps 2 weeks in a row. You are a life saver. I feel so much better and happier with all the pain gone. Keep the good work up. Again thank you” – Nazih Dib

“Running a highly demanding corporate organisation with a family at home, I came to Advanced Myotherapy on recommendation, for the severe pain down my leg. I am now free from the debilitating pain I was constantly in. I highly recommend Advanced Myotherapy for anyone seeking better health.” – Lazarus, Skillup Australia

“I had doctors telling me I needed surgery,  now they are scratching their heads after seeing my follow up scan only months later. NO more herniated disc!” – Grant Smith, Sound technician

Leading the way in Health Regeneration

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At Advanced Myotherapy you will find:
  • Highly qualified and caring Myotherapists
  • Specific treatment and management of your conditions
  • Postural health and correction
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Treatment for all ages
  • Personalised self care advice
  • Early and late appointments 7 days a week
Established on Elgin Street Carlton in 2008, by experienced Therapists who continue to be competitive leaders in musculo-skeletal health and recovery, Advanced Myotherapy is dedicated to continual professional development and bringing you up-to-date on the latest research in muscle health and best self care practices.

Advanced Myotherapy is a warm and professional clinical practice primarily treating musculo-skeletal conditions and is fast becoming popularly recommended by clients, Doctors, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and specialists alike. Advanced Myotherapy place importance on thorough assessment and examination to determine best treatment methods according to symptom roots, pain and other contributing factors to conditions. 

Our treatments combine myofascial release, trigger point therapy, dry needling / western acupuncture, assisted stretching, cupping, postural alignment, as well as nutritional and rehabilitation advice for longer lasting results. Structural conditioning through musculoskeletal correction is the most important aspect of our work at Advanced Myotherapy. Your pain management and optimal health is the purpose of what we do.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further queries or questions concerning your condition.

Lower Back Pain

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Back and spinal problems can result from a range of factors such as injury, aging, poor posture and bad habits that lead to muscle imbalance causing spinal compromise.

What happens when this takes place is the discs / bones placing pressure on nerve roots lead to symptoms like acute and chronic pain, tension and tingling. Poor lifestyle habits stress the body by creating structural imbalance and what this leads to is disc degeneration, bulging or rupture, arthritis, instability and premature aging.

Back pain occurs when there is injury to the spinal discs, stiff joints, ligaments or muscle imbalance and inflammation. These can come from fractures, strains, injuries, wear and tear. Pain is a result of pressure and irritation on the spinal cords and nerve roots which stem from the spine itself.

Muscular weakness, overuse, stiffness and impaired range of motion are the leading causes of spinal problems and  pain. Here are a few simple steps you can take at home to safely and effectively recover from lower back pain.

Osteoarthritis is a result of the wearing down of joint cartilage which comes from restricted movement and flexibility. This leads to being prone to injury.

Disc degeneration is the narrowing of space between the vertebrae affecting the spinal alignment. Excessive pressure from certain habits of daily living over time leads disc herniation, rupture, pinched nerves, pressure and pain.

Numbness in in any area where the nerve normally provides sensation comes from disc herniation. Mistaking this to be a problem in the area of the symptom (pain) risks not treating the actual cause. Here are our 6 simple stretches to reverse Sciatica that we recommend to our clients who are sciatica sufferers.

 

Myotherapists trace the problem to it’s (compressed nerve) roots and treat the cause rather than temporarily treating the “resulting” pain.  Treatment also involves addressing the originating habitual / lifestyle causes that lead to the  musculo-skeletal problem in the first place.

Sciatica is the result of pain that comes from pinched lumber region nerves that run down the legs through the buttocks and thighs and some down to the feet. Herniated discs can cause Sciatica which is ultimately a result of pressure on the nerves which can be easily treated with Myotherapy.

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of space between the bones which leads to degeneration of the spine. This leads to structural changes and bulging discs and lack of blood and oxygen supply to the spinal cord which cause swelling, numbness and pain in the affected nerves.

This results in a sense of heaviness, weakness and fatigue which can be treated and prevented with Myotherapy. Most back problems can be treated without surgery and in many cases, Myotherapy helps prevent it.

Back pain testimonials…

“I’d like to thank you for the awesome work on my back and legs. 6 months ago I couldn’t walk and now I have done the dandenong mountains 1000 steps 2 weeks in a row. You are a life saver. I feel so much better and happier with all the pain gone. Keep the good work up. Again thank you” – Nazih Dib

“Thanks a lot! No matter what persistent pain I have, you make them disappear in an instant! You are a true PAIN MAGICIAN!!!”  – Veronika Nemes

“Thank you for a great treatment today and the follow up plan. It was my first experience of a dry needling treatment today, I can truly recommend this treatment. Feeling more movement already.” – Sandra Cleary

“Running a highly demanding corporate organisation with a family at home, I came to Advanced Myotherapy on recommendation, for the severe pain down my leg. I am now free from the debilitating pain I was constantly in. I highly recommend Advanced Myotherapy for anyone seeking better health.” – Lazarus, Skillup Australia

“Self Care is the key word for 2012….highly advocated by Advanced Myotherapy ….thanks for the inspiration Advanced Myotherapy…..although I am aging I get much more out of my body than ever before!”  – Cindy James

 

Headaches / Migraines

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What causes headaches?
If you suffer from headaches / migraines, a myotherapy checkup is a step in the right direction. Myotherapy’s drug free treatments have helped millions of headaches sufferers over the years. Myotherapists treat the root causes of spinal nerve root compression, that has an incredibly debilitating effect on the body. It affects millions of people and is very much an epidemic. When spinal compression is corrected the body functions more efficiently to use its natural abilities to regenerate itself. 

