Louis Sacco – Myotherapist
What is the difference between Myotherapy and Remedial Massage? This is one of the most commonly asked questions we receive in the clinic from patients new to Myotherapy and those who have been seeing Myotherapists for a number of years.
Myotherapy is the use of evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and conditions. Myotherapists are highly trained Health Practitioners who graduate with either a Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma at a private College or University. Myotherapists have extensive knowledge of the human body, physiology and anatomy. Remedial Massage Therapists complete a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy at University TAFE schools. These courses are typically 18 months in length and cover anatomy and physiology, assessment and treatment of the body and musculoskeletal system.
The main differences between Myotherapy and Remedial Massage Therapy consist of the following:
1. The education
Myotherapists can go down two different paths through private colleges or Universities to become a qualified Myotherapist. Some will begin with studying a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy, then continue into an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, this is a 2.5-year course and allows Myotherapists to use both Remedial Therapy and Myotherapy principles for each client. Other Myotherapists will study a Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy), which is a three-year degree.
Remedial Massage Therapists complete a Diploma of Remedial Massage at either a private college or University, which is an 18- month course.
2. The treatment
Myotherapists aim to identify the root cause of pain, dysfunction or discomfort the patient is experiencing. This enables the Myotherapist to treat the presenting complaint and also address the original cause. Myotherapists have many tools to assess and treat muscles, nerves and joints, including:
- Myofascial release
- Muscle manipulation
- Dry Needling
- Cupping
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Trigger point therapy
- Joint Mobilisation
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Stretching
Remedial Therapists work extensively on improving superficial and deep Myofascial layers of the body to encourage muscles to release tension, enhance recovery and promote relaxation of the body.
Remedial Therapists use similar tools to Myotherapists, these include:
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Stretching
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Muscle manipulation
- Cupping
Why see a Myotherapist?
Myotherapists can assist those who are experiencing pain, injuries or dysfunction. Myotherapists can also assist in prevention and early intervention of injuries and pain, and can manage chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, you don’t have to be in pain or have an injury to see a Myotherapist. Myotherapy is a great form of treatment to help release tightness and tension, improve sleep, and in general to help you feel great!
Visit our myotherapy clinic in Blackburn
