Myotherapy Vs Chiropractic – What’s The Difference?
The main difference between myotherapy and chiropractic is their focus. Myotherapy focuses on muscle health, although it does include some supportive work for the joints. On the other hand, chiropractic has a strong focus on the spine and its impact on the whole nervous system, as well as treating other joints throughout the body.

How Myotherapy And Chiropractic Can Work Together
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Chiropractors can adjust structural issues
As a myotherapist, I am your go-to for muscle issues. And while myotherapy can include mobilising joints, sometimes it’s not enough to address a structural issue. Manipulating joints is a specialised skill and is out of a myotherapist’s scope of practice.
That’s where a trusted chiropractor comes in. If your myotherapist thinks there is a structural issue that needs to be addressed, teaming up with a chiropractor can get you sorted.
Soft tissue work can extend the results of an adjustment
Maybe you’re already seeing a chiropractor regularly. Adjustments from your chiropractor can be great at the time. But many people feel like they slip back into the same uncomfortable position in no time.
This is where working with a myotherapist can extend those results. We can have a look at any muscles that are encouraging your problematic positioning and help rebalance them. This can lead to longer-lasting results from your chiropractic sessions.
Myotherapy can make it easier for your chiropractor to effectively adjust you
If you have very tight muscles and connective tissue surrounding your spinal joints, it can sometimes be difficult to get those areas adjusted. By seeing me  before an adjustment (either same day, or the day prior) a lot of my patients find their chiropractic treatment is more effective and less uncomfortable. Its definitely a satisfying feeling getting an adjustment that moves easily without feeling like muscle tension is stopping you getting the full benefit of your chiropractic session.
Adjustments and home exercise can work together
Another reason to combine myotherapy with your chiropractic care plan is including corrective exercises for the muscles. As a myotherapist, I can prescribe a personalised exercise plan that can strengthen a weak muscle, correct muscular imbalances and relieve pain over the long-term.
Why is this a great approach? It means that instead of just treating the problem, you can work towards healing it.
A combination can do wonders for spinal issues
People who have spinal issues such as nerve impingement get more bang for their buck by working with a myotherapist and chiropractor. Myotherapy can reduce pain levels and muscle sensitivity using techniques such as massage therapy, cupping and muscle energy techniques. On the other hand, chiropractic can help with repositioning the vertebrae, which can reduce compression on the impinged nerve.

Don't have a chiropractor you love? Let me make a recommendation!
Dr Nadine Toussaint at Resonate Wellbeing in Ringwood is an amazing, gentle and caring chiropractor.
To book in a myotherapy session, head to my booking page.
To make an appointment with Nadine, jump onto the Resonate Wellbeing website.

What is hypermobility?
Hypermobility is when a joint has a greater range of movement than usual. This can be caused by a handful of factors, including:

• The range of movement of tendons and ligaments
• The range of movement of muscles
• Whether there has been any stretching or damage to any of these structures

The diagram above from the Hypermobility Syndromes Association shows some joint mobility tests that can help identify generalised hypermobility. Having any or all of these signs doesn't necessarily mean you have a hypermobility syndrome, but can be an indicator. As always, see your GP if you are concerned.
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Is hypermobility a bad thing?
Not always. Some people can actually train their joints to become hypermobile over time – think people who do gymnastics or calisthenics. This isn’t a problem, as long as the joint isn’t damaged and the muscles are strong enough to prevent the joint from slipping out.
There are also people that have one or more hypermobile joints, but don’t have any problems as a direct result. This is generally described as benign hypermobility.
But it can be problematic for some people. Sometimes, it’s a short-term problem – like if you dislocate a shoulder during football. This