Luke Apollonio in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Therapist

Luke Apollonio

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9836 7000

Address: 467 Whitehorse Road Balwyn 3103 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.balwynsportsphysio.com.au

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25.01.2022 Does stretching actually have any effect on recovery and injury prevention??? A common occurring question that gets asked is; does performing a stretch have any affect on recovery and injury prevention? There are a lot of articles and journals concluding for both sides of the question, that stretch does and does not have any effect. As such I can only offer my own professional opinion. ... I am a big believer in performing stretching post exercise or end of day to aid in the decrease of tension for recovery and prevention of injury. As to what stretch works best, whether it be static or dynamic stretching, is for another discussion. Stretching post exercise aids in lengthening the muscles, allows your heart rate to slow down, restores normal breathing rates. Stretching post exercise will also give you a sense of flexibility in certain regions of the body and can even aid in the reduction of DOMS.

22.01.2022 Which is the right pillow for me??? Sleep is the single most important aspect to your recovery from work, gym and life. Having the right support for your neck and head is vital in a good night sleep. With hundreds of different brands and types of pillows out on the market, ranging from your Kmart special $20 pillow to your more exclusive $200 pillow; how do you know which pillow is best for you?... What you should be looking for in a pillow, is a pillow that offers support to the neck and head, while trying to keep your head, neck and spine in an aligned position. At my clinic at Balwyn Sports Physiotherapy Centre (BSPC) we sell Therapeutic Pillows Australia branded pillows which is an Australian owned and run company. Here at BSPC we offer our clients the option of trying a pillow out for a couple of nights before the decide on purchasing one. For any questions on the pillows we sell at BSPC please feel free to call our knowledgeable reception staff on 9836 7000 who will eagerly answer any questions you have. (Imaged sourced from Therapeutic Pillows Australia)

22.01.2022 What is a Trigger Point??? Have you heard your myotherapist talk about trigger points, but they either havent explained what they are or not sure what a trigger point is? Let me explain. The old common terminology would have described or called a trigger point, a knot or pressure point. Where a trigger point actually is an irritated grouping of muscle fibers within a muscle. Everybody has them; some are just more active than others!... So how do myotherapists treat trigger points? The best way in which a trigger point is treated is via compression. Normally a myotherapist will provide a firm and general compression to the area of the trigger point, the compression onto the irritated muscle fibers allows them to break up and elevates the tension. Trigger point therapy is just another technique that is used within a treatment. *(imaged sourced from Travell and Simons).

22.01.2022 Need to get rid of that midweek tension??? Luke has two appointments left available for today! To book an appointment for 5pm or 6pm at Lukes Balwyn Clinic call (03) 9836 7000.

21.01.2022 How good are wheat bags!!! As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts. The body loves heat; heat helps creates a perfect enviroment for the body to repair itself. Wheat bags are an awesome tool that can be used anywhere and at anytime in keeping an area of the body warm. They are perfect for use at the office, for long drives, or even at home. Wheat bags come in all different sizes and shapes, they can help reduce and relax muscle and joint soreness, headaches, tension ...in muscles and can even help stimulate local blood flow. After a long day of treating, I use them to help aid with relaxing my neck and shoulder muscles. However just be careful with wheat bags, make sure to avoid placing him directly on the skin and always follow their instructions regarding heating them in the microwave.

21.01.2022 When should I use ice over using heat??? There is a lot of debate on the issue of heat vs cold treatments for injuries and for recovery. There are numerous journals and articles stating one is better than the other and some articles stating neither work at all. However the question I always put to the client asking is what are you using it for and what outcome do you want to achieve?... Both ice and heat are great aids for use in the right circumstances. This is when i use both substances to aid me in injuries and recoveries. You want to use ice in the first 24 to 48 hours of an injury. Ice is used in this time as it helps inhibit pain that you are experiencing by numbing the area and limits swelling to the affected area. However, ice also slows down the recovery period of the affected area, by limiting the amount of swelling to an area. Swelling is actually not a bad thing, it is the bodies natural response to when it sustains an injury. The draw back to swelling is that it constrictions moveability. This is why we only use ice for a very acute stage in the recovery process. Heat is generally applied post the sub acute stage of the injury; that 24 to 48 hour period. The body loves heat; it creates and ideal environment for the body to repair itself. Heat can help reduce the sensation of pain, can assist with keeping you mobile and according to some studies can also speed up the recovery process. They key point with both ice and heat is that when applying these treatments to always avoid applying them to bare skin, both ice and heat can burn the skin. Always make sure that you have an aspect of clothing or fabric to avoid any burns.

