
Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, primarily through the manipulation of soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments).
Key aspects of myotherapy include:
-
Trigger point therapy: Identifying and releasing tight, painful areas in muscles.
-
Massage techniques: To reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
-
Stretching and exercise prescription: To restore mobility and strengthen affected areas.
-
Dry needling: Sometimes used to relieve pain and improve muscle function.
-
Postural and ergonomic advice: To prevent recurrence of pain.
Common conditions treated by myotherapists:
-
Neck and back pain
-
Headaches and migraines
-
Sports injuries
-
Repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
-
Sciatica and joint pain
Myotherapy is commonly used in Australia and is often practiced by professionals with specialized training. It’s distinct from general massage therapy in its clinical focus and broader scope of treatment.
​
Myotherapy plays a role in manual medicine as a single mode of treatment, or is used in conjunction with treatment provided by both medical and other allied-health practitioners such as physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, and acupuncture/TCM.