Dry Needling: How It Helps Relieve Chronic Pain

If you live with chronic pain, you’ve probably tried stretches, heat packs, massage, or medication. But what if your pain is coming from tight, knotted muscles that just won’t release? At My Therapist Group in Frankston, we often use dry needling as part of a physiotherapy treatment plan to target those stubborn areas and bring lasting relief.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle into a tight band of muscle — often called a trigger point. These points are the knots you feel when muscles become overworked, stressed, or injured. The goal is to release tension, improve blood flow, and restore normal muscle function.

Although it uses similar tools, dry needling is different from acupuncture. Acupuncture comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine, while dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuroscience, targeting muscles and nerves to reduce pain.

How Does It Work?

When a needle is placed into a trigger point, several things happen:

• Trigger point release – sometimes the muscle gives a small “twitch” response, which helps reset it.

• Improved circulation – bringing oxygen and nutrients in, flushing out waste products.

• Reduced pain signalling – calming overactive nerves that may be amplifying pain.

• Better movement – as the muscle relaxes, stiffness eases and mobility improves.

Many people notice their back feels looser and lighter, sometimes immediately after treatment.

Techniques We Use

Physiotherapists can use a few different dry needling approaches depending on your needs:

• Static needling – the needle stays in place to allow gradual release.

• Pistoning – gentle in-and-out movement of the needle to stimulate the muscle.

• Threading – the needle is guided along a muscle band or scar tissue.

Your physiotherapist will explain which technique is best for your situation.

What to Expect

During treatment, you might feel:

• A quick prick as the needle goes in

• A twitch in the muscle (a good sign the trigger point has been activated)

• Mild ache or heaviness in the area

Afterwards, it’s common to feel soreness, similar to how you feel after a workout. This usually settles within a day or two. Staying hydrated, gentle movement, and stretching can help recovery.

Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?

Dry needling can be helpful for many types of pain, but it’s especially effective for:

• Chronic back pain

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Work-related postural strain

• Sports injuries or muscle tightness

• Pain after repetitive lifting or childcare duties

At My Therapist Group, we rarely use dry needling alone. We combine it with physiotherapy, manual therapy, and tailored exercise programs to give you long-term results.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified physiotherapist. All needles are sterile and single-use. Some people may bruise or feel temporary soreness, but serious side effects are extremely rare. If you have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, or have other medical concerns, let your physio know so they can adapt treatment for you.

Dry Needling in Frankston

At My Therapist Group in Frankston, our physiotherapists are trained in dry needling and use it to help patients relieve pain and move better every day.

If you’re tired of living with back pain and want to know if dry needling could help you, book an appointment today:

👉 Book your dry needling session here

Back Pain After Having Kids? Here’s What You Can Do About It

Many new parents in Frankston and the surrounding suburbs find that back pain creeps in after having children. Whether it’s from pregnancy changes, sleepless nights, or constantly lifting little ones, the strain on your back can be significant. The good news? You don’t have to live with the pain — physiotherapy can help you recover and get back to enjoying family life.

Why Back Pain Happens After Having Kids

Having children changes the body in ways that often contribute to back discomfort:

• Pregnancy changes — During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that loosen ligaments, making the spine and pelvis less stable.

• Postnatal weakness — Core and pelvic muscles may be weaker, leaving the lower back to take more strain.

• Feeding and carrying — Hours spent breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or carrying a growing child can lead to slouched posture and muscle fatigue.

• Broken sleep — Fatigue makes it harder for your muscles to recover, increasing the risk of ongoing pain.

When to Seek Help

While some mild backache is common after pregnancy, certain symptoms should be taken seriously:

• Pain that cant be explained from labour. If labour pain, then pain that lasts longer than six weeks

• Sharp, radiating pain into the hips or legs

• Difficulty standing, sitting, or lifting without pain

• Persistent stiffness or flare-ups with daily tasks

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to book an appointment with a physiotherapist in Frankston for a tailored recovery plan.

