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Many 5 Star Reviews at
True Local, Facebook and Google

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5 Start Google review, Nigel, November 2025

I am a 47 year old who started getting severe shoulder pain and stiffness that came out of the blue one day. I went to a doctor who diagnosed me with a frozen shoulder but thought there may be more too it. The doctor sent me off for a MRI which unveiled I was suffering from a full thickness tear in my shoulder extending into my bicep, a labrel tear, a rotator cuff tear as well as the frozen shoulder. I ended up at an orthopaedic surgeon who suggested a hydra dilation injection as well as possible surgery.

I was in such pain that I was taking celebrex daily during the day, and at nights I was on oxycodone to help me sleep as I hadn't barely slept in weeks due to the pain. I was on these painkillers for months.


I wasn't keen on either of the surgeons suggestions so that's when I found Simon online - and I'm so glad I did. Even after the first visit to Simon, I had some easing of the pain and also increased movement in my arm. He used a few different techniques on me including: remedial therapy, shoulder treatment protocol, chinese cupping and Gua Sha.


All I can say is Simon is a genius.


After a few visits, I am totally pain free not taking anymore pain killers at all as well as my range of shoulder movement almost back to normal. I can't thank Simon enough from saving me from having to endure an evasive procedure in shoulder surgery.
 

Can't recommend Simon enough.​​

5 Star Google Review, Elisa, August 2025

I have been dealing with chronic pain in my shoulder blade, shoulder, arm and wrist since 2020. I visited numerous myotherapists, physiotherapists and chiropractors weekly for years, and have had some ‘quit’ on me saying they were unable to help.

Simon has been helping me since March and I have not felt that good in a really long time.

He is extremely knowledgeable, and has comprehensive information on a broad range of treatments. When Simon believes something new will be helpful, he researches it to apply the techniques successfully. I have been visiting Simon weekly and cannot recommend his services enough. We always have a nice and uplifting conversation during our sessions, and I leave his studio feeling energised and relaxed.

Thank you heaps, Simon!​

5 Star Google Review, Lisa, June 2025

I went to Simon 2 weeks ago with a chronic shoulder issue that I have carried for many years, and have had massage, chiro etc gaining temporary relief sometimes, but the pain always returned with vengeance days later.

I saw Simon for a second time this week, and I cannot believe the range of motion I now have in my shoulder, and the pain has gone from a 10/10 to about a 2/10.

He also picked up a discrepancy in my legs, one was longer than the other, causing my hips and everything else to be out of alignment, hence the pain I was feeling in other areas of my body also. So, not only did he work on my shoulder, but he may have just found the source to all my issues for the last 20 plus years.

My hips are now not in pain like they were prior to seeing Simon, and neither are my other joints, that were just mild pain in comparison to my shoulder. I don’t know of anyone else that has studied this short leg issue, and can explain how that affects the rest of the body, putting everything out of balance.

If you have any issue going on in your body, I highly recommend going to see him, I guarantee he will find the source of your pain and you will walk out of there feeling like a million bucks.

I’ve finally found someone that fixes issues at the source, rather than just a bandaid fix. And bonus for me, is that he is not too far from home either.

Highly highly recommend

​​

And P.S I’ve booked my husband in for a session with him tomorrow as I’m confident he will sort out his pain also, and I’ve booked myself in for a follow up appointment next week.

5 Star Google review, Steve, July 2024

I am 74, I have been a carpet layer for over 50 years and given my body a lot of punishment over that time. For the last ten years I have seen osteo and physio and other medical people, resulting in limited relief for my pain in my shoulders and neck. I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and as I’ve gotten older the problems with this have increased.

Over the last six months the pain was getting to a stage that I was needing to take pain relief tablets every night to get a decent sleep. I decided to see Simon not knowing much about him. On my first visit he did some massaging and cupping treatment which gave me some relief although I was very sceptical about the cupping treatment. My wife was concerned about the marks on my back. On my 2nd visit he worked on my upper back, shoulders and arms, the next day I was amazed that I had no pain at all, no need for pain medication.

Simon’s treatment has made such a difference to my every day life and I highly recommend Simon for treatment. I now see Simon regularly for treatment to maintain my level of movement and stay pain free.​

5 Star Google Review, Jason, 18 June 2024

This guy is a tradie working on his feet all day and is now back to running 70km per week. History as a triathlete in Ironman competition.

