Archive for category Remedial Massage

Whether you seek relief from chronic pain, assistance in injury rehabilitation, or wish to unwind after a busy work week or weekend of sport, you’ll be delighted to meet The Alignment Studio’s latest recruit, Olivia Hawthorne.

A skilled and caring remedial massage therapist, Olivia has recently relocated from South Australia to Melbourne to build on her qualifications by completing an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy at the Melbourne Institute of Massage Therapy & Myotherapy. Dedicated to continuous learning, she is deeply committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements to deliver exceptional care to her clients – and we can’t wait for you to experience the benefits of her therapeutic touch!

To learn about Olivia’s journey into allied health, her unique treatment approach, hobbies and hidden talents, read on.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST?

I first became interested in Massage Therapy as a modality to instantly impact people’s physical and emotional state of being. It’s also a field that has endless opportunities for learning about all facets of the body.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

Not as much as I am now! I always participated in sports in school and adopted a vegetarian diet quite early – but during the pandemic when the world embraced a more health-focused approach to living, so did I. At the end of the day, the quality of our physical and mental health is equivalent to our quality of life, making it a worthy investment.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

Having people notice the impact of my treatments on their mind and body and seeing them commit to their health by becoming regular clients.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DECISION TO STUDY MYOTHERAPY.

While working in my hometown, I became eager to achieve better results for my clients with more complex issues by expanding my scope of practice to include advanced techniques (such as dry needling), as well as more specific post-treatment advice.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE AREA OF MASSAGE?

In my work, I see a lot of people who suffer from the effects of prolonged sitting and working with screens – namely upper back and neck pain, headaches and migraines. Whilst this is the most common type of client, they are among the most rewarding to treat as I know how debilitating these effects can be if left unaddressed.

In addition to massage, I like to give these clients practical strategies they can implement to alleviate the underlying causes of their condition.

IS THERE ANYTHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT APPROACH? 

I enjoy the challenge of tailoring each treatment to individual clients. I do this by communicating with them about the exact nature of their pain or tension, their goals for the treatment and their likes and dislikes from past experiences.  

I also draw a lot from relaxation massage, even in remedial treatments, as it’s no secret that stress has a physiological impact on muscles – it’s not always ‘no pain, no gain’. I find I can use firmer pressure to target deeper tension when the client is well and truly relaxed.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU WISH CLIENTS LISTENED TO?

You’ll get better results from each treatment if you commit to making changes to your lifestyle in between – like being more aware of your posture throughout the day or adopting a stretching routine. 

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL APPROACH TO WELLNESS?

My approach is quite simple. Whenever I feel off-kilter, I usually assess how well I am meeting my own basic needs – eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting quality sleep and exercising regularly. I never underestimate the power of switching off the phone and doing any sort of physical activity to get out of a mental rut.

Research also shows that the quality of our social connections correlates to the quality of our health, so I love to catch up with friends and family whenever possible. 

MY SECRET TALENT IS…

I’m not a bad artist! My favourite medium is drawing with ink, graphite and charcoal.

Book an appointment with Olivia online, or call reception on 9650 2220.

You’re stiff and sore, with chronic or acute pain, and you want to do something to relieve your discomfort and improve your mobility. But is it physiotherapy or remedial massage that will provide you with the greatest relief?

At The Alignment Studio, we believe both therapies are
equally beneficial – and very complementary; however, there are some cases
where physiotherapy is more appropriate than massage, and vice versa.

To help you book the right appointment, we asked Senior Physiotherapist Conor Brennan to explain the different applications and benefits of physiotherapy and remedial massage. Here’s what he had to say.

Physiotherapy Vs Remedial Massage

Physiotherapy involves the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries that result in pain, weakness, impaired mobility and function. After a thorough assessment and diagnosis has been made, your physio will utilise soft tissue techniques, dry needling, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, stretching and exercise prescription.

The final stage of recovery involves a solid rehabilitation program. This will focus both on strengthening the area and correcting the underlying muscle imbalances/asymmetries that have contributed to the injury. Clinical Pilates may be beneficial here.

