We’re delighted to welcome Raph Wolter to the Muscle Freedom Bright team. As a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist and Myotherapist, Raph brings extensive knowledge and passion to his work, and we’re excited for him to begin next month. Here’s a little more about him.

Remedial Massage and Myotherapist Raph Wolter

What’s your professional background?

Sport has always been central to my life. I grew up playing junior football through to under-18s, and trained in martial arts (boxing and karate) alongside athletics, focusing on the 400m and 800m. I placed sixth in the U20 Victorian titles for the 400m with a time of 48 seconds flat—equal to Cathy Freeman’s gold-medal time—so I likely could have continued competitively.

With that level of activity came injuries, which led me to physios and massage therapists. That’s where my interest in the profession first began.

At 18, I completed my first triathlon and placed second. I continued competing in sprint-distance triathlons before transitioning into amateur road cycling, which I pursued for nearly a decade, eventually racing in Europe alongside some great riders who eventually turned pro.

Personal training was another stepping stone. I loved learning about human anatomy and movement. From there, I discovered relaxation massage and began using massage regularly for recovery and injury prevention.

In 2011, I decided to formalise my passion. I completed a Remedial Massage Diploma, followed by an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy (MIMT), which I finished in 2014.

I’ve had a varied and exciting career: plumber, ski instructor, Army member, and now remedial massage therapist and myotherapist. You could say I’m a Jack-of-all-trades, but treating people is where I’ve found my calling.

What do you love about your work?

I’m someone who needs to be active, hands-on and mentally engaged. My work gives me all of that. Treating clients never feels like a job. It’s an ongoing opportunity to learn. People are puzzles, and I enjoy the challenge of helping them resolve pain, regain movement and return to the things they love.

I also enjoy working with athletes. Having been a triathlete, runner and cyclist, I understand the physical and mental demands of sport, as well as the nature of sporting injuries. My own experiences help me empathise with clients and tailor effective treatment.

Any specialties?

My greatest strength is assessment. I’m able to identify the source of a client’s problem and find a practical solution. I assess clients based on their work, sport and lifestyle. Whether someone is a runner, carpenter, boxer, martial artist or office worker, I can identify their movement patterns and determine which muscles are being overused or compromised.

From there, I use hands-on techniques to treat and prevent musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, giving clients the best chance at recovery.

Hobbies?

I enjoy Brazilian jujitsu, recreational mountain biking and road cycling. I also spend a lot of time outdoors with my family, camping, hiking and fishing. I’ve been visiting Bright for years and love the lifestyle.

My passion for health comes from pushing myself to extremes during my sporting career, something I wouldn’t necessarily recommend, but it comes with the territory when you’re striving for excellence.

Secret vice?
Cherry Ripe Double Dipped or Caramel Slice. I can’t resist caramel.

Availability
Monday to Saturday at Muscle Freedom Bright. Check our socials for updates.