"As a runner, I have had hip issues for the last 3 years. On and off going to chiro trying to get sorted but eventually I would still be getting the same pain. Then I came across Simon with his studies into short right leg syndrome. I booked an appointment and within the 10 minutes he had measured me up and explained to me all about short right leg syndrome. He believed that my right leg was slightly shorter then my left and was creating the constant tightness around the hips. After a solid hour massage of getting stuck into the muscles around the hips I felt a little sore but a knew I needed that to break up the stiffness that I was experiencing. After the session Simon recommended a 3mm heel lift to wear in my right shoe. Within 2 weeks of wearing a heel lift in every pair of shoes my hip pain was gone. It's been 6 months now since my first massage with Simon and I'm amazed by how well I'm feeling. I check in with Simon here and there for a general massage but his knowledge about the Short leg syndrome has fixed my niggling problems. So any runners out there I recommend you give Simon a call he will spend the time analysing your body and fix you up in no time. Absolute Champion."

Ben Kelly, Google, March 2024
By October 2023, I could not use my right side, upper body or lower body, suffering from years of physical work with no breaks, I had reached a point of no return. I could not work in the yard or office at my commercial nursery business in the Dandenongs. My right arm was limp and unable to move without excruciating pain. Picking up potted plants and the computer mouse were both impossible. There was no sudden injury. It just sort of crept up on me. I went to a Chiropractor. Five times. It did not help. My condition deteriorated. I could no longer play music...which would be devastating as Music is my life. I Write, record and play live shows, I play many instruments.

When I contacted Simon I was in acute pain and could hardly move. Between October and December 2023 I had ten treatment sessions with him. From the very first session I experienced significant relief. It was like a 1000% improvement. Within 5 sessions I was able to get back to work and begin stretching and moving again. The most effective therapy I have experienced. Working on my right side, it was beyond my expectation. He is generous with his time. He was able to free up my muscular system so it could begin to function properly again. I was super relieved that Simon was able to free my energy system and I feel like I have my old self back. I'm back in the studio writing and recording and preparing a new album and show for live performance later this year. A massive relief as I was feeling like I may never play again for a while there. Apparently, I have a short right leg.

I will continue to see Simon for ongoing therapy. I can't stress enough that if you are suffering pain, injuries, lack of energy flow, deep tissue issues, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, tightened muscle system, Neck issues, anything to do with physical repair, give Simon a call. He's highly effective. He has a unique East West fusion and uses multiple techniques with massage including fascial release, cupping and dry needling. The treatment was very physical. Deep muscle stretches exactly where it was needed. High level healing. He's respectful and the space is hygienic, clean, calm and peaceful. His prices are fair and the results speak for themselves.

Thanks Simon, see you soon!!!

BK

Annemarie Meijerink, True Local, January 2023

As a young teen I was a gymnast, competing at international level in Europe. Now as an adult it has been a different story... frequent knee troubles, tendonitis, cystes behind the knees, sore hips, always something that would stop me from getting fit again.

Much treatment over the years gave only limited relief. Physio felt like a revolving door, no actual cause of my issues was found so just bandaid treatment of my symptoms. I was not able to reach and maintain fitness goals without breakdown.

I initially went to Simon for the treatment of long lasting headaches. He identified I had a decent leg length discrepancy...the lengths of my bones are not the same...straining my pelvis and spine...apparently this is common. He calls it Short Right Leg Syndrome. Under his guidance and treatment, not only the headaches have been resolved but also my hip and knee issues. I am now enjoying frequent excercise again, even taking part in 6 week fitness challenges! The only times I now see Simon for treatment is when I neglect my shorter right leg and wear sandals without length correction...then my hips seize up or my knees protest as a reminder.

Knowing about this shorter leg and what happens as a result (for example certain muscles not engaging when they should) has helped my choose the right strengthening exercises for my body.

Zalman Simons, True Local, November 2022

I suffered for years with back pain. I was never able to exercise. Any form of fitness I tried, I ended up hurting my back. I first saw Simon a couple of years ago. He right away sighted my short right leg and gave me a heel lift. After using it for some time I began running again and now do F45 High Intensity training every day. I've lost 20+kg and am feeling better than ever. Simon is fantastic at his work and I would highly recommend him.