17.01.2022 Have that headache that just wont go away??? A condition that myotherapy has a lot of success with is tension type headaches. Unfortunately headaches occur far to frequently for people today. With the majority of us working longer hours and are having more demands placed on us, a recipe for headaches is created.... But headaches arent just formed from work stresses. A large factor is the posture of your shoulders and neck as well as your intake of fluids, mainly water. How myotherapy can help with headaches, is in assisting in the decreasing of tension in your shoulder and neck muscles, allowing your muscles to relax and give you the ability to get back to a normal movement and posture. For any questions regarding headaches, dont hesitate to call or message.

17.01.2022 Frequent flyer??? Heres an interesting summary on a study of compression socks for plane trips.

17.01.2022 Just finished reading the book "your bodys many cries for water", an interesting read in which the author Dr. F Batmanghelidj discusses how in todays modern day the availability and variety of drinks is replacing the opportunity for people to drink water, resulting in people become chronically dehydrated and developing conditions relating to hypertension, headaches and fatigue! A book worth a read!!!

16.01.2022 Some interesting facts about foam rolling!!!

16.01.2022 Myofascial Dry Needling Myofascial dry needling (MDN) is a great tool that every myotherapist likes to use. I have a lot of clients ask, how does it work and what is dry needling good for? To understand the benefits of dry needling you first have to understand what is going on. MDN is a treatment technique whereby a sterile solid, single-use, fine filament needle is inserted into the muscle to assist with decreasing of tension and improving function through the release of my...ofascial trigger points. Why this technique is so effective is that it allows the therapist the ability to treat a focused area of tension, getting almost instant relief. MDN can be used on a range of disorders from plantar fasciitis to tension type headaches. If MDN is a technique that you have always wanted to try. Book in a session with Luke who can confidently take you through a session.

15.01.2022 RockBlades, an awesome tool!!! RockBlades are a really handy instrument that as a myotherapist i love to use in my treatments. RockBlades allows me to break up fascia/connective tissue, increase blood flow to the area, and release tension in the surrounding area with little to no pressure felt by the client.... They are just another awesome tool in a therapists tool-bag.

13.01.2022 Do i really need to drink 6 glasses of water a day??? Certainly not. In short there is no exact number out there in the world stating how many liters or glasses you have to consume to stay hydrated, mainly because ever single person is different. In saying that, the world we live in now is very much one that actually encourages (not directly) dehydration.... With advertisements on t.v., radio, and newspapers for coffee, teas, soft drinks, alcohol, sports drinks and energy drinks, as a society we are being geared away from water and towards fluid replacements. So how much water should you drink? In my opinion, you can never drink enough or too much water. When you are constantly drinking water you are less likely to receive headaches, you will tend to recover faster from gym workouts and generally feel a lot more positive. So when your not sure what to drink, just go a nice glass of H20!!!

10.01.2022 Its quite simple... just keep moving!!! The number one advice I give to my clients who ask "what can i do to help keep tension at bay?" Its always, get outside and go for a walk! Our bodies are designed to move, not to be so sedentary.... So if you feel a headache coming on, or have spent all day in front of the computer, have a glass of water and head out for a 30 min walk. It will work wonders!!!

10.01.2022 Why do we seek treatment? Ultimately its to decrease and get rid of pain. Its also so we can get back on the court and get back to what we enjoy. Just like these players at Mazenod Volleyball Club.

