Treatment for Lower Back Pain Often pain medication is the first option people think about when treating back pain to get quick relief. This may be fine for short term, however until the cause is addressed and treated, the symptoms will continue to appear.

There are many different options for treating back pain, and depending on the cause, a combination of different therapies may be required. Since everybody is different, what works for one person may not work for the next, so it is important to find what works for you.

Trigger Points in Lower Back

Myotherapy is extremely helpful in reducing pain and tension through the body, as when muscles are tight, they can affect posture, and therefore tension throughout the whole body. Tightness through the psoas, quads, rectus abdominus, gluts and diaphragm tend to be muscles that are neglected in treating lower back pain. Working through these soft tissues with your Myotherapy can bring about great results, even after one session.

Risk factors for developing lower back pain

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing back pain, or aggravate it once you have it, including:

• Being stressed or anxious
• Poor posture
• Standing, sitting or bending down for long periods
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads that are too heavy, or going about these tasks in the wrong way
• Having a trip or a fall
• Being overweight
• Weak core muscles
• Wearing incorrect shoes
• Sleeping on a mattress that is not suitable for you body
• See also causes

Self Care for Lower Back Pain  If you are suffering lower back pain, these are some of the things that your myotherapist can recommend to you to help, it if you can’t see a Health Professional straight away.

• Cool or Heat Therapy. Ice is best in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury because it reduces inflammation. After 48 hours, you can switch to heat which will help to relax the muscles, as well as providing some pain relief. Whether you use heat or ice — take it off after about 20 minutes to give your skin a rest. If pain persists, talk with your myotherapist.

• Natural Pain Relieving Gels. Sombra is a fast acting natural pain relieving gel that brings temporary relief to lower back pain and other forms of pain.

• Keep moving. As much as you may not feel like it, it is important to keep moving – keep doing your daily activities where possible. Moving will stop muscles and joints from stiffening up, which will only make the pain or discomfort worse. Only do what you can, don’t overdo it. Gentle movement such as walking and swimming are great ways to keep mobile. As you get better, increase your activity levels and your myotherapist will recommend exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your spine, pelvis and core muscles, as this will increase your back support.

• Stretch. Gentle stretching can really help your muscles to stay flexible and can help to reduce tightness. If you are sitting a lot, getting up to stretch your legs is important as inactivity (especially sitting for long periods) will only make your back pain worse. Or you can also try sitting on a firm chair instead if your soft couch.
• Watch your posture. Slumping makes it harder for your back to support your weight. Be especially careful of your posture when lifting heavy objects. Never bend over from the waist. Instead, bend and straighten from the knees.

Call your doctor if:

• You have weakness or numbness in your legs, or you have trouble standing or walking.
• You lose control over your bowels or bladder.
• Your low back pain is severe, doesn’t go away after a few days, or it hurts even when you’re at rest or lying down.

These could be signs of a nerve problem or other medical condition.

Preventing Lower Back Pain

It is good to take note of what you have been doing (or not doing!) that affects your back pain. Some ways to prevent lower back pain include:

• Sleep. Sleeping on your side with a good mattress and good pillow, making sure to alternate sides. Preventing Lower Back Pain
  

• Posture. Good posture is vital to minimising back problems.

• Shoes. Avoid wearing high heels, wear comfortable and supportive shoes to help maintain good posture.

• Get bodywork. Myotherapy is a great way to keep your musculoskeletal system in balance, which can prevent you getting back problems. Your Myotherapist will give you specific strengthening and stretching exercises to bring balance back to your body.

• • Think ergonomically. Design your workspace so you don’t have to hunch forward to see your computer monitor or reach way out for your mouse. Use a desk chair that supports your lower back and allows you to keep your feet on the floor.
  • Stop Smoking.  Smoking can increase your risk for osteoporosis of the spine and other bone problems. Osteoporosis can in turn lead to compression fractures of the spine.
  • Watch your weight. Use diet and exercise to keep your weight within a healthy range for your height. Being overweight puts excess stress on your spine.
  • Wallets. Removing your wallet from your back pocket can alleviate some stress on the back.
  • Nutritional Supplements. Fish oil and magnesium tablets can help with back pain.

Lower back pain does not have to take over your life. In many cases, there are ways to get the help and support you need, if you choose to find it. If you are suffering from lower back pain, why not try Myotherapy and see for yourself how it can help you. You can make a booking online or you can call us on 9440 9453.

Can you believe that it’s nearly Christmas? This year has gone so quickly!

We wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU for supporting us at inner outer health! We wish you an abundant and joyous Christmas, filled with lots of delicious food, drink and happy family time! As you reflect on your 2013, what were some of the times you are most grateful for experiencing? Have you had some interesting adventures or learning curves? Coming into the new year, we hope that you can enjoy a break and have some relaxation time.

Now, in case you are in need of some looking after during Christmas, we WILL be open right up until 3.30pm on Christmas Eve! Remember you can book online anytime. Check out our trading hours below in case you wish to book in over Christmas. Please note that we will CLOSE for the first week of January, and will be back in 2014 from Monday 6th January.

Gift Vouchers

Stuck for a gift idea? We offer Gift Vouchers for any of our services, products or you can give a specific amount for them to put toward a gift of their choosing. All vouchers are valid for 6 months! Gift Vouchers are available for purchase at reception, as well as instant electronic vouchers online. Just look for the round icons shown below on the homepage at either www.innerouterhealth.com.au or www.floatationtankmelbourne.com.au

Reminder about our Cancellation Policy

At inner outer health, our main priority and passion is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the high level of care and service provided. We appreciate that circumstances may arise in which you are unable to keep your  appointment, (especially around this busy time of year!). In the event that you need to cancel your appointment, we require at least 24 hours notice.