Milla, True Local, September 2022

As a dancer I am always looking for ways to help both my performance and recovery. Simon has helped me to further rehabilitate a long standing issue with my hips and back, something that I haven't been able to successfully treat in the past despite seeing many practitioners. I am noticing an increased range of mobility and strength coming back through my hips, back and knees, and a decrease in the amount of pain I experience in these areas. I Highly recommend Simon and his approach.

Jo Revell, True Local, September 2022

Simon is great he offers an amazing service that incorporates many styles of massage techniques. I had been living with mild hip pain for 6 months resulting in restricting my daily activities, after the first long session with Simon I noticed a marked improvement. After 2 visits I was back to full function. Simon's treatments were critical in me being able to continue to work when my job suddenly became much more physical. I thought I would need to have monthly appointments but Simon's work is so good I haven't needed treatment for months. I highly recommend Simon he's so easy to talk to and it's a beautiful setting to receive such fabulous treatment.

Nicky Todd, True Local, 2021

After suffering from headaches for years with little to no success from other practitioners, Simon is the only one who can relieve them. Simply amazing.

Kesia Gomes, True Local, 2021

I have been treating anxiety and tension with Simon for months. He is such a highly experienced professional who always knows exactly what to do to relieve your symptoms, combining a rich set of western and eastern techniques that make you feel incredibly well. He has unblocked so much trapped energy from me and I can't thank him enough!

Meeckie Yoxon-MacRae, Facebook, October 2018

Thank you once again Simon Crittenden for saving my body from total destruction!

As soon as you got off that table I had immediate relief in my hip.

Last appointment the cupping was wonderful & brought me relief but also brought the issue out of the depths so I could actually identify where it was. However I still could not get rid of it.

The needling today worked incredibly and all I can say is thank you thank you thank you.

I feel normal again.

Merrill Anderson, Facebook, September 2018

Went to Simon Crittenden at Massage Works Dandenong Ranges here in Cockatoo for Remedial Massage today, this guy does not rate 5 stars.HE RATES 10 Stars. It has taken me over 11 years to find a new one after the great one I had retired.

Matthew O'Donohue, True Local, December 2017

As a keen golfer I need my back to be loose. Simon has been great for me, with regular massaging and cupping proving to be very effective. He has also had great success with my tight calves, I especially have noticed significant improvements since he has incorporated some Thai techniques.  5 Stars

 

Glenn Woodford, Facebook, December 17

I went to see Simon for some Craniosacral work, when he was located close to me in South Melbourne. Originally, this was during a rough period when I was experiencing headaches and neck problems, related to stress and gallbladder channel energy flow blockage. Simon's knowledge of the body was exceptional and he was able to not only assist with this but also helped me to understand how it fitted with the larger picture of tension stored in my body. I was able to release a good portion of this deep seated tension over subsequent visits and my headaches stopped coming. I'm sad to see him move away from my area and I highly recommend him as a practitioner. My loss is your gain, if you are in the Dandenong Ranges!  5 Stars

Greg Sebire, Google+ (SImon Crittenden), December 2017

I have been using Simon’s remarkable massage skills for over two years. Like most people who have had an extensive sporting career I have tried many forms of therapy. Simon is extremely knowledgeable- has fantastic hands and his studio is always a peaceful haven and I walk away feeling 10 years younger after he has done his thing. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and competent masseur who has a holistic approach to his craft Simon is your man.  5 Stars

 

Bostoq   The best sports massage therapist I have ever experienced. Simon was born with the gift of healing hands. I have a very active lifestyle and require remedial/sports massage on a regular basis, and after many years of being treated by sub-par therapists I was lucky enough to stumble upon Simon. He’s an expert in his line of work and has exceptional skills in shoulder and lower back injuries as I have experienced both in the past two years. Simon provides a very clean and professional service, with coconut being his preferred choice of oil. An added bonus is that I can claim his remedial massage service through my private health insurance.   March 2016

T Lewis   I have seen many remedial and sports massage therapists in my life, and I rate Simon as the best so far. Excellent knowledge and technique, and really intuitive around underlying issues and how to treat them. He is generous with his time and sharing of great knowledge around wellbeing generally. Excellent and highly recommended.   March 2016

