Myotherapy

Myotherapy is the evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated condition *Myotherapy Association Australia

 The Philosophy of Myotherapy is that pain, malalignment and issues are caused by muscle or MTrPs (myofascial Trigger Points) which is similar to acupoint based on Chinese meridian (Energy pathway).  MTrPS is basically tight muscle fibre that does not contract and stretch as it should be. This can cause weakness of the muscle and referral pain.

Most famous referral pain of MTrPs is upper trapezius one which causes headache like pain. 

Myotherapy modalities

• Dry needling
• Cupping (Western, Eastern and Plastic)
• TEMS (Transcutaneous Electrical Muscle stimulation)
• EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
• Prescribe Exercise and rehabilitation
• Joint Mobilization
• Taping

What can myotherapy treat?

• Musculoskeletal issues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessel and discs)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Lower back pain
• Herniated, bulging disc
• Shin splint
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis and golfers elbow
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Osgood Schlatter disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Headache and migraine
• Sports injury such as ACL, MCL, tendinopathy and many more!

Difference between remedial massage and myotherapy

The biggest difference is obviously the modalities. However, when it comes to the treatment, remedial massage is focusing on a lot of muscles in one session and patients are usually on the table while myotherapy tries to find the specific causes by doing assessment and patients change their positions quite often like standing, lying down, sitting and standing again.

Although myotherapy is still not well known even in Victoria state (not famous in different state in Australia), it is effective modality as muscles attach to the bone and muscles become tendons when attach to the bone. Therefore, malalignment and musculoskeletal  problems are likely to be caused by muscles.

References

• Myotherapy Association Australia https://www.myotherapy.org.au/find-a-myotherapist/what-is-myotherapy/