What is Myotherapy?

Overview

Myotherapy is the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, which may cause muscular dysfunction and pain thus affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapists utilise a range of treatment techniques to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia).

Trigger points within muscles are an example of muscle dysfunction that can cause deep aching pain, local tenderness, referred pain limiting strength and flexibility. Utilising palpation skills Myotherapists can identify trigger points and deactivate them using various soft tissue manipulation techniques.

Muscular dysfunction can be caused by trauma, overload or misuse of muscles arising from occupational, sporting or recreational activities.

“Myo” in Latin means muscle, therefore a muscle therapist.# Depending on the clients condition, age and response to previous treatments will determine what modality is best suited.

Before any treatment is started a thorough assessment and history check is taken, followed by orthopaedic and (ROM )range of movement tests.

Testing will show signs of where and what is the injury is, this gives the therapist a starting base of the treatment plan.

For most chronic / longer term injuries it is best to allow for three treatments.

Treatment Modalities used:

SDN: Superficial dry needling- or Myofascial dry needling is a treatment approach adapted from acupuncture that applies fine needles to the musculoskeletal system to deactivate trigger points.

Superficial dry needling is primarily focused on musculoskeletal injuries and as such is utilised as a specialist tool to accompany soft tissue skills.

MFR: Myo Fascia Release is where the thin layer of tissue “Fascia” that surrounds all muscles and organs can become tight, shortened or scarred . MFR is a technique that stretches the fascia back to its normal length or state, therefore returning the body to normal functioning.

MET: Muscle Energy Technique is a manual therapy that uses the gentle muscle contractions of the client to relax and lengthen muscles and normalize joint motion.

Taping :(KT) Kinesio-Taping, (FFT) Functional Fascial Taping and Rigid Taping are specific taping techniques used for a multitude of conditions. Such as tennis elbow, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis sprains etc. These techniques assist in supporting the injury and restoring tissue strength.

MFC: Myofascial Cupping is where special suction cups have a vacuum effect that draws blood supply through the muscle or joint area to assist in repair of the muscle, re oxygenating the area that send nutrients to the injury for repair. There can be some mild superficial bruising associated with this method.

Hot and Cold Therapy: the use of wheat bags are used to dilate the blood supply to the muscle and enable the muscle to relax and stretch out to its original length. Cold packs are used to calm down an inflamed area. Ice is usually recommended on all acute muscle and joint sprains and strains.

What conditions can a Myotherapist treat?

Myotherapists treat the cause as well as the symptoms of a wide range of conditions. Some examples of conditions commonly treated by Myotherapists are:

• Neck & backpain
• Headaches/Migraines
• Sciatica
• Chronic Overuse (RSI)
• Tennis/Golfers elbow
• Joint pain
• Numbness and tingling
• General tightness
• Carpal Tunnel
• Knee, hip & ankle pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Elbow & wrist pain

The Benefits of Massage:

• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves circulation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Enhances immune system
• Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
• Eliminates toxins
• Improves muscle tone and joint motion
• Promotes deeper end easier breathing
• Improves digestion and elimination
• Promotes healthy skin
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
• Helps relieve tension headaches
• Balances autonomic nervous system
• Promotes faster injury / illness recovery