There are a variety of causes to headaches, which left untreated can lead to persistent problems and pain.  From strong smells to intense lights, sinus congestion, high blood pressure, dental problems, drugs, poor vision, diet, tension, stress and dehydration – headaches are a symptom of nerve compression and inflammation.

Treatment

The treatment for headaches depends on the cause.  A Headache arising from visual problems can often be cured by eye and posture exercises to increase blood flow and restore natural vision. An headache related to blocked sinus or ears is relieved by clearing the mucous and congestion. This is most often treated by a natural method known as “ear candling” and other complimentary treatments / remedies such as saunas and drinking lemon and salt water to break down the mucous. While headaches are often treated superficially with painkillers to dull the nerves and cover the symptoms, the cause mostly goes untreated. 

Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year on drugs from aspirin and panadole to prescription meds that may provide temporary desired relief, without the cause of the headache corrected. That’s why we may see millions of people swallowing pills for years, suffering with the (direct) effects of long-term medication, without improvement. It’s not a healthy way to live.

The Myotherapy Approach

Millions of headache sufferers are turning to the natural, drug free myotherapy approach to health. Myotherapists are the only specialist professionals who are trained to analyze and correct the musculoskeletal root causes of imbalance that can damage your nerves and cause spinal degeneration and nerve root compression, weakening your body and causing fatigue to set the stage for premature ageing and disease. If you would like to know more about how Myotherapy can help you overcome pain and suffering, click here.



The Ultimate Winter Self Care Guide

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As we settle into the crispy mornings of Winter’s cold, we share with you our Golden Rules to:

  • Avoid suffering with fatigue
  • Clear mucous build up & congestion
  • Build the immune system
These are 3 of the most powerful ways that you can prevent getting sick in the colder seasons and are the basic principles of health that form the foundation for having more energy for life!

Half way through 2012 already, consider this our guide to help you through to the warmer festive season with good health and vitality. Below we have our Top 5 Golden rules of Winter Self Care in each vital area of wellbeing. Consider these to be the Keys to unlocking your potential for energy this Winter.

5 Ways to: Avoid Suffering Fatigue & Congestion and Build the Immune System

1. Wake up to a Eucalyptus shower 

Enjoy the uplifting steam of Eucalyptus pure essential oil in your morning shower. Just put a few drops on the shower floor before turning on the taps. Do this every morning to help you wake up as Eucalyptus is incredibly stimulating for the senses and can help sharpen your awareness to kick start the day. This will also help prevent the common cold by clearing the sinus and respiratory system. Eucalyptus is also well known for it’s anti-bacterial properties, so will work wonders at keeping infection at bay.  


2. Stock up on Vitamin C! 

Nutrition is King when it comes to longevity! Avoid getting sick with quality plant food. Drink orange juice, squeeze lemon in your water and on your salads. Include citrus where ever and whenever you can. Citrus is one of Nature’s Golden secrets to sustaining life and building the immune system! In Winter we can often opt for the fast option of pre-cooked foods or take away but things like mashed potato, steamed vegies or a pumpkin soup can be so quick and simple to whip up and root vegies are incredibly grounding, which is perfect for the colder times. Include enough green vegies, nuts and natural salts in your diet and you will have plenty essential fatty acids and magnesium to keep you healthy and strong, not just through winter but all year long. 

3. Correct bad posture with healthy habits

Wind down at the end of each day with relaxing music and a good stretch to reverse bad posture and the shortening of muscles which create imbalances. Spend a good minute in each stretch to allow your muscles to fully release and bring blood flow to the areas. Circulation is vital especially in winter when it’s cold. It’s also the time when the body instinctively protects itself from the cold by tightening up. Avoid sleeping on your stomach which results in a twisted neck. Over time this causes problems and pain, along with rounded shoulders which fall forward and end up leading to the dreaded “hunch back”. 


4. Open your windows every day! 

If you find it too cold in Winter to keep a window or two open at all times, even just by a centre metre or so, then at least open them wide up for a few hours a day. If no where else, then you must do this for your bedroom, as you spend 8 hours every night there and over a week, that’s a lot of stale air in the lungs if not well circulated. Stale air will have you waking up tired where as fresh air keeps the respiratory system healthy and prevents breathing problems, chest infections, colds, flu and asthmatic vulnerability. 


5. Hydration linked to Longevity & Youth 

The most vital element in Nature is Water. “Drying is dying” and wrinkles are the first sign of dehydration. When we are born we are 90% water. As we grow into adults we are around 70% water and when we die, we remain around 50-60% water! So let that fact remind you to keep the fluids up and stay young! 


In Winter we tend to drink less water because we are cold, where as in Summer we are well aware of our thirst. The best way to keep balance in Winter is to keep warm and maintain healthy blood flow / circulation, so that we are drinking more. Movement generating heat in the body, so it’s even more important in Winter to keep up both exercise and fluids!