Remedial massage, on the other hand, is a type of soft tissue treatment that is used to help treat soft tissues and help restore normal function. The aim of remedial massage is to decrease muscle tension and spasm, improve blood flow and circulation and promote healing. A remedial massage therapist will also prescribe stretches and advise you on the best management of your condition.

So, is physiotherapy or remedial massage for you?

So, which is the best treatment for your current condition – physiotherapy or remedial massage? The general rule of thumb is that when you are in acute pain or after an injury it is best to start with a physiotherapy assessment. Your physio will be equipped to correctly diagnose the injury and set up a thorough treatment and rehabilitation plan. This may include a mix of both physiotherapy and remedial massage, as well as clinical exercise.

However, if your pain is not sharp and you’re experiencing general
muscle soreness and tightness after exercise or work-related stress and tension,
remedial massage will be most beneficial. It is also a great option before a
sporting event or as regular maintenance to relieve tension, boost circulation,
improve recovery and maintain general mobility.

To recap, see a physio as your first step if you have:

• Acute or sudden pain
• A current injury
• A complicated injury history or recurring injuries
• Chronic, undiagnosed pain
• Postural issues
• An underlying health condition
• Recurring headaches
• Recently undergone orthopaedic/reconstructive surgery
• Balance and coordination problems
• A desire to enhance your sporting performance

A remedial massage is ideal if:

• You spend a lot of time seated
• You do a lot of computer work
• You’re stressed and tense
• You need a relaxing treatment
• You’re run down and often get sick
• You’re in training for a sports event
• You want to recover sooner between training sessions or after a sporting event
• You want to maintain your body

To get you on the road to recovery, book an appointment for remedial massage or physiotherapy in Melbourne CBD.

Image Source

Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but it can also take its toll on a woman’s body. At the same time, anxiety levels are often elevated, making stress management important. Regular massage can be particularly useful to alleviate this stress, while also having a host of other benefits. Read on to discover the many and varied reasons to include massage in your pregnancy self-care plan.

It can ease lower back pain

Hormones produced during pregnancy cause the pelvic ligaments to loosen and joints to open, which in turn places stress on weight bearing joints and structures. As a result, lower back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. By increasing blood flow to muscle groups and allowing them to work more efficiently, massage can help to alleviate pregnancy-related back pain.

And reduce fluid retention

You’ve no doubt had a pregnant friend complain about their swollen ankles, or experienced it yourself. This is due to the fact a woman’s blood volume can increase as much as 40-60% during pregnancy, placing an additional load on the lymphatic system and increasing fluid retention.

Stimulating the soft tissue during massage will help to reduce the collection of fluid and assist the lymphatic system to effectively remove fluid. Hence reducing any swelling.

Massage can relieve nerve pain & sciatica

As the baby grows, some women may experience sciatica – characterised by sharp pain from the lower back down the back of the thigh and lower limb to the foot. Releasing the surrounding muscles and massaging the glutes and lower limbs can alleviate the pressure caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve.

And alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome

Found on the palm-side of your wrist, the carpel tunnel houses several tendons and nerves that directly control your hands. Unfortunately, during pregnancy a large number of women will experience carpal tunnel syndrome due to excess fluid (oedema) in the wrists. As a result, they may experience pins and needles, numbness, and stiff, painful hands. Massage assists in moving the fluid and reducing muscular tenderness.

It can help with migraine & headache management

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to more frequent and intense migraines or headaches. By boosting circulation and reducing tension, massage can help relieve your pain.

It’s also very relaxing!

Not only is massage very relaxing, it is known to promote a good night’s sleep. Magic words for any mum-to-be!

You’ve no doubt heard of remedial, sports and deep tissue massage. But there’s a lesser-known type of massage therapy that has equally as many benefits – lymphatic drainage massage. Technically known as Manual Lymphatic Draining (MLD), this gentle rhythmic massage is used to activate a sluggish lymphatic system, and is beneficial for the management of many health conditions and injuries.