How Physiotherapy Supports Recovery

At My Therapist Group, we understand the unique challenges that come with parenthood and back pain. Our physiotherapists offer personalised treatments such as:

• Hands-on therapy to relieve muscle tension and joint stiffness

• Targeted exercise programs to rebuild core and pelvic strength

• Postural advice for safer lifting and feeding positions

• Practical strategies for managing pain while caring for your children

You can read more about our approach on our Back Pain Treatment page, or get started right away by booking a physiotherapy session online.

Taking Care of Yourself Matters

Back pain can make parenting harder than it needs to be. By addressing the problem early, you’ll not only protect your health but also make it easier to keep up with the demands of family life.

If you’re experiencing back pain after having kids, don’t wait — the sooner you seek help, the sooner you’ll feel relief. The team at My Therapist Group in Frankston is here to support you. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards feeling stronger and pain-free.

Busy Parent? Read this!

If you’re a parent juggling work, kids, and everything in between, chances are you’ve experienced back pain. For many in Frankston, back pain is more than just an occasional ache — it’s a daily struggle that makes even simple tasks harder. But why is back pain so common in busy parents, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

Why Parents Are Prone to Back Pain

Back pain often develops because of the constant strain parents place on their bodies. Common causes include:

• Lifting children — Picking up toddlers or carrying babies for long periods puts extra stress on the spine.

• Work demands — Desk jobs and long commutes often mean hours of poor posture.

• Household chores — Bending, twisting, and rushing through tasks can lead to muscle strain.

• Stress and fatigue — Long-term stress increases muscle tension, which often shows up in the back and neck.

It’s no wonder so many parents feel their backs tighten up or ache after a long day.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Back pain can vary from mild stiffness to severe, ongoing discomfort. Some signs that it’s time to seek professional help include:

• Pain lasting longer than a few days

• Sharp pain that travels into the legs or buttocks

• Difficulty bending, lifting, or sitting comfortably

• Repeated flare-ups after daily activities

If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to book an appointment with a physiotherapist in Frankston before the pain becomes a bigger issue.

How Physiotherapy Helps

The good news is, back pain doesn’t have to be part of parenting life. At My Therapist Group in Frankston, we work with parents every day to relieve pain and prevent it from returning. Our physiotherapists create tailored treatment plans that may include:

• Hands-on treatment to relieve tight muscles and joint stiffness

• Exercise programs to strengthen core and glute muscles

• Posture advice to reduce daily strain and ease muscel tensio

Learn more about our Physiotherapy services and how they can support your recovery. Or, if you’re ready to get started, book a physiotherapy session today and let our team help you move more freely.

Taking Back Control

You don’t have to put up with back pain as “just part of parenting.” With the right treatment, you can feel stronger, move better, and keep up with your busy family life.

If you’re struggling with back pain in Frankston or the surrounding suburbs, our team at My Therapist Group is here to help. Explore our dedicated Back Pain Treatment page for more details, or click here to book your appointment online and take the first step towards lasting relief.

Things To Do When You Have Headaches

If you suffer from headaches, you're not alone. Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, with millions of people affected yearly. Headaches can be caused by several things, including stress, lack of sleep, and particular food. It is a common ailment that most cases can be treated at home.

“People often deal with headaches immediately through over-the-counter medications even without proper prescription from their doctors. But little do they know that there are a few simple tips you can do to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches,” says Layla Colling, a health expert and contributor at Health Hero.

Why Do We Have Headaches?

There are many different reasons why people experience headaches. Headaches can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hunger, and many other factors. In some cases, headaches can be a symptom of a more severe condition such as migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches.

Things To Do When You Have Headaches

Some lifestyle changes can help you eliminate your headaches for a long time without relying on heavy medications. Here are things you can do to deal with your headaches! Read along to find out.

1. Stay Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do to prevent headaches is to stay hydrated. Headaches can be caused by dehydration, so ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also, cut back on caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda. Too much caffeine can lead to dehydration, which can, in turn, cause headaches.

2. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and tension, which can trigger headaches. Regular aerobic exercise helps reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

3. Manage Stress

Another good way to prevent headaches is to reduce stress. Stress can trigger headaches, so try to find ways to relax and de-stress. Exercise, deep breathing, and yoga are all great ways to reduce stress. If you can't avoid a stressful situation, try to take some time out for yourself to relax and unwind.