PDalby   I was referred to Simon by a work colleague because [of] extreme neck pain and very little movement in this area. I've had back and neck problems over the past 20 years, seeking advice and treatment from various spinal experts. These have ranged from traditional Chiropractic care, through to Prolotherapy and more recently Networking, but no one has been able to give me the movement or pain relief I now experience. I believe Simon's approach is holistic and very sensitive to each individuals need. He is extremely professional and open to all types of treatments. Simon has improved my neck movement and helped with pain relief, more than any other spinal expert I've seen to date. Thank you Simon for all your help, direction and advice. Regards, Peter Dalby  January 2015

fiam73   Best massage you can get on the East coast! I have lived in Sydney, Brisbane and now Melbourne and with back problems from an old car accident I can tell you Simon really is the best. Highly recommend.   2014

Lisa massage 123   Being a Remedial Massage Therapist myself you may think that I am very particular in whom I see for a massage treatment. Yes I am! As well as addressing my niggles, I feel fantastic, relaxed and revived after receiving a Massage treatment from Simon. The masseurs Masseur!!   2014


Daniel108    Simply brilliant. Don't hesitate to book with Simon, a true professional and exceptionally good at his craft of massage. I read all the reviews here and decided to give him a try and never looked back. I always leave a massage with all the pain treated, with the right level of strength and pressure on all the sore areas, and feel completely refreshed to face the world again. Book, you won't regret it.  26 Sep 2013

Richard7   Started using Simon's services about 3 years ago. Initial visits were for various aches and pains associated with long periods at a desk and regular gym sessions. More recently Simon has assisted with healing an achilles tendon issue sustained prior to walking the Kokoda track. Simon has brought a level of treatment and genuine interest and concern that has exceeded all expectations. I highly recommend his services.  17 Jul 2013

 

HayleyDesign    Can not give Simon enough praise. As a graphic designer I had constant shoulder pain from working on the computer all day. Physiotherapy did little to ease the pain & tension. I tried Simon as a last resort and I am so glad I did. He succeeded where others had failed.  27 Feb 2013

 

Jodie AM   As a 45 year old training for the sport of Ironman triathlon, regular massage is an important part of my preparation. Over the past 15 months, Simon Crittenden has played an integral part in helping me remain injury free. His thoughtful diagnostic approach, ensures he always assesses what I need and focuses on those areas. He deals with any minor niggles to ensure they never progress into full blown injuries. Simon does a fabulous job to ensure I am able to make every training session. Simon's understanding of anatomy and biomechanics means he is able to quickly and accurately pin point the source of any pain and work to alleviate this. So many little touches add to a positive experience the reminder SMS, the soothing music, an abundance of fresh fluffy white towels and the immaculately clean massage room. During winter, the room is always toasty warm. Thanks Simon for all your help in making me the best athlete I can be.  27 Sep 2012

 

Rohan J Reid   Simon has been a godsend, as a 20+year, full time athlete and 2x Mr Australia, my visits to Simon have helped me take my training and body to a place that I never imagined I could. He can sure do all the relaxation and Lymph drainage, but where the real talent lays is finding someone that knows just the right amount of pressure, and where to put it, to release a muscle. Simon doesn't work with his ego, just to show off how much he can hurt you, he really knows how to produce a result to leave you feeling much better, call him today you'll thank me for it.  18 Sep 2012

 

Jaime777   Best masseur in Melbourne. You have to try for yourself and you will not be disappointed. Professional, friendly and effective. A must.  1 Feb 2012

 

Christopher Black   Finally ... a massage guy who can fix me!  I stopped bike racing 5 years ago partially because I could not shake lower back cramping. Numerous folks advised to strengthen core; but it never helped. 
When I started recreationally exercising again a bit over a year ago, all the back pain returned. On a whim I tried Simon, he identified the problem and fixed it in 2 sessions; I have a new found enjoyment of training. 
He is the first sports massage guy who is able to fix my muscular aches and alignment as well as flush my muscles. I do my best to break down my body now in training, and Simon does the fixing that keeps me healthy. Whole heartedly recommend.  27 Jan 2012

 

Fabrice421   Absolutely the best massage I've had. Simon clearly knows what he's doing and you know straight away that you're in the hands of someone who truly cares about doing a great job and is passionate about what they do. It's also great value for money. Very highly recommended.  19 Jul 2010

Massage Works Dandenong Ranges

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Contact:

Simon Crittenden
158 Emerald-Monbulk Rd
Emerald  VIC  3782


mbl  0416 268 255
critsvcs@gmail.com
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