A cancellation fee of 50% of the session fee may be charged if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice. If you fail to arrive for your session, you will be charged the full price for your missed appointment. We thank you for your understanding.

Christmas Trading Hours

Tue 24 December                   8:00am – 3:30pm

Wed 25 December            CLOSED

Thu 26 December             CLOSED

Fri 27 December                     8:00am – 7.00pm

Sat 28 December                    8:00am – 4.30pm

Sun 29 December                   8:00am – 4.30pm

Mon 30 December                  8:00am – 7.00pm

Tue 31 December                   8:00am – 3:30pm

Wed 1 January                  CLOSED

Re-opening on Monday 6 January 2014

We look forward to seeing you in the new year and hope that 2014 brings you good health, happiness and prosperity!

Life lead me to a path without me being consciously aware of it at the time until my clients or people I come into contact with start to asked me Why did I decide to be a Myotherapist? At the time I didn’t realise that people can have such a direct or indirect influence on you consciously. I certainly didn’t know until later on in my life when I looked back and now sharing my story with you right now.

In 1994, I was in Year 12; it was that time of the year where I had to select courses to enrol for university next year. I remember overhearing a student I knew in the court yard during lunch break speaking to another student about Myotherapy. I distinctly heard her say how hard it was to get into Myotherapy. So I am not sure if it was the word ‘Myotherapy’ that interested me or the fact it was ‘hard to get into’. At that time RMIT only took 50 students a year and there was only one school that taught Myotherapy to my knowledge then. The preferences I chose was Human Movement, Physical Education, Myotherapy in that order and Food Technology my last preference as I had no idea what courses I wanted to put. I didn’t get in to either of the courses as I didn’t have the prerequisites but did Physical Education which gave me 10% bonus points.

In 1995 I got into my last preference Advanced Diploma Food Technology and was not happy and lasted about two weeks and left. I did some research and found out that I needed to do VCE Biology to get into those courses and thought what the hell I might as well do VCE Human Development as another subject at Preston Tafe which is now known as NMIT. At the same time I was studying and working at Kmart 15 hours a weeks in the ladies wear department.  I then decided I would do the Fitness Instructor course at the same time to help me get into my course preferences and to show my initiative and enthusiasm.

For me to become fully qualified I was required to do 120 hours of practical training to be qualified 40 hours water aerobics, 40 hours exercise to music and 40 hours of resistance training.  As a participate I joined up at a gym locally – Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre and started to do my hours there as well as other fitness centres and boutique studios around Melbourne.

For months I participate in aerobic at Ivanhoe Aquatic and fitness centre I finally had the courage to introduce myself to Vicki who was a well respected fitness instructor. She later took me under her wings and became my training mentor.  I later discover through our conversations she completed her Physical Education degree at RMIT and taught Kineslogy at RMIT in the city campus to Myotherapy students at the course I had recently applied. I told her my story like I have with you and she recommended that I write at the top of the form I had an interview the previous year. By having an interview the first time was important as it showed they were keen.

I applied for Myotherapy the second time in 1995 and got an interview which was important at that time to get an interview for the course but didn’t get in. As you do I was really felt disappointed and didn’t want to give up. I still don’t know why but I guess I had to keep trying.

The following year 1996 I then did a Sports Nutrition Course at NMIT and continued my hours to become a qualified fitness instructor. I Applied for the Myotherapy the third time, had an interview and FINALLY got in after three attempts. What a relief!

Six months into my Myotherapy course I went to work at a health club at the time it was called Queens Park Health Club in the Melbourne CDB as a massage therapist. I was not allowed to call myself a Myotherapist until I graduated but used all the techniques I practised in class at work. For over four years I worked at other myotherapy clinic and at the same time I taught aerobics, aqua, circuit, did a small stint of personal training and did some gym work at different health clubs around Melbourne. At the same time I worked amongst physiotherapist, chiropractors, myotherapists, Pilate’s instructors, and personal trainers. It took me five years to complete my Myotherapy course at the same time I was studying and working. I officially became a fully qualified Myotherapist in 2001 nine years later and still loving what I do and have my own private practise.

Why do you think I am telling you this story?

Persistence is very important in life especially once it come to your health. People give up too quickly and the secret is to keep trying until you find something that works and makes a difference. You are already there it only a matter of time and you never know who you are talking to or overhearing a conversation like I did when I was considering what I wanted to do in my life. Listening and asking the right questions can simple be a solution to your health problems.

I look forward to hearing your story.

A Melbourne Myotherapist explains...

An explanation of myotherapy by Inner Outer Health, in Bellfield, Melbourne-based myotherapist, providing treatments for neck and lower back pain, tennis elbow, muscle tightness, sport injuries and restricted movement.

Myotherapy

Do you suffer from any aches, pain, muscle spasm or injuries? Are you looking for myotherapist, sports massage, remedial massage, deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, dry needling or trigger point therapy in Melbourne?

Myotherapy can help to reduce:

• Lower back pain

• Neck pain

• Headaches, migraine

• Tennis elbow

• Muscle spasm

• Muscle tightness and fatigue

• Sports injuries

• Restricted movement

• Incorrect posture