4. Avoid Triggers

Headaches can be triggered by certain foods, drinks, or activities. When you get headaches, try to identify any potential triggers. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them as much as possible. Foods high in histamine can trigger headaches, so avoid aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods.

5. See A Physio

You must see a physio if you're suffering from frequent or severe headaches. A physio can provide you with more information and resources to help you get relief.

Get Rid of Pesky Headaches

If you're struggling to manage your headaches on your own, My Therapist Group is here to help.

My Therapist Group is here to guide you in getting rid of your headaches. We are health professionals dedicated to providing sustainable ways to make you healthier and alleviate illnesses that prevent you from enjoying life.

Book us for a consultation to say goodbye to your headache.

TMJ Disorder: Everything You Need to Know

TMJ Disorder: Everything You Need to Know

You may not give much thought to your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), yet you use them often. Joints connect your jawbone and skull and every time you speak, chew or swallow, your TMJ activates. TMJ disorder develops when there is a problem with your jaw muscles or joints, which may be painful. The disorder may occur as a result of a jaw injury, arthritis-related inflammation, or stress.

“Environmental or physiological factors such as bad posture can also lead to TMJ disorders. For example, TMJ pains may arise from improper postures, such as louching while putting a hand under the chin. Such habits could impact facial features and result in facial problems.” adds Nate Ward, TMJ recovered patient and senior accountant at Accountants Brisbane.

So, if you’re experiencing early symptoms of TMJ disorder, read our helpful guide on everything you need to know about TMJ disorder to help you better understand the condition.

What Is A TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. It is located at the back of the cheeks, just below the ears, which allows us to talk, chew and swallow.

TMJ pain is an early symptom of TMJ disorder (TMD) which can be discomforting since the joints are essential for jaw movement. However, pain and discomfort in TMJ aren’t uncommon. In a 2018 study of the National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that there is a 23% prevalence of the temporomandibular joint disorder in the Australian population.  

Furthermore, the jaw joint and the muscles that regulate the jaw are affected by TMJ disorders. Because of the complexity of this joint, diagnosing and treating them can be difficult. Thus, patients and clinicians alike must be aware of the origins, symptoms, and treatments available for TMJ disorders.

 

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

In most cases, the causes of TMJ disorders are not clear, but experts believe it can arise from muscle pain in the jaw area, injury, and arthritis. Some of the other causes include:

1. Stress

2. Bad posture

3. Arthritis in the TMJ

4. Deterioration of the TMJ

5. In-born structural jaw problems

6. An improper bite, and sometimes overbite

7. History of bruxism, also called teeth grinding or clenching

Chronic jaw clenching and grinding can significantly affect the TMJ due to high pressure. As a result, the disc moves out of its place or gets injured. Stress also causes most people to clench their teeth, often subconsciously. Even some people grind their teeth when asleep.

Experts are also looking into hormones as triggers of TMJ disorders as more women experience the condition than the male population.

What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder often causes pain, tenderness, unusual “ticking muscle” sounds, and restricted movements. Common symptoms also include:

1. The jaw clicks or pops.

2. Swelling on the jaw area

3. Pain in one or both of the TMJ

4. Stiffness or soreness in the jaw muscle

5. The jaw locks, which makes it difficult to open your mouth wide

6. Difficulty chewing due to improper bite or misalignment of upper and lower teeth

7. Pain or tenderness in the face area, jawbone area, in and around the ears when you speak and eat

In severe conditions, TMJ Disorders can also cause migraines or pains around the head, ears, and neck, which spread to the back. Most patients also observe unusual popping and clicking sounds. However, these sounds are pretty familiar, and medical advice should only be sought when other symptoms such as restricted movement simultaneously occur with the unusual noise.

How To Treat TMJ Disorders?

Although TMJ disorders and jaw pains manifest in many ways, it is surprisingly easy to treat with physiotherapy.

My Therapist Group and our professional physiotherapists tailor treatment plans that could best help our patients. We understand that any pain is the last thing that you would want. That’s why we collaborate with physicians and other health care experts to make sure you make the most out of your daily routines.

Plus, if you have been suffering from chronic pain for the last two years and up, you can save the cost of five treatment plans in a year under our Enhanced Primary Care Plan. So book an appointment with us and experience the difference.