09.01.2022 Text Neck Syndrome More and more I am seeing my clients presenting with symptoms of Text Neck Syndrome. With people spending more time on their phones and laptops, constantly looking down at an electronic screen and staying put in the one position for hours on end, symptoms such as headaches, sharp pains in the neck and general shoulder tension are becoming all too common. So whats the best way to combat it???... Clients constantly ask me how they can keep these symptoms at bay, and the answers I give them arent all that hard to do. Follow these few steps and you can keep these symptoms at bay; 1. Look up! Create the habit of lifting your phone, rather than dropping your head. 2. Rotate and Bend. The neck and head love to move in all directions and angles. If you know your going to be in front of your phone or laptop for a few hours, set an alarm every 20mins or so to remind you to move! 3. Be aware of your posture. Being aware of an overly poor posture is half the battle, when you become are of rolled in shoulders, a hunched back and downwards facing head you will naturally try to correct it. 4. Stay Hydrated. Keeping well hydrated will help keep your joints and muscles well lubricated. And finally. 5. Heat. At the end of a busy long day get a heat pack out and whack it on. The body and muscles love heat. It will help! But of course the best way to get rid of these symptoms is to book in for a treatment!!!

09.01.2022 Pain... what is it telling me??? There is many different forms of pain that you can experience, and none of them should be ignored! Pain is the alarm system of the body, imagine red lights flashing and sirens howling. When you are experiencing aspects of pain, your body is trying to tell you that something, somewhere in the body is not performing correctly, might be slightly damaged, or is not been used properly.... There are many different forms of pain and each sensation can help describe the source of the pain; such forms can be, a burning sensation, a sharp stabbing pain, and deep throbbing sensation, numbness, pins and needles sensation and so on. If you are experiencing any form of pain, dont ignore it, do something about it!!! A myotherapist treatment can help reduce your pain sensation and get you back moving.

08.01.2022 What is Myotherapy??? A common question I get asked by first time clients and the general public is..."what is myotherapy?" An allied health modality, not as well known as physiotherapy and osteopathy, myotherapy is a practice that performs evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal discomfort and associated conditions.... A myotherapist can incorporate in their treatment; massage, myofascial dry needling, cupping, trigger point therapy, stretching, taping and much, much more. For any questions about myotherapy and what a myotherapist could do for you, click on that messenger button and send them through!

07.01.2022 Heat creams, do they actually work??? There is a lot of conjecture on the benefits of heat creams, on whether they actually work and if so how effective they are! As with all my posts, I am only giving my own accord on the matter, as I have no scientific knowledge on them, just my own professional experience and use.... If heat creams are being used for the right reasons than they most certainly do work and help. People using them and expecting the cream to help fix whatever issue is ailing them will find little help with creams. Heat creams are meant to be used as an aid, with the intention in helping null, to a certain point, the pain, and help with sustaining increased move-ability or range of motion. Expecting any more than that than you are wasting you time and money. As to which heat cream is better, that comes down to personal choice and price. Each brand has their own advantages and benefits. I tend to use Premax and Deep Heat creams!

07.01.2022 Need some advice on whether to book in for a Myo or Physio treatment??? The eager and friendly reception staff at BSPC can confidently answer any questions you have! All you need to do is call...03 9836 7000

07.01.2022 Find Your Happy Space!!! The Victorian Government is running a great campaign at the moment encouraging people to get out or find a space that is personal to them in which they can take a moment, a day, or a weekend to breath. With our lives filled with emails, social media, meeting and deadlines, it is so important to take that moment to breath. Mine is volleyball, it gives me that chance to relax and take a breathe.... Find yours and visit the website to learn more!!! https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/your-happy-space

06.01.2022 Myofascial Cupping!!! Myofascial cupping is an amazing tool that myotherapists like to use. The reasoning why this technique is so impressive in what it does, is because it can easily break up the stored tension in the fascia (connective tissue) and muscles with very little discomfort to the client. Myofascial cupping is an excellent tool to help with the decrease in stiffness around your major joints like your hips, shoulders and lower back. Used constantly by elite athletes... in the aid of quick recovery in between events, myofascial cupping is great in keeping that tension at bay! For any more information regarding myofascial cupping or interesting in want to receive a treatment dont hesitate to book a treatment with Luke!

