The Science Behind Muscle Knots & How Gene Expression Can Shed New Light on Treatment

What do muscle knots and your genes have to do with each other? Read on to find out!

Knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, are localised areas of muscle tension or spasm that can cause discomfort or pain. These knots can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, poor posture, stress, and inflammation. Knots can occur in any muscle, but they are most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.

The biochemical basis of myofascial trigger points is complex and multifactorial. Recent studies have also suggested that changes in the local biochemical environment, including changes in neurotransmitters, cytokines, and growth factors, may play a role in the development and maintenance of myofascial trigger points. For example, high levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, have been found in trigger points, and these cytokines have been shown to increase pain sensitivity and contribute to the formation of trigger points. Furthermore, changes in muscle pH, oxygenation, and blood flow have also been implicated in the development of trigger points.

How can massage help with trigger points?

Several scientific studies have investigated the effects of massage therapy on the expression of genes in the body. One study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that massage therapy can actually cause changes in the expression of genes associated with inflammation and immune function.

The study involved a group of 11 healthy men who received a 45-minute Swedish massage. The researchers collected blood samples from the men before and after the massage and analysed the expression of genes in the samples. They found that the massage therapy caused changes in the expression of more than 500 genes, including those associated with inflammation, immunity, and stress response.

Another study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, looked at the effects of massage therapy on the expression of genes associated with muscle repair and regeneration. The study involved a group of 11 healthy men who received a 10-minute massage to one leg. The researchers collected muscle tissue samples from the men before and after the massage and analysed the expression of genes in the samples.

They found that the massage therapy caused an increase in the expression of genes associated with muscle repair and regeneration, as well as a decrease in the expression of genes associated with inflammation and muscle damage. These findings suggest that massage therapy may be useful in promoting muscle recovery and reducing the occurrence of knots in muscles.

One of the key benefits of remedial massage therapy is that it is a non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatment option. This means that it can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort without the need for medication or surgery. Massage therapy is also generally considered safe, although it may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or deep vein thrombosis.

Take control of your muscle health and say goodbye to knots and trigger points with the help of remedial massage therapy. As a non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatment option, massage therapy can be an effective way to release muscle tension and reduce the occurrence of myofascial trigger points. Call us or book online with one of our qualified therapists and commit to regular self-care to start experiencing the benefits of remedial massage therapy for yourself.

We offer pregnancy massage in our Central Coast clinics, in Wyong, Green Point and West Gosford.

Meet Our Massage Therapists

Christine Towers

Remedial Massage Therapist & Student Myotherapist

Christine brings a wealth of international experience to the Central Coast, having spent a decade practising in the Tristate area and in New York City. Her journey into the healing arts began at the New York College of Health Professions in 2007 and was complemented by finishing and completing her Diploma of Therapeutic Massage in 2012 at Finger Lakes School of Massage. This unique background allows her to merge the clinical precision of Western remedial techniques with the holistic wisdom of Eastern traditions like Tui Na and Shiatsu. What truly sets Christine apart is her comprehensive approach to the human body. Rather than viewing physical limitations in a compartmentalised way, she sees the body as an interconnected, intelligent “Fascial Nervous System.” Her work is driven by a passion for helping clients navigate chronic pain by tapping into the body’s natural capacity for repair and restoration. Christine is known for her exceptional skill in treating complex neck, hip, and lower back issues, ensuring every session is purposeful, knowledgeable, and deeply attuned to the client’s needs.

Currently, Christine is further elevating her practice by completing a Myotherapy program at the Australian School of Remedial Massage. Her dedication to clinical excellence is also personal; having navigated a significant knee recovery over the last two years, she possesses a deep, firsthand empathy for the challenges of rehabilitation and the patience required for true healing.

When she isn’t in the treatment room or immersed in her studies, Christine fully embraces the relaxed Central Coast lifestyle. You’ll likely find her at the beach, practising Pilates and hot yoga, or exploring the local area on her bike. Having recently moved here permanently, she has taken up swimming, not only as a way to navigate the ocean, but as a vital part of her ongoing journey to rebuild her quad strength following a knee injury. A lover of the arts, Christine is an enthusiast of printmaking, a keen music fan, and a photographer who enjoys capturing the natural beauty of the coast. However, her absolute favourite way to spend time is hanging out with her “little bestie”, her 4.5-year-old daughter, or enjoying a quiet solo coffee date in Long Jetty.

