Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It uses a range of techniques such as soft tissue massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and joint mobilisation to alleviate pain, improve movement, and restore function.
Myotherapy is particularly effective for treating conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches as well as sports injuries and stiffness. The goal of myotherapy is to identify and address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, rather than simply treating the symptoms. By doing so, it can help patients to achieve long-lasting relief from their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. It is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, good nutrition, and stress management in maintaining optimal health and wellbeing.
Dry needling is a technique used by Myotherapists to treat pain and muscle dysfunction. It involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into a trigger point or muscle knot in order to stimulate a healing response. The needle is usually left in place for a few minutes, during which time the patient may feel a slight twitch, ache or heaviness in the muscle. It works by releasing tension in the muscle and increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce pain and improve function. Dry needling is based on the principles of acupuncture, but it is a different technique that does not involve the use of traditional Chinese medicine.
Cupping is also a technique used by myotherapists. It is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This suction can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area. The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, or silicone, and they are usually left in place for a few minutes before being removed. Active cupping is a variation of this technique that involves moving the cups around on the skin while they are still suctioned, to create a massage-like effect. This can help to break up scar tissue, release muscle tension, and improve range of motion. Both cupping and active cupping are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they may cause temporary bruising or soreness in some patients.
While there is some overlap between myotherapy, physiotherapy, and osteopathy, each of these professions has its own unique approach to treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Physiotherapists focus on restoring movement and function through exercise, manual therapy, and other techniques. Osteopaths use a range of manual techniques to improve the function of the musculoskeletal system and other body systems. Myotherapists use a range of soft tissue techniques to alleviate pain and restore function, with a particular emphasis on trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Myotherapy is generally more focused on the treatment of soft tissue and muscular pain, while physiotherapy and osteopathy may also involve the treatment of joint and bone-related conditions. Ultimately, the best approach for a given patient will depend on their specific needs and goals and may involve a combination of different therapies.
If you would like to find out more, pop in to CSSM and see Adele Agius.
More about Myotherapy with Myo lead and Physiotherapist Kelsey Thomas.
Adele Agius analyses the main components of people’s everyday lifestyles and interests to identify and provide specialised ways for a specific individual to help aid in strengthening, rehabilitating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adele enjoys working with people to help get them back to the activities they love.
Adele is a firm believer in educating her clients about their condition and what their recovery process will entail to improve their ability to manage, maintain and overcome their injuries.
She has worked with NICA (National Institute of Circus Australia) and amateur basketball, netball and football leagues across Melbourne.
Needling: Is there a point? (no date) Taylor & Francis. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10669817.2019.1620049 (Accessed: 11 May 2023).
Trigger Point Dry needling (no date) Taylor & Francis. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/jmt.2006.14.4.70E (Accessed: 11 May 2023).
Kouser, H.V. et al. (no date) Evidence-based therapeutic benefits of cupping therapy (ḥijāma): A comprehensive review, Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. Available at: https://www.jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/4969 (Accessed: 11 May 2023).
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