By Ben Carubia - Myotherapist/Physiotherapist
As the clinics resident Myotherapist I am commonly asked what the difference is between a regular massage therapist and Myotherapy. The following is a brief insight into the difference between these two professionals and what level of training is required to be a qualified Massage and Myotherapist.
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a profession that focuses on the management of musculoskeletal conditions which cause muscular pain and dysfunction. A Myotherapist utilises a large range of soft tissue modalities to restore and maintain the integrity of soft tissue structures (muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments).
What is the difference between Myotherapy and regular Massage?
A Myotherapist will conduct a thorough musculoskeletal assessment (including a full patient subjective history, muscle, joint and neurological testing) prior to any patient treatment. Doing so will enable the therapist to determine whether the individuals problem can be managed by manual therapy alone, or in combination with exercise rehabilitation or spinal mobilisation/manipulation via another health professional. Compared to a Massage therapist, who can have anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 months training, Myotherapy is a minimum of 3 years as an Advanced Diploma and now have Bachelor Degree courses available.
Along with general soft tissue massage techniques a Myotherapist will also use:
Trigger point therapy
Dry needling
Deep tissue massage
Hot and cold therapies
Passive/active muscle stretching techniques
Electro-mechanical stimulation via TENs
Corrective or rehabilitative exercises.
What are common conditions treated by a Myotherapist?
The most common treatments that a Myotherapist will deal with include:
Neck & Back pain
Headaches/Migraines
Sciatica
Chronic Overuse (RSI)
Tennis/Golfers elbow
Joint pain
Numbness and tingling
General tightness
Carpal Tunnel
Knee, hip & ankle pain
Complications associated with Frozen shoulder
Elbow & wrist pain
If you would like to know more about Myotherapy and how it may be of benefit to you please feel free to stop me at the clinic for a chat or email me at b.carubia@backinmotion.com.au for further details.