"I have suffered from chronic neck pain for the past few years. Although my neck was always very sore it was the constant headaches that were the real problem. There was a stage when I was taking six nurofen a day for many months. I tried every treatment from regular physio to massage and acupuncture.

I decided in early 2009 to see a myotherapist and I made contact with Carissa. I have now seen Carissa four times and after the second treatment my headaches went from almost every day to one every three weeks. Carissa spends each session concentrating solely on my neck and teaching me simple techniques to help improve my condition.

I would recommend Carissa from body align myotherapy to any of my family and friends who experience muscle soreness. Carissa is professional, non-judgemental, very knowledgeable and experienced in myotherapy. I wish I had of known about myotherapy three years ago!"
M H, Fairfield

"Suffering from back pain is crippling, especially during my teens and twenties. I had a bulge in my discs which would leave me bedridden for several weeks at a time. After many years, the disc broke and had to be removed for fear of killing the nerves in my legs.

Surgery was successful, but rehabilitation was neglected, the pain I felt was worse than before. But instead, it was now constant and ongoing.

After two years of thinking this was how life was to be, I decided I had to take action. Something needed to be done, but the surgeons were pleased with their work, although I wasn't. I was then referred to a pain management centre and essentially told that I need to accept pain and learn to live with it.

I then tried numerous alternative therapies including osteopathy, physiotherapy and acupuncture, and after two more years of pain, although it was gradually improving, I decided I needed to try one more thing. I began pilates which lead me to myotherapy. Since meeting Carissa, I have not only rid myself of chronic pain, but got on with my life. I just wish I met Carissa soon after surgery, however I am grateful that I finally did.

Thank-you very much Carissa, you are very talented."
Victoria, Collingwood

"After visits to many practitioners I finally thought I would try myotherapy to treat my ongoing coccyx pain. I have been extremely happy with all aspects of Carissa's care. Carissa's treament continues to provide me with the best relief from pain I have experienced in over 12 months.

Carissa approach is very attentive but relaxed, she provides a very can-do attitude but most importantly the results follow."
F M, North Carlton

"After the Open Heart Surgery of my husband, he was advised by the Rehab staff to go and see a Myotherapist for the pain in his shoulder and back. He found Carissa Stewart and after only a few sessions had great relief.

Because I had back pain for more than 10 years, I thought to give it a go as well. It was an amazing experience! The first visit was all about finding out where the pain is and what caused it. Once it was located, Carissa treated it with massage as well as “dry needles” (which don’t hurt!) and heat.

She also gave me a few exercises to do at home, which were easy to do and only took a few minutes a day. Previously I was not able to do any sight seeing, leisure walks or shopping for more than an hour without resting and a substantial amount of pain. Now after only a few months of Myotherapy, I am pain-free and can walk for as long as I want. I actually forgot that I used to have pain! I have checkups, but there are getting less often.

I had no idea that there is help out there, I tried so many different things and never found a solution that works. Carissa helped my husband and me and we are very grateful. I have already recommended two friends of mine and they are as happy as we are.

Thank you Carissa for being so professional and caring, you certainly made a huge difference in our life."
M S, Clifton Hill

"I landed on Carissa's doorstep with a variety of issues, two of which I will mention here. Firstly, I had an ongoing complaint of a pinch in my shoulder that limited/restricted movement in my arm and was quite painful. I went to see Carissa and after one Myotherapy treatment session there was instant relief but the problem was still there. In the weeks that followed Carissa performed a variety of techniques, working different muscles in the area and she gave me helpful techniques to use at home and within a month or so the pain was completely gone.

Secondly, when I became pregnant I went back to see Carissa, this time my complaints were related to the strain of pregnancy on my body. My symptoms seemed endless but included a painful coccyx, aching lower back, aching legs and tightness across my shoulders. I saw Carissa regularly during my pregnancy and I believe that seeing her during that time not only eased the niggles of my pregnancy but relaxed my body in preparation for childbirth.

I wouldn't see anyone else - she's wonderful! I should also say that Carissa would call to see how I was feeling after a treatment and I think that you just don't get that kind of service very often anymore."
S K, Northcote

"For years I had experienced knee problems, clicking accompanied by pain. I had also developed a bad back and an unstable pelvis during my pregnancy. When my son was 6 months old I started doing Pilates classes and saw Carissa’s poster. Luckily I decided to try Myotherapy out.

After a couple of months of weekly sessions my knees were much better, along with back, neck, pelvis and shoulder pain which I had thought I just had to live with. Now I am able to see Carissa every 6 weeks or so just for preventative sessions. My body feels stronger and much more flexible.

I recommend Myotherapy and, in particular, Carissa for anyone experiencing muscular pain."
G V, North Fitzroy