In January, we were thrilled to welcome a new myotherapist to our Black Rock team. Jay (Jonathan) Smyth-Small brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Here, we get to know a bit more about him.

What’s your professional background?

Myotherapist Jay (Jonathan) Smyth-Small

I have a background in Sports Studies, Exercise and Health. I went to university, finished my studies and struggled to find suitable work. I just worked at different jobs for a number of years. 

I moved to Australia from Northern Ireland nine years ago and decided to go back to study. For the past three to four years, I’ve been working in a sporting environment and in private practice as a myotherapist.

What do you love about your work?

I love helping people have a better quality of life, whether it’s young people in a sporting environment, or the elderly wanting to walk more and do things around the house easier.

What does a treatment entail?

Depending on the person, there could be quite a lot of questions initially to find out where their aches, pains or discomforts are coming from. I usually then do an assessment of their movement/strength to get a sense of where their pain is coming from. 

After the assessment, it’s about treating to desensitize the structures that are tight or painful. Lastly, I give them a couple of exercises or movements to help them progress outside of the clinic.

What’s your speciality?

Myotherapist Jay (Jonathan) Smyth-Small

I do a bit of everything. My speciality would be deep tissue treatment, complemented with movement prescription with a particular interest in return to sport/exercise. I work for a semi-professional soccer club (Dandenong City) and do a lot of deep tissue work and return to play.

What are you most likely to discuss during a treatment?

I like to have a laugh on the table, taking the client’s mind off the pain whilst digging my elbow into their muscles!

Secret vice?

Chocolate and Craft beer 

Hobbies outside work?

Playing guitar, soccer and going to the gym to keep fit and strong.

Like to make an appointment?

Jay is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

To make an appointment, call (03) 9598 4873 or book online.