Myotherapy: What is it?

History:

Compared to other professions like Chiropractic and Osteopathy that date back to the late 1800s or Physiotherapy which claims to have its earliest origin the works of Hippocrates and Galen in 400BC, Myotherapy is a very young profession. The term Myotherapy (myo = muscle in Latin) was first coined in 1976 by Bonnie Prudden, and American rock climber and mountaineer, to describe her method of ‘relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation and alleviating pain’. She based her techniques on the works of Dr Janet Trevall – trigger point and myofascial pain; and Hans Kraus – Corrective Exercise.

Myotherapy was first taught in Australia at RMIT in Melbourne in 1989. It was introduced as a way to further educate massage therapists in clinical knowledge and evidence based practice. Whilst Myotherapy evolved from massage, Myotherapists have a higher level of training and are skilled in additional treatment techniques such as dry-needling, cupping and corrective exercise.

Myotherapy vs Remedial Massage:

Myotherapy and Remedial Massage are both therapeutic techniques that are aimed at relieving pain, improving movement, and promoting overall well-being. However, they aren’t the same thing, so what are the differences? The differences lie in the focus of a treatment, techniques employed, and the scope of practice.

1. Myotherapy

• Focus: Myotherapy is a specialized form of manual therapy that targets the treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

• Techniques:

• Involves a combination of techniques, such as soft tissue mobilisation, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, dry needling, cupping, stretching, and corrective exercise prescription.

• Often integrates postural assessment and biomechanical correction to address underlying causes of pain or dysfunction.

• Scope: In addition to general muscle soreness and tension relief, Myotherapy often deals with chronic conditions, injuries, and postural issues, aiming to restore mobility and function.

• Qualifications: Myotherapists undergo specific training in Myotherapy at a Degree or Advanced Diploma level, and are considered more specialized in the clinical treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

2. Remedial Massage

• Focus: Remedial Massage is a therapeutic practice aimed at addressing muscle pain, tension, and stiffness by using massage techniques tailored to individual needs.

• Techniques:

• Involves techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, stretching, and pressure point therapy.

• Primarily focuses on relaxing the muscles, improving circulation, and promoting healing in soft tissues.

• Scope: While it can address some chronic issues, remedial massage is often less specialized than Myotherapy and is commonly used for general muscle soreness, tension relief, or stress management.

• Qualifications: Practitioners are trained in Remedial Massage therapy at a Diploma level, which is often broader and less focused on clinical assessment compared to Myotherapy.