Myotherapy

Myotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from sporting or occupational injuries, to postural conditions, chronic neuromuscular disorders, the pains associated with muscular overuse, misuse or disuse and may also help to prevent injury. A myotherapist’s treatment tools include all those of a remedial therapist and, in addition, myofascial needling, functional taping, therapeutic exercise prescription, nutrition, electrotherapy (TENS) and corrective exercises. Comprehensive pre and post treatment assessment and client education strategies are emphasised to aid with the body’s rehabilitation and to assist with future injure prevention.

How does a Myotherapist treat?

A myotherapist employs a number of treatment modalities, such as: soft tissue manipulation; myofascial stretching; thermal therapy; myofascial needling; electrical stimulation (TENS); and corrective exercises. One of the keys to effective treatment is the assessment skill of the practitioner. Using a combination of tactile skill, anatomical knowledge and clinical understanding, the Myotherapist can identify abnormalities in muscles and connective tissues. This knowledge helps to determine the therapeutic techniques to be used in treatment. The appropriate use of education strategies is also important to engage patients in the recovery process, and assist in the prevention of future injuries. Patient management and practice management principles are an equally important aspect of working as a myotherapist.

What to expect from a Myotherapist during and after a consultation?

Assessment: Conducting initial interviews with patients and interpret referrals; assessment of pathological conditions affecting muscle function and human movement; assess range of movement; and conduct orthopaedic and function tests.

Treatment: Plan, implement and modify treatment programs; apply myofascial needling techniques; apply soft tissue manipulative techniques; perform myofascial stretches; apply thermal techniques; apply electrical muscle simulation (TENS) to normalise muscle tone; and instruct patients in corrective exercises and actions.

Recording and Management: Monitor and record patient progress during a treatment program; write referrals to medical practitioners; compile reports to Medical Practitioners, Health Insurance groups, Employers and Government bodies.

What is Myofascial dry needling?

Myofascial dry needlingis primarily focused on musculoskeletal injuries and, is utilised as a specialist tool to accompany soft tissue skills, and is therefore an integral aspect of myotherapy. It utilises insertion of acupuncture needles into active trigger points (hypertonic muscle lesions) to relieve pain, resolve musculoskeletal pain patterns associated with the specific points and restore freedom of movement. Stimulation of trigger points using Dry Needling can desensitise these points and associated referral pain areas, promote healing and enhance production of endorphins. Dry Needling can be used to treat conditions such as joint pain and osteoarthritis, inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and disc pain, headache and migraine, post surgical conditions, back pain, as well as acute and chronic trigger point pain