Available in West Gosford

Alice Moore

Remedial Massage Therapist

Alice Moore is an experienced Remedial Massage Therapist with over 15 years of experience across the health, fitness and rehabilitation industry. With a background in both remedial massage and personal training, she combines hands-on treatment with movement-based rehabilitation strategies to help clients reduce pain, restore mobility and improve physical performance. Alice has worked extensively with athletes, everyday clients, older adults and NDIS participants, supporting recovery, injury management and long-term wellbeing.

Alice is known for her practical, honest and results-focused approach. Her treatments may incorporate deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, functional movement and mobility work, tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. She commonly assists with neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, headaches, postural strain, sports injuries, restricted mobility and rehabilitation following injury or surgery.

Throughout her career, Alice has worked alongside a wide range of allied health professionals including chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, exercise physiologists and GPs, developing a strong understanding of collaborative healthcare. She is also passionate about education, having previously worked as a Trainer and Assessor and Head of Department in remedial massage training. Alice’s goal is to help clients move better, feel stronger and regain confidence in their body so they can return to the activities that matter most to them.

Available in West Gosford

Amanda Stewart

Remedial Massage Therapist

Amanda was introduced at a young age to reflexology by her mum and ever since has always had a keen interest in alternative and natural health treatments. She has also worked within the medical profession for many years as medical reception in general practice, imaging, Cardiology and Obstetrics.

After needing a sea change and then moving to the Central Coast 10 years ago, Amanda decided it was time to jump in and do what she has always loved and found rewarding , she Graduated from the Hunter Institute as a Remedial Massage Therapist and has since enjoyed Working alongside physiotherapist and chiropractors.

Dealing face to face with patients over the years has helped Amanda further enhance her kind, compassionate and understanding nature.

She believes her aim is to help balance and restore a persons muscle tension and tone to help improve their physical and mental well-being.

Much to her surprise she thoroughly enjoys Sports injury management but also offers treatments in Myofascial, Cupping and Pregnancy Massage.

Available in Green Point & West Gosford

Lucia Zevako

Remedial Massage Therapist

Lucia Zevako is a Remedial Massage Therapist with a background in physical therapy and a Diploma of Remedial Massage. She first trained as a physiotherapist in Russia in 2007 and worked in rehabilitation with both children and adults before moving overseas. After raising her family and spending five years in Singapore, she settled in Australia where she returned to her professional path, completing her massage qualifications and joining the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT).

Lucia enjoys treating the neck, shoulders, chest, lower legs, and feet. These areas often hold tension or influence posture and movement, so she finds that releasing them can be deeply relieving and balancing. She combines her strong knowledge of anatomy and movement with a calm, attentive approach, tailoring every treatment to the needs of each person.

Outside of work, Lucia enjoys drawing, making handmade crafts, and walking in nature. She brings the same thoughtful balance of science, skill, and care to her massage practice, always aiming to create a space where clients feel supported and restored.

Available in West Gosford & Green Point

Toni Lomman

Remedial Massage Therapist

Toni is a dedicated Remedial Massage Therapist with extensive training in various massage techniques, specialising in musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and athletic performance. She formulates individualised treatments to support her clients in overcoming injuries, enhancing mobility, alleviating both chronic and acute pain, and promoting overall well-being. With years of experience, Toni is passionate about helping her clients improve their quality of life through personalised care.

In addition to her massage qualifications, Toni holds a Certificate IV in Fitness, allowing her to incorporate targeted exercise, mobility, and flexibility strategies into her treatments. This knowledge enables her to provide practical advice on stretching, strengthening, and movement to improve flexibility, reduce discomfort, and regain functional movement. Having personally overcome a disc injury, Toni understands the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, and she is committed to empowering her clients with tools for self-care and injury prevention through a holistic, client-centred approach.

Available in Wyong & Green Point

Catherine Lui

Remedial Massage Therapist

Originally from Hong Kong, Catherine moved to Australia in 2005 and spent over a decade building a career in banking and finance. In 2024, a thyroid condition shifted her path—her recovery through herbal medicine and massage sparked a deep passion for natural healing.

