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At Innovative Physio we care about our clients and we focus on preventative techniques and education
WHAT IS MYOTHERAPY ?
Myotherapy is the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions and is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy. “Muscular therapy”, Myotherapy is a multi-skilled physical therapy within the Allied Health Profession.
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
Myotherapists utilise a range of treatment techniques to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia). The aim of treatment is to treat the cause as well as the symptoms of a wide range of conditions.
Pain or symptoms caused by muscle (myo) or fascia (connective tissue) are described as "myofascial". The cause of musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in many conditions involves the myofascial tissue.
It may originate from abnormal muscle contraction or trigger points in muscle or fascia. These are often experienced by the individual as feeling of 'tightness' or 'knots' within the muscles.
Myofascial pain may be experienced locally or it may radiate to areas away from the original source. Other symptoms may also be experienced as a result of trigger points within the muscles such as decreased range of motion, stiffness, fatigue, weakness and tingling or numbness.
A number of factors may contribute to these symptoms including
- poor posture – including a trend with prolonged slumping over smartphones, laptops and computer
- muscle dysfunction
- overuse of muscles - imbalances
- injury
- stress
MODALITIES THAT MAY BE USED:
- Soft Tissue techniques including muscle energy techniques, neuromuscular techniques, myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilisation.
- Myofascial stretching techniques may include static stretching, dynamic stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF).
- Dry Needling - Myofascial Dry-Needling (MDN) is the application of fine filiform needles (which are also used by but not exclusive to acupuncture)into specific points in the muscles known as trigger points, to produce a healing and analgesic (pain-modifying) outcome.
- Myofascial Cupping is a modern adaptation of the ancient Chinese art of cupping therapy. It is both gentle, non invasive and a great way to soften muscle tissue before more specific massage techniques can be comfortably applied. By creating a suction or vacuum, cupping therapy is used to release rigid soft tissue, drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions, and lift connective tissue, while bringing blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles. Cupping has a sedating effect on the nervous system, and many people find it profoundly relaxing.
- Rehabilitative/therapeutic exercises are a preventative and vital component of any myotherapy treatment. Educating and empowering the client to take responsibility for their own health, act to permanently change dysfunctional patterns, and prevent injury. Techniques may include neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitative programs, biomechanical retraining, core stability, nutrition, injury prevention, and lifestyle education.
- Thermal therapies – use of hot or cold packs
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Realtime ultrasound
WHEN CAN MYOTHERAPY HELP?
- For aches, pain or discomfort at rest or on movement (including headaches)
- Those with sports or occupational induced injuries
- To increase range of motion
- decrease tension around joints
- To restore muscle balance
- To improve posture
- To reduce recovery time and soreness after exercise
- To increase blood flow