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Polly Bongiorno

Myotherapist, YOGA TEACHER PAIN COACH

Pain Care. Because I care. 

My name is Polly Bongiorno, and I have over 20 years of experience as a Myotherapist.  That makes me feel old.  I am also a qualified Yoga Teacher, and have a professional interest in complex and persistent pain experiences, and trauma-related pain.

I am passionate not only about treating people who are experiencing pain, but also educating people about the Whole-Person-Pain experience. I run educational workshops and courses that explore the multi-faceted experience of pain, from neurobiology, psychology, movement strategies, yoga, mindfulness, meditation and even play. I am also currently writing a series of Children’s Books about pain and hope to be published in 2024.

I am a lazy long-distance runner, with a few 21.1kms and one 44km marathon under my belt (Great Ocean Road Marathon). I have 4 children, a wonderful husband and a cheeky rescue greyhound at home. In my spare time (what is that?) I play classical violin and piano, read anything I can get my hands on, drink wine and hate gardening. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, and wear that sparkly diagnosis as a magical badge of honour.

My Why.

I am endlessly fascinated by humans, and I am passionate about exploring the human experience of pain. I have extensively studied many aspects of this complex phenomenon including neurobiology, psychology, philosophy, phenomenology and Eastern approaches such as Yoga, Meditation, breath-work, Ayurveda, and Buddhism.

My passion for helping people experiencing pain stems from a deep personal desire to fully listen to, and hold a safe space for people who are experiencing emotions and sensations that are uncomfortable, aversive and unpleasant. To lean into others -  not lean out, to hold space, not walk away, to listen without judgement and to give permission to feel, not to numb or distract.

I truly believe that we can not only survive our most challenging moments in life but from them we can adapt, learn and ultimately grow. We can come to view our challenges as opportunities for growth and reflection, to practice both vulnerability, flexibility and self compassion. 

Complex problems require multifaceted solutions.

Professionally my approach combines both Eastern and Western approaches to managing and treating pain. I combine hands-on manual therapy (massage, joint manipulation, stretching etc) with breathing exercises, guided meditation and visualisations. I integrate psychological-based therapies (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing) with Pain Neuroscience Education and I infuse rehabilitation prescription exercise programs with meaningful movement strategies such as Yoga, dance, tai chi, play, neurodynamic exercises and much more. 

The more complex a problem, the more opportunities we have for modifying and intervening to create change.

Pain is personal, real and always exactly as someone tells us it is to them. This individuality and ambiguity mean that we can tailor our treatment and rehabilitation approaches to the individual, to empower them and build their confidence in their own ability to weather the storms of life. 

I am a guide, not a ‘fixer’.

Successfully treating pain involves a strong trusting relationship between two people - therapist and patient. I am an experienced guide along your journey towards health and wellness and can help direct you when you most need it. This direction can come in the form of listening, advice, education, hands-on therapy, stretching or strength exercises, breath work, lifestyle changes and much more. But ultimately the of pain care is to empower the individual to learn the skills require to live their life to the fullest.

Professional certificates:

  • Medical Neuroscience, Neuroplasticity

  • NOI Group - Explain Pain (multiple) - David Butler, Lorimer Moseley

  • Graded Motor Imagery - David Butler

  • The Problem of Pain - Mick Thacker

  • Pelvic Pain - Sandy Hilton

  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation Training - Lung Foundation Australia

  • Respiratory Conditions and Management 

  • Psychological Interventions for Pain Management

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Laura Rathbone

  • Motivational Interviewing - Helen Mentha

  • Advanced Running Workshops 

  • Nutrition &Chronic Disease/Inflammation,

  • Yoga Teacher Training for Children

  • Neurodynamic Assessment, Joint Flossing, Gait workshops 

Professional Memberships:

  • International Association for the Study of Pain

  • Myotherapy Association of Australia 

  • Yoga Australia  

  • Lung Foundation of Australia

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