She is now a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist, a member of ATMS and IICT, and has completed an Advanced Certificate in Naturopathy with Health Academy Australia.

Catherine is also the founder of The Herbal Girl, where she handcrafts natural skincare and massage products using herbs and premium essential oils. She blends her knowledge of herbal medicine and aromatherapy into her treatments, especially for pain relief and lymphatic support.

Her philosophy is simple: techniques are tools, but understanding the root cause is everything. Client care sits at the heart of every session.

Outside the clinic, Catherine loves researching health topics, writing wellness blogs, and creating videos that share tips and behind-the-scenes moments from her herbal crafting.

Available in West Gosford & Green Point

Amelia Akamine

Remedial Massage Therapist

Amelia akamine - massage therapist

Amelia’s path into massage therapy began in Brazil as a teenager, not as a career plan, but as personal curiosity. Her first Zen Shiatsu course opened her to a different way of thinking about the body — less about chasing pain, and more about balance, prevention, and the whole person. That philosophy never left her.

With years of experience across some of Sydney’s most dynamic settings — from corporate environments to working alongside chiropractors and allied health professionals in Bondi and the Northern Beaches — Amelia brings both clinical depth and a genuinely personal approach to every session. She holds a Diploma of Remedial Massage and is an accredited ATMS member.

Known for her calm presence and attentive approach, Amelia creates a space where clients can slow down, feel supported, and reconnect with their bodies. She works with clients experiencing muscle tension, chronic pain, postural issues, and stress-related conditions, tailoring each session to the individual and drawing on remedial massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue work and trigger point therapy — and there’s nothing she loves more than seeing a client walk out feeling better than when they came in.

Having fallen in love with the coast and its natural beauty, she now proudly calls the Central Coast home — a long way from São Paulo, and exactly where she’s meant to be. When she’s not in the treatment room, you’ll find her diving, bushwalking, reading and writing, spending time with her partner and family, or belting out her favourite songs at karaoke.

Therapist Schedule & Fees

West GosfordGreen PointWyong
Monday
(AM)
AliceCatherine
Monday
(PM)
Amanda
Alice
Catherine
Tuesday
(AM)
Catherine
Christine
Toni
Tuesday
(PM)
Sarah
Christine
Toni
Wednesday
(AM)
ChristineAmandaToni
Wednesday
(PM)
ChristineAmandaToni
Thursday
(AM)
SarahLuciaToni
Thursday
(PM)
SarahLuciaToni
Friday
(AM)
LuciaToni
Friday
(PM)
LuciaToni
Saturday
(AM)
Christine
Saturday
(PM)
REMEDIAL MASSAGE FEES
60 Minute Massage$120.00
CHRISTINE TOWERS FEES
60 Minute Massage$125.00

REBATES

If you are in a health fund, a rebate may apply, and can be claimed on the spot through our Tyro terminal, so that you only pay the gap.

BOOKING DEPOSIT

A 50% deposit is required to secure your massage booking. This deposit is non-refundable for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice and for “no shows”. Your health fund rebate will be processed at the time of your consultation.

References

Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2010). Massage therapy research. Developmental Review, 30(1), 85-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2009.12.008

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019, June). Massage therapy: What you need to know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know

Slomka, N. F., & Boyer, M. I. (2019). Non-surgical management of lateral epicondylitis. Journal of Hand Therapy, 32(1), 32-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2018.07.004

Wardle, J. L., Keast, R. S. J., & Cole, L. J. (2019). Does massage therapy reduce cortisol? A comprehensive quantitative review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 23(3), 504-511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.09.011

Wiegand, A., Bernarding, J., Juenger, H., & Wehland, M. (2016). Massage therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(1), 139-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.09.015

Zeitlin, D., Ekmekcioglu, C., & Schneider, S. (2013). Epigenetics in human disease and prospects for epigenetic therapy. Nature, 10(10), 608-621. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3510

Shah, J. P., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J. V., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2018). Myofascial trigger points then and now: A historical and scientific perspective. PM&R, 10(6), 1269-1284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.02.011