Trigger Point Clinic

Myotherapy

As a registered and highly qualified myotherapist with extensive experience, Ian has sound knowledge and understanding of the causes, pathology, and management of musculoskeletal conditions.

He treats clients with problems such as, but not limited to:

• Back and neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Shoulder problems including rotator-cuff syndrome
• Tension headaches
• Work-related Injuries
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems leading to clicking or pain of the jaw
• Overuse injuries such as tennis elbow
• Muscle sprains

Trigger-point therapy

Trigger points are small, painful sites in muscles. The origin of the pain in one part of the body can trigger referred pain elsewhere. Trigger-point therapy aims to improve the circulation and mobility of the origin muscle point to assist healing and reduce pain. Manual trigger-point therapy is applied with the therapist’s fingers to mobilise the soft tissues, the muscle and connective tissues over and around the trigger point.

Dry needling

This modality involves the application by the myotherapist of sterile disposable needles to improve circulation to a trigger point. Sometimes dry needling and manual trigger-point therapy are used in combination.

Myofascial release

Myofascial tissue is the web of connective tissue that lies within parts of a muscle, between different muscles and between muscles and bone. Myofascial release is the application of stretches or pressure to myofascial tissue around a trigger point or between muscles.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

If you have experienced symptoms such as pain or clicking in your jaw or pain during eating, Ian can manage your TMJ condition. Treatment techniques include trigger-point therapy to the soft tissues that cover the TMJ.

Headache and neck pain

Chronic headache and/or neck pain can be debilitating, interfering with daily life and sleep. Myotherapy management involves a full assessment of the origin and presentation of the pain, and therapies including trigger point therapy and remedial massage.

Remedial Massage

In the caring and experienced hands of Ian Schmulian myotherapist and remedial massage therapist Caulfield, clients with soft tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments) injuries and chronic pain have been managed with a range of remedial massage techniques. The benefits of remedial massage include stimulating blood flow to the area, improving muscle flexibility and joint mobility, and facilitating recovery of soft tissues.

There are differences but some overlap between remedial massage and sports massage, deep-tissue massage and myotherapy.

Sports massage comprises a range of massage techniques used to treat sports injuries but is primarily utilised before sport or exercise to improve performance and stamina and reduce the risk of injury.

Whereas remedial massage comprises a variety of massage techniques, deep-tissue massage is the use of deep massage strokes to an area affected by injury or chronic pain.

Myotherapy uses a broader range of therapies that include various forms of massage such as manual trigger-point therapy, and other modalities such as dry needling.

Ian aims to work within his client’s comfort levels but occasionally during remedial massage there may be tenderness or discomfort. If discomfort might be expected from a particular technique, he will inform you in advance, otherwise it is important to report any discomfort during treatment straight away so that the technique may be modified appropriately.

Pregnancy Massage

During that special time in a woman’s life, pregnancy massage is administered to assist women who are experiencing joint and muscle pain as a result of their changing shape and posture, and increased laxity of soft tissues. Massage is also beneficial in promoting circulation and fostering relaxation and sounder sleep. Massage can be a gentle and safe alternative to other forms of treatment during pregnancy, but the massage must be administered by a trained professional who knows which areas are safe to massage and ensure that the client’s doctor has been consulted about any risk factors. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Lymphoedema is the build-up of fluid in the lymph vessels in the arms or legs, or sometimes other parts of the body, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Lymphoedema may result from the removal or damage to lymph nodes from surgery or radiation therapy respectively, in the treatment for cancer. MLD is one of a range of techniques to manage lymphoedema, and consists of gentle strokes along the swollen area to encourage the flow of lymph back to the nearest functioning lymph node. The regime should be devised by a qualified lymphoedema practitioner.

Swedish Massage Technique – Effleurage

Effleurage comprises light stokes to the superficial muscles and other soft tissues. Effleurage may be used at the beginning and end of a massage session or between various massage techniques to promote relaxation, stimulate blood flow and warm up the area of the body.

Swedish Massage Technique – Stroking

Stroking techniques and benefits are similar to effleurage with the following differences: With effleurage the therapist’s hand pressure may vary but contact is maintained throughout and follows the direction of blood flow of the veins or lymph vessels. In contrast, during stroking the same pressure is maintained, the direction of the stroke may vary and the hands may be removed and returned to the area.

Swedish Massage Technique – Petrissage

Petrissage’s name originates from the French word for kneading. The massage is a deeper technique than effleurage and involves rhythmic kneading, rolling and clasping of superficial and deep muscles.

Swedish Massage Technique – Percussion

Percussion, as the name suggests, involves rhythmic tapping motions with cupped hands, the side of the hand, or the fists. These techniques help stimulate blood flow and invigorate muscles