Myotherapy

Myotherapy is a type of physical therapy which involves assessing, treating and managing conditions affecting soft tissue and/or joint pain. Musculoskeletal conditions may be caused by trauma, overload or misuse of muscles from occupational, sporting or recreational activities.  

You should visit a myotherapist when your pain lasts longer than several days or when your movement has become restricted. You can also visit a myotherapist to receive treatment during the rehabilitation phase after an injury to help strengthen the affected muscles and joints.  

A myotherapist can treat a range of different conditions including:      

• Neck and back pain,  
• Headaches and migraines,  
• Certain types of joint pain,  
• Carpal tunnel,  
• Knee, hip and ankle pain,
• Frozen shoulder,  
• Elbow and wrist pain,  
• Tennis or golfers elbow,  
• Numbness, tingling or general tightness,  
• Sciatica,  
• Certain types of chronic back pain, and
• Muscle sprains.  

Techniques  

During your consultation, the myotherapist will examine and manipulate the joints and muscles that have been damaged. The myotherapist will then use a range of techniques including:  

Trigger point therapy – also known as dry needling involves inserting needles into acupuncture points to treat pain associated with injuries,  

Deep tissue massage – massaging the deep layers of muscle,  

Passive or active muscle stretching – involves stretching the muscles to elongate muscle fibres and increase range of motion,  

Hot or cold therapy – uses heat packs, ice baths and heat lamps to reduce pain and swelling,  

Electro-mechanical stimulation – is the application of electrical currents to produce health and pain relief, and  

Corrective or rehabilitative exercises – to help correct bad habits and prevent further injury.      

The myotherapist will continue to provide you with therapy until your muscles have strengthened or the pain has subsided. They will then provide you with strategies to avoid or reduce aggravating the muscle again.      

Disclaimer  

The content displayed on this webpage is intended for informational purposes and is a guide only. It does not replace or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information contained on this webpage must be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional before making any decisions or taking any action based on the content of this webpage.      

Sources  

Better Health Channel: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Myotherapy  

Institute of Registered Myotherapists of Australia: http://www.myotherapy.org.au/about/whatismyotherapy