'Myo' refers to muscle, and 'myotherapy' is an extension of remedial massage therapy, emerging specifically to treat more complex conditions than remedial therapists are trained to address.
A myotherapist is expected to bring a wide range of knowledge, assessment and treatment skills to utilise in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitation phases of musculoskeletal care.
Myotherapists aim to promote wellness and offer early intervention for myofascial pain and dysfunction. Myotherapists are also trained to refer on to other practitioners, when clients’ presenting conditions are beyond their scope of practice or training, requiring other approaches.
Qualifications are via the Advanced Diploma in Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) or a Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy).
Treatment options within myotherapy may include massage, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, dry needling, cupping, stretching, exercises, and lifestyle and pain management recommendations.
What is massage?
Massage is a therapeutic technique that involves hands on manipulation of soft tissues in the body to relieve tension, enhance circulation, and promote overall well-being. It uses a variety of methods, such as kneading, pressing, and rubbing, to target muscles, connective tissues, tendons, and ligaments.
What is trigger point therapy?
Trigger points are specific tight areas within muscle tissue that cause localised pain and pain in other parts of the body. These trigger points, often referred to as muscle knots, can result from muscle overload, injury, stress or repetitive strain.
Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to these sensitive areas using fingers, thumbs, knuckles, or elbows to apply sustained pressure directly to the points. This pressure may cause discomfort or a tingling sensation initially, but it is typically followed by a significant reduction in pain and a feeling of relief. The goal is to disrupt the cycle of pain and muscle tightness, to enhance blood flow and relaxation to the affected area. Trigger point therapy is commonly used to treat various conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and commonly around the shoulder and hip regions.
What is joint mobilisation?
Joint mobilisation is a hands-on therapy technique used to improve mobility and function to joints that may be stiff or restricted. Joints are where a bone meets a bone and this approach aims to move the joint surfaces in specific directions, facilitating increased range of motion. Joints may become stiff due to lack of use, joint disease such as osteoarthritis, or injury.
What is cupping?
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction effect. This technique is believed to facilitate healing by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
During a cupping session, a practitioner typically uses glass, bamboo, or silicone cups. These cups are either heated or manually manipulated to create a vacuum before being placed on the skin. The suction draws the skin and underlying tissues into the cup. The cups are usually left in place for about 5-15 minutes. Cupping therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as massage and acupuncture or dry needling.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique used to relieve muscle pain and tension. The procedure involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points within muscle tissue, or to ligaments, tendons or scars.
The insertion of the needle stimulates a twitch response in the muscle, which helps to release tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and application of needles along meridian lines, dry needling is founded on modern Western medicine and anatomical knowledge.
Dry needling is particularly effective for treating pain conditions, sports injuries, and muscle tightness. It can be used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities, such as joint mobilisation and massage, to enhance overall treatment outcomes. Patients may experience immediate relief after a session, although some soreness may occur at the needle sites afterwards.
Training to practice dry needling is included in myotherapy qualifications. Physiotherapists and Osteopaths can do specific additional coursework to be qualified to use acupuncture or dry needling.
Private health Insurance rebates are available to clients who see Remedial Massage Therapists and Myotherapists. Rebates are only available for therapy to clinical conditions - not for full body/relaxation massages. Myotherapists typically treat a specific region of the body that is causing pain or dysfunction.
At Balance Health we have three Myotherapists! Nicole Murphy, Helen Tavakkoli and Kim Parsons. We also have massage therapist Beck Gooderham who is available for full body remedial or relaxation massage without private health rebates.
To find out more about our massage and myotherapy staff, please see their profiles.
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