There are many misconceptions about massage therapy. The following outlines the basics of what I do as a practicing Remedial Massage Therapist.

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The vast majority of the work I do is therapeutic massage treating pain and injury. Remedial Massage Therapy is an assessment and treatment framework incorporating the fundamentals of Physiotherapy to assess posture, pain and injury. Fused with an understanding of the Eastern philosophy of energetic Qi flow, outcomes beyond expectation are achieved. Treatment is largely massage based to release tightness, strengthen weakness and promote circulation. My practice also includes Osteopathic Fascial Release techniques, Craniosacral Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medical practices of Cupping, Gua Sha and Dry Needling. By and large it is an overtly physical form of treatment.

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An increasingly important aspect of my work focuses on the effects of structural leg length discrepancies on pelvic posture which is the underlying cause for many lower limb, lumbro-sacral and spinal issues. It is always the right leg that is short. The two signature traits of a Short Right Leg are an elevated left hip and elevated right shoulder. This gave mother and child a greater chance of survival in prehistoric times...baby on left hip, bag over right shoulder and right arm free for work and defence. It was the most successful model. It is now a dominant genetic trait in Homo Sapiens. Compensating distortion through the pelvis for a structural leg length discrepancy is the underlying cause of many conditions. Medico's and therapists typically do not assess for it. In the presence of acute symptoms, a 3mm or 5mm heel lift frequently resolves issues and improves mobility.

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Remedial Massage and Myotherapy are the only forms of therapeutic massage treatment recognised by the Health Department and are typically covered as an extras item under Natural Therapies. I am a registered provider with all Health Funds and Workcover.

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Fusion of East and West

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I provide a fusion of Eastern philosophy and Western medical science able to resolve conditions not fully understood by conventional practitioners and for which they have poor treatment outcomes. This is more than the act of using a few Traditional Chinese Medical techniques. It is the understanding of energetic Qi flow in the body and it's contribution pain and dysfunction. In relation to physical therapy, the most common energetic principle at play is a proximal block at hip or shoulder having a distal effect on the limb.

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/fusion-of-east-west

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How I came to massage or "Problem in arm. Come from shoulder." 

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The story of how my ten year association with Professor Wong Lun OBE OAM, 10th dan Tang So Do, influenced me starts here.

 

https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/how-i-came-to-massage

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Short Right Leg Syndrome

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More complex discussions on the website cover Short Right Leg Syndrome and the resulting contra-lateral hip rotation, assessment of the Lumbro-Sacral Complex and consequent chronic tightness, pain and suffering this causes along the back line of the lower limbs...gluteal, hamstring, calf, achilles and and plantar fascia...plus effects above the waist from scoliosis. We all have a short right leg...it is an evolutionary adaptation that gave mother and child a greater chance of survival in prehistoric times. Mechanically, the short right leg optimises carrying baby on the left hip, freeing the strong right arm for work and defence. As we stiffen with age and lose the ability to walk like a cat, we bemoan the dysfunctional effects and wonder why we have a short right leg.

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/srls

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RSI and Carpal Tunnel

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Unconscious holding patterns and tightness through the torso and shoulder block energetic Qi flow to the upper limbs causing Repetitive Strain Injury and Carpal Tunnel.

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/shoulders-arms-1

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Lymphatic Drainage Case Study

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/lymphatic-drainage

 

A full Lymphatic Drainage session will take at least 90 minutes. However, it is not always necessary to do a full session where one limb only may be affected. For those that need Lymphatic Drainage it can be powerful and have a dramatic effect. The Lymphatic system can be blocked and this treatment clearing and promoting lymphatic drainage normalises function, improves immunity, known to reduce headache, malaise and fluid retention.

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Mr Australia Rubdown

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/sports-massage

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In relation to Sports Massage, I am experienced working on athletes of the highest standard. I have a massage routine called The Mr Australia Rubdown developed over a decade working on a now six time winner of the Mr Australia body building title...he came second in the 2019 IFBB world championships.. I have been a high performing athlete both as a youth and mature age veteran and have done sports massage treatments for cyclists, tennis and badminton players, runners, triathletes, gymnasts, divers, dancers, martial artists, yoga instructors and Army commandos. A dozen or more of these clients have represented their countries in international competition and the Olympics.

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Craniosacral Therapy and Fascial Release

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/cranio-sacral-therapy

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Simply put, Craniosacral Therapy is the release of fascial restrictions in the cranium, brain and spine. The effect of this treatment ultimately extends to the entire body. Using the lightest of touch, the degree of movement in these releases is mostly in the order of microns but to the practitioner it can feel like several millimetres of travel are achieved. In truth, at times I am not yet sure whether I am sensing movement or energetic pulses, barriers and waves. Outcome for the client/patient can be profound and even life changing. This work is carried out in concert with the Cranial Rhythm of expansion and contraction of the bones of the skull moving at a rate of approximately 5 to 6 cycles per minute. This action is thought to be associated with the mechanism of Spino-Cerebral Fluid production and distribution but there are energetic life forces rhythmically at work here too.

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The same technique used for the gentlest of releases in Craniosacral Therapy are used treating limbs, torso and major joints of the body. Indirect Fascial Release comes from the practice of Osteopathy. As with Craniosacral Therapy, wrapping my head around Indirect Fascial Release and learning to incorporate into Remedial practice took several years. It is now a component of all treatments I carry out dealing with long held unconscious holding patterns. 

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Wholistic Massage Therapy

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https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/wholistic-massage-therapy

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Relaxation practice on my table has advanced beyond basic training.

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"The physical facilitates the emotional. Tension blocks energetic Qi flow affecting circulation…leading to stagnation and pain. Rhythmic massage softens physical tightness, reduces blood pressure, activates the parasympathetic nervous system enabling energy to move once again. Energy and emotion are tied together residing in our physical being. Good energy from positive experience buoys us up. Bad energy from trauma is black, heavy and needs to be cleared."

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You will find considerable material on my FB page Massage Works Dandenong Ranges and website of the same name. Should you have any questions, please ask.

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Thankyou

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Simon Crittenden
Remedial Massage Therapist
Member of Massage & Myotherapy Australia

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Massage Works Dandenong Ranges
18 First Ave, Cockatoo  VIC  3781

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mbl 0416 268 255