A healthy lymphatic system has numerous benefits, including more effective removal of waste and toxins from the body, stronger immunity, and regulation of fluid and pressure within the body (eg. reduced swelling).

Who is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Good for?

MLD is beneficial for a wide range of people. In fact, over 60 different ailments and conditions can be treated using MLD. These include:

• Pre-surgery
• Post-surgery
• Fluid retention
• After lymph node removal (eg. post-cancer treatment)
• Oedema
• Sports injuries
• Tendinitis
• Sinusitis
• Low immunity
• Migraine and Headaches
• PCOS and other women’s health issues
• Constipation/ digestive issues
• Cleansing of major organs
• Can improve scar tissue and reduce bruising

What does lymphatic drainage massage feel like?

MLD is a very gentle, relaxing treatment. Light, slow rhythmic circular movements using the finger tips are applied to the part of the body being treated, to gently push and stimulate lymph flow. The treatment can be performed with the patient wearing loose-fitting clothes, or via direct contact with skin draped with towels.

What are its major benefits?

Aside from reducing swelling and assisting in detoxification, MLD can boost immunity, reduce headaches, and assist in the management of PMS. And due to its slow, gentle movements, it is incredibly relaxing!

Are there any contraindications?

If you suffer from any of the following, please advise your therapist as MLD might not be suitable for you.

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Congestive heart problems
• Active blood clots, DVT
• Acute Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)
• Bronchial asthma
• Acute inflammation

After-care advice

Manual Lymphatic Drainage may cause blood pressure to drop, which may result in some light headedness and lethargy. Ensure you drink plenty of water to assist in flushing out toxins and to aid urination. Avoid hot baths and saunas for at least a few hours, and avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and alcohol for 24 hours.

Both of The Alignment Studio’s massage therapists have a special interest in lymphatic draining massage. Call now on 03 9650 2220 to make an appointment with Mariana or Sana today.

The Alignment Studio’s Clinical Remedial Massage Therapist, Sana Kurban, has been an integral part of the (Collins Place Physio, now Alignment Studio) team for over 13 years. Sana works closely alongside our physiotherapists to treat postural conditions, headaches, sports injuries and more.

How long have you been in the massage industry?

Including from completing my Certificate IV, 15 years. I started with Collins Place Physio straight after finishing my diploma. It’s all in the timing!

Why did you decided to pursue a career in remedial massage?

I’ve always had people-focused jobs, and have always enjoyed the benefits myself of receiving remedial massage treatments. It seemed a natural choice.

What techniques do you include in your treatments?

I use deep tissue massage, trigger point, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, soft tissue release techniques, cupping, dry needling, stretching. I also prescribe exercises to counteract the stresses clients put on their bodies.

What’s your area of specialty? Your favourite technique?

I enjoy the variety, and work with what I feel is the best technique for each particular client. I get good results dealing with the postural issues that are commonly presenting in the clinic. In a clinical setting like The Alignment Studio, our massage therapists work in conjunction with the other practitioners, as a team to provide the best overall result for our clients.

Who is your typical client?

Busy, corporate, active, stressed, overworked.

Why is regular massage important?

Regular massage can prevent chronic conditions from setting in – the client becomes more aware of what they are doing to add to their discomfort, and learns what they can do to prevent it chronically reoccurring. Massage keeps the body in optimal condition and prevents injury.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Clients come in feeling pain and leave feeling good.

What is the one piece of advice you’d most like your clients to listen to?

I enjoy it when clients take postural and exercise advice and are able to manage their condition without always relying on a quick fix from me. I like to empower them to take control of their situation.

What do you do in your spare time?

Eating, cooking, wine, keeping fit, art, reading, family, friends, gardening and enjoying our new house in Northcote!

Book you next remedial massage appointment with Sana here.

As a remedial massage therapist, I am a firm believer in the importance of regular remedial massage to counterbalance today’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle. The best way to explain this is to compare your body to your car. Regular servicing and tune ups are the easiest way to ensure your vehicle doesn’t conk out altogether. Causing you more expense, and a massive headache, in the long run.

Why Remedial Massage?

I understand first-hand that sedentary lifestyles are often unavoidable. In my previous job, I’d often find my ears hiked up around my shoulders at the end of a long, desk-bound day. So, even before I changed careers, I was an advocate of regular tune ups. They’re something I still enjoy, and my body definitely sees the benefits of regular remedial massage.

Today, there is a real temptation to spend more time glued to a screen than getting outside and moving our bodies. Obviously, a healthy diet and exercise are both vital to feel great. However, to get the most out of a new exercise or strengthening program, it’s essential to first release any tension or tightness.

Having an understanding of how different parts of the body work in tandem is key to overcoming painful movement patterns. Think about sitting. When you spend long periods of time sitting, at a desk or driving, the hip flexors become short and tight, while the glute muscles ‘switch off’ and become long and weak. When you stand up, your brain finds other muscles to enlist to compensate for the lack of glute activation. When one structure is over working, this automatically affects other structures above and below.

Think now of your upper body. When you’re lugging around a bag or have a phone tucked under your ear your upper traps become overworked and tight, and your lower traps become weak. All of which leads to tightness and discomfort in the shoulders and neck. Over time, these become learned positions, contributing to pain, dysfunction and a reduced range of movement.

Who Is Remedial Massage Suited To?

Whether you’re in training, suffering from headaches, recovering from surgery or just looking to switch off and pamper yourself, massage is a great way to relieve tension and discomfort. At The Alignment Studio, I take a holistic approach to treating clients and use treatment methods tailored to individual needs.

I encourage you to book a remedial massage in our Melbourne CBD physio clinic today, and start experiencing the many benefits of a regular tune up! I look forward to welcoming you in the clinic.

Mariana Stamatopoulos,
Remedial Massage Therapist, The Alignment Studio

Regular massage might seem like a luxury, but here at The Alignment Studio we believe it’s an important tool for functioning at your very best. We offer remedial massage to reduce pain and muscular tension, and support the body’s repair process. But that’s not all massage does! Here are seven benefits of massage that you might not know about.

1. You’ll Sleep Better

The health benefits of sufficient sleep are well documented – think enhanced energy, concentration and mood – while sleep deprivation is considered risky business. Thankfully, massage has been shown to help manage insomnia and other sleep disorders by increasing those all-important serotonin levels.

2. And Catch Fewer Colds

Catch every bug that’s going round? Remedial Massage Therapist Mariana Stamatopoulos recommends hitting the massage table, especially as we approach a change in seasons. Why? “Massage stimulates your lymphatic system, which can help boost your immunity,” she says.

3. You’ll Ace That Crossword

If you want to sharpen up, massage can help beat the brain fog! As well as relaxing the mind and body, massage has been shown to improve mental alertness and concentration.

4. And Better Manage Anxiety Or Depression

Massage is also beneficial for those struggling with anxiety or depression. It can offer some sweet relief by reducing the stress hormone, cortisol, while increasing serotonin and dopamine. A Prevention article reveals, “A review of more than a dozen massage studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine concludes that massage therapy relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. In a series of studies including about 500 men, women, and children with depression or stress problems, researchers measured the stress hormone cortisol in participants before and immediately after massage and found that the therapy lowered levels by up to 53%.”

5. You’ll Be More Flexible

By improving circulation and reducing muscle tightness, massage increases your range of motion. Not only will you feel great as you’re able to move more freely, you’ll also significantly reduce your chances of injury.

6. With Fewer Headaches

A poorly designed work station plus endless hours of screen time can send you reaching for the Nurofen! Massage is a natural way to relieve the neck, back and shoulder tightness that frequently causes headaches.

7. And Healthier Blood Pressure

We’re busier than ever, so it’s important we take some time to manage stress. Various studies have shown relaxation massage to be useful in reducing stress-related hypertension (high blood pressure).

The Alignment Studio is your one-stop shop for physiotherapy and remedial massage in Melbourne CBD. BOOK YOUR NEXT MASSAGE APPOINTMENT with us now!

NB: Always tell your massage therapist about any pre-existing health conditions, as some techniques may be more suitable than others.