Full Answer
What is Myotherapy and is it effective?
Myotherapy is still an emerging specialization, so there’s currently a limited amount of research examining its effectiveness. However, since it’s a specialized form of remedial massage, it has the potential to deliver the same or very similar benefits. The Institute of Registered Myotherapists of Australia conducted a literature review in 2013.
What is included in Myotherapy treatments?
Myotherapy treatments incorporate the following: 1 a thorough patient history, 2 observations of tissues, movement, and gait, 3 postural assessment, 4 palpation of spine, peripheral joints, musculature, connective tissue and associated viscera, 5 clinical orthopaedic and neurological tests. More ...
What is Myotherapy and who created it?
According to the International Myotherapy Association, myotherapy was developed in 1976 by Bonnie Prudden. It built on techniques developed by Dr. Janet Travell — who was, notably, the personal doctor of John F. Kennedy — and Dr. Hans Kraus.
What happens in a Myotherapy session?
The myotherapist may refer you to other healthcare professionals for further diagnosis or treatment, depending on your medical condition. Treatment depends on the assessment. Myotherapy uses a range of techniques including: myofascial dry needling. Each session typically lasts one hour. The myotherapist will explain your condition in detail.
What can Myotherapy help with?
Myotherapy is a noninvasive therapy that helps treat pain caused by injuries or issues with your muscles or soft tissue....Some conditions that may benefit from myotherapy treatment include:sprains.some types of joint pain.back pain.pain from poor posture.cervicogenic headaches.sports injuries.overuse injuries.
What is the difference between Myotherapy and massage?
Remedial massage is more commonly used to treat non-specific injuries such as muscle tightness or soreness, to provide people with some form of relief, whereas Myotherapy identifies the underlying cause of the injury to aid in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
What does a Myotherapist do Australia?
A Myotherapist is a primary care allied health professional who treats muscle and joint-related pain and dysfunction. This treatment is often offered in conjunction with Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic.
Is Myotherapy the same as physiotherapy?
The most important thing to understand is that Myotherapy (from an education standpoint) is an advanced diploma of remedial massage. This generally means myotherapists are more hands on than physiotherapists, as most of their education and experience is based in massage and manual therapies.
Is myotherapy good for sciatica?
Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with conservative treatments in a few weeks. Clinical Myotherapy can be very useful for those suffering from sciatica.
What should you not do before a massage?
Ten Things Not To Do Before a MassageDon't Sunburn. ... Don't "Caffeinate" ... Don't Eat a Large Meal. ... Don't Run a Marathon. ... Don't Apply Lotion or Oil. ... Don't Apply Topical Medications, Patches or Tapes. ... Don't Take Prescription Pain Medication.
Is myotherapy good for arthritis?
Let's look at how myotherapy can help with subluxations: Assessing tight or weak muscles that are affecting the injury. Relieving muscle tension using remedial massage techniques. Mobilisation of the joint to help correct joint position, as well as increase movement and reduce sensitivity.
What should I wear to my myotherapy appointment?
When you're going to a myotherapy session, it's important to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. This is especially important if it is your initial consultation as you may need to do some range of motion exercises. This will be difficult if you're wearing tight clothing and are restricted.
Is myotherapy good for neck pain?
Treatment of neck pain using remedial massage and Myotherapy can be powerful to reduce pain (and prevent it ongoing!) In most cases the causes of neck pain can be associated (and sometimes attributed) to other biomechanical and postural problems.
What is the difference between an osteopath and Myotherapist?
Even though Myotherapists and Osteopaths can positively effect both muscles, joints and all related tissues; Osteopaths have more tools in their toolbox to effect joints where as Myotherapists have more tools in their toolbox to affect muscles.
How often should you have myotherapy?
It's important to note, you don't have to be injured to seek and receive myotherapy treatment. In fact, we recommend you get maintenance treatment every 6-8 weeks just like you get your car service regularly.
Is myotherapy evidence based?
The report concluded that "the effectiveness of massage therapy within this population remains uncertain. No studies were identified that assessed the effect of myotherapy in people with a clinical condition, and the effectiveness of this therapy is therefore unknown."
What is myotherapy therapy?
Myotherapy (particularly Bonnie Prudden myotherapy) is a form of physical therapy which focuses on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated pathologies. The term myotherapy was originally coined by Bonnie Prudden to describe a specific type of trigger point therapy which she developed in ...
What is myotherapy in medical terms?
Definition. Myotherapy is a branch of manual medicine focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. It involves a physical evaluation and an integrated therapeutic approach to affected muscles, joints, nerves, and associated viscera (organs) and is used in the treatment of acute or chronic conditions ...
What is a myotherapist?
Myotherapists are trained manual therapy professionals in the field of myofascial pain and dysfunction (pain that arises from the muscles and surrounding connective tissue). Myotherapists assess and treat the connective tissue (muscle, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, tissue coverings) using mostly direct 'hands-on' techniques.
What is myofascial stretching?
Myofascial Stretching is the application of a range of stretching techniques, used to elongate the muscle fibres, return functionally short muscles to their optimal length and increase the range of motion of a joint, leading to prevention of further injury.
Where is myotherapy practiced?
Over the ensuing 40 years, myotherapy has evolved to become an allied health discipline which is practiced in many countries across the world including UK, Australia, USA, Canada, Malaysia and Thailand.
Who is the founder of myotherapy?
Myotherapy is based on the research of Janet Travell and David Simons who established the neuro-physiological basis of myofascial pain and dysfunction, and has evolved to include the assessment techniques and treatment modalities.
Who proposed only manual medicine?
Modalities. All modalities are used with the specific purpose of achieving a therapeutic outcome. None of these modalities were used by Bonnie Prudden , the developer of Myotherapy. She proposed only manual medicine.
What is myotherapy therapy?
Summary. Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy used to treat or prevent soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement. The philosophy of myotherapy is founded on Western medical principles including anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.
What is a myotherapist?
This information is kept in strictest confidence and is used by the therapist to help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. The myotherapist will examine and manipulate the affected joints and associated muscles, and test your reflexes.
What to expect at myotherapy?
What to expect at your first myotherapy appointment. For your first appointment, take any medical test results (such as x-ray films) that relate to your condition. The myotherapist will ask many questions about your symptoms. Tell them about your medical history, including prior illness and surgery.
What is myofascia in anatomy?
Myofascia are the thin, fibrous sheets of tissue that surround and separate muscles. Ligaments and tendons are comprised of bundled myofascia. The philosophy of myotherapy is founded on Western medical principles including anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.
What are the symptoms of soft tissue pain?
Symptoms can include: recurrent tingling, prickling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation.
What is a myotherapist?
Myotherapists use many hands-on techniques including – remedial massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilisation ; these techniques are very useful in treating conditions which involve muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. However, they may employ other soft tissue manipulation techniques together with various corrective and rehabilitative exercises to treat an injury, relieve pain, improve mobility and increase performance.
What is a clinical myotherapist?
A clinical Myotherapist can successfully treat a number of injuries or conditions that result from muscular imbalances, incorrect ergonomics, strains, postural or occupational stresses, faulty biomechanics, traumatic or overuse injuries, as well as various chronic musculoskeletal disorders or illnesses. In addition to this, Myotherapists can also help those who have undergone surgery or remained inactive for an extended period to recover and return to regular activity. Here is a list of some common conditions that you may seek myotherapy treatment for:
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, which may be causing pain and muscular dysfunction and thus affecting movement and mobility. Muscular dysfunction can be caused by direct trauma, overload or misuse of muscles arising from occupational, sporting or recreational activities.
What should I expect during a Myotherapy treatment?
During your initial treatment your therapist will take a medical history and run through a detailed assessment of strength, mobility and orthopaedic testing. Your myotherapist will explain the treatment plan and see if you have any questions before the treatment starts.
What is the hallmark of myotherapy?
The hallmark of Myotherapy is the ability to get to the bottom of reoccurring or unresolved pain. The secret to resolving long standing pain is in the ability to figure out faulty movement patterns or subtle postural changes that the body has adopted. When posture and movement are improved, lasting relief can be achieved.
Does myotherapy treat muscle pain?
Just because Myotherapy manipulates muscle and tendon does not mean that Myotherapy only treats muscle pain. On the contrary, skilled manipulation of the soft tissues has the ability to align the spine and restore movement to joints. In fact much of the pain that Myotherapy deals with would not be considered muscle pain at all, like:
What is the hallmark of myotherapy?
The hallmark of Myotherapy is the ability to get to the bottom of reoccurring or unresolved pain. The secret to resolving long standing pain is in the ability to figure out faulty movement patterns or subtle postural changes that the body has adopted. When posture and movement are improved, lasting relief can be achieved.
Does myotherapy help with muscle pain?
Just because Myotherapy manipulates muscle and tendon, does not mean that Myotherapy only treats ‘muscle pain’. On the contrary, skilled manipulation of the ‘soft tissues’ has the ability to align the spine and restore movement to joints. In fact much of the pain that Myotherapy deals with would not be considered ‘muscle pain’ at all. Symptoms like arthritic joint ache, headache, sciatic pain or tennis elbow all respond famously to Myotherapy treatment.
Overview
Definition
Myotherapy is a branch of manual medicine focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. It involves a physical evaluation and an integrated therapeutic approach to affected muscles, joints, nerves, and associated viscera (organs) and is used in the treatment of acute or chronic conditions and in preventative management. Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy treatment for most common musculoske…
History
Myotherapy was developed by Bonnie Prudden, an American exercise and fitness expert and author of a number of books, most importantly the acclaimed Pain Erasure. She created a new system of Manual Therapy based on the work of Janet Travell. Myotherapy is based on the research of Janet Travell and David Simons who established the neuro-physiological basis of myofascial pain and dysfunction, and has evolved to include the assessment techniques and tre…
Modalities
All modalities are used with the specific purpose of achieving a therapeutic outcome. None of these modalities were used by Bonnie Prudden, the developer of Myotherapy. She proposed only manual medicine based on trigger points and corrective exercise techniques. The use of muscle energy techniques, dry needling, joint mobilization, nutritional advice, heat and cold therapy, ultrasound and TENS are not a part of the practice of certified Bonnie Prudden myotherapists.
Effectiveness
In 2015 the Australian Government's Department of Health published the results of a review of alternative therapies that sought to determine if any were suitable for being covered by health insurance; "Massage therapy or myotherapy" was one of 17 therapies evaluated for which no clear evidence of effectiveness was found. The report found that the overall quality of the trial was poor, although highlighted that there was moderate quality evidence of success with certain pati…
Further reading
• Gunn C.C.; 2007, The Gunn Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Pain – Intramuscular Stimulation for Myofascial Pain of Radiculopathic Origin, 2nd edn., Churchill Livingstone, CN
• Jamison J.R.; 2006, Differential Diagnosis for Primary Care – a handbook for health care practitioners, 2nd edn., Elsevier, LON