What is Myotherapy?
In the world of healthcare, myotherapy stands out as a specialised and highly effective modality for managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The practice of myotherapy is dedicated to understanding the root causes of these conditions and addressing them through a comprehensive and holistic approach.
At its core, myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal pain. This kind of pain often arises from three primary sources:
- Myofascial pain (originating from trauma or muscle contracture)
- Neuropathic pain (stemming from the nervous system)
- Articular pain (originating from the joint)
As such, myotherapists are well-equipped to handle a vast array of issues, including sporting and occupational injuries, stiffness and soreness, overuse and postural syndromes (like shin splints, ITB syndrome, carpal tunnel, and tennis elbow), symptoms associated with arthritis, back and neck pain, headaches, stress, tension, and rehabilitation from surgery.
What can you expect from your initial myotherapy consultation?
For those who are new to this therapeutic approach, the first consultation with a myotherapist entails a thorough medical history review and lifestyle assessment. This process aims to gather as much relevant information as possible to help design a treatment plan best suited to the client. In this session, physical examinations like postural assessments, range of movement, muscle, and orthopaedic testing may be performed to ascertain or eliminate any underlying dysfunction causing the client’s discomfort.
What sort of training do myotherapists undergo?
Much like osteopathy and physiotherapy, myotherapy involves a clinical approach rooted in extensive training. Myotherapists often possess a Bachelor of Health Science degree, equipping them with an evidence-based form of assessment and treatment while still maintaining a hands-on approach. This training typically involves a mix of theoretical knowledge, practical classes, and ample hands-on clinical experience, giving myotherapists a well-rounded and holistic approach to treatment.
What’s the primary goal behind myotherapy treatment?
Myotherapy aims to restore normal functionality and quality of movement within the musculoskeletal structure. By improving ranges of movement, reducing pain, and educating clients, myotherapy promotes overall quality of life. Treatments may vary depending on the therapist, but common techniques used by myotherapists include:
- Dry needling
- Trigger point therapy
- Myofascial cupping
- Muscle energy techniques
- Corrective exercises
- Deep tissue mobilisation
- Joint mobilisations
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- PNF stretching
- Thermal treatments
- Taping techniques
- Pain management
- Patient education
How do myotherapy and osteopathy complement each other?
In the field of manual medicine, osteopathy and myotherapy often complement each other. Clients may start with osteopathy for diagnosing and treating an acute disorder, then progress to myotherapy as part of their management plan to address underlying soft tissue dysfunction. Conversely, a myotherapy session may lead to a referral for osteopathic treatment if structural issues could be addressed by osteopathy. In either case, clinical Pilates may also be incorporated into the management plan, promoting movement and quality of life.
More FAQs about Myotherapy
- What does a myotherapy degree involve? A myotherapy degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical classes and plenty of hands-on clinical experience. It involves an in-depth understanding of human biology, anatomy and physiology, and broader topics like exercise therapy, rehabilitation, sports injury management, and nutrition.
- Where can you study myotherapy? Myotherapy can be studied as a Bachelor of Health Science or an Advance Diploma, typically taking between 2-3 years.
- Who should see a myotherapist? Individuals suffering from recent or old injuries, ongoing chronic pain, or acute issues are ideal candidates for myotherapy. However, you don’t need to be in pain to benefit from myotherapy – once symptoms have settled, maintenance treatments can help restore and improve optimum muscular health, preventing further injury, improving performance and enhancing mobility.
Get in touch
If you’re unsure whether myotherapy can help you or your specific area of need, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local myotherapy clinic. Embarking on a myotherapy journey might just be the key to help you move through life with less pain and more ease.