03.01.2022 A really good summary of a study done on the use of technologies by adolescents and the quality of sleep they get!!!

03.01.2022 Do you commute to work? Constantly getting stuck in traffic? Perfect time for a stretch!!! Listed below are 4 simple stretches that you can perform in your car when youre stuck in traffic.... 1.Neck Stretches a. Side tilt. Hold on to the left edge of your seat with your left hand. Tilt your neck to the right, bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder. Use your right hand to gently pull your head down and gradually intensify the stretch. Hold, release slowly, then repeat on the other side. Thats one rep. b. Forward tilt. Tilt your head forward, bringing your chin toward your chest. Use both hands to gently pull your head down and gradually intensify the stretch. Hold, then release slowly. c. Levator scapulae stretch. Hold on to the left edge of your seat with your left hand. Tilt your head forward, then turn it slightly to the right. Use your right hand to gently pull your head down and gradually intensify the stretch. Hold, release slowly, then repeat on the other side. Thats one rep. 2.Pec Stretch Keeping your neck and back straight, bring both hands behind your head. Interlock your fingers and point your elbows out. Slowly move your elbows backward by squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold, then release slowly. 3.Arm Hugs Targets the upper-back and shoulder muscles Keeping your back straight, bring your right arm across your chest, your right palm facing inward. Use your left hand to pull your right upper arm closer to your body. Hold, release slowly, then repeat on the other side. Thats one rep. 4.Piriformis Stretch Targets the piriformis or sitting muscle Cross your right leg over your left leg such that the right ankle is over the left knee. With your back straight and your right hand pushing down on your right knee, lean forward until you feel a stretch deep in your right buttock. Hold, release slowly, then repeat on the other side. Thats one rep.

02.01.2022 How time has flown, can not believe it has been six months since the Australian Open. Was a great experience working at the tennis, looking forward to 2020!

02.01.2022 What is D.O.M.S.??? Delayed onset muscle soreness (D.O.M.S) is a medical condition that is characterised by the stiffness, tenderness and pain in muscles several hours after performing a strenuous physical activity. When muscles are stressed, small microscopic tears occur, coupled with the stiffness and inflammation that accompany these tears, causing the pain and fatigue. The soreness is felt most strongly 24 to 72 hours after the exercise.... D.O.M.S. is most notably experienced after beginning a new exercise program, rapidly altering or upping the work load or pushing the body to the extreme, and for the novice, it can be a quite uncomfortable and off putting outcome of exercise. The best way to combat D.O.M.S. is via soft tissue therapy. If you are currently experiencing delayed onset of muscle soreness, book an appointment with Luke to help you get on the right path to recovery.

01.01.2022 Nutrition and Recovery, how are they linked??? As well as massage, nutrition has a huge effect on how well you recover from an event or even from a long day at the office. Your muscles use fuel in order to function, and so, that fuel needs to be constantly replenished, so your muscles can work and recover at an optimal level.... If your diet consists of a high sugar and processed food with little water your muscle will not get the nutrients needed to recover properly. This can led to dehydration, fatigue and a build of tension within the muscle adding stress to the body. Over a long period of time this can flow into chronic conditions as well as weight gain. So if you want to recover and replenish your fuel levels, make sure you are eating a well balanced diet made up of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and plenty of water.

01.01.2022 Can i claim my health insurance??? A lot of people ask, "Can i claim my health insurance with myotherapy?" and the answer is ABSOLUTELY! If you have private health insurance with extras, that cover massage you will be able to claim a myotherapy treatment. Massage is a general term that covers both remedial massage therapy and myotherapy. ... The follow up question is always, "how much can i claim???" The answer is never an easy one to give. Every health insurer will be different depending on your coverage. The general gauge is between $30 to $40. To find out exactly how much, simply contact your health insurer and they will be happy to help!

01.01.2022 Very proud to be a sponsor of a great night, the annual Mazenod Volleyball Club Trivia Night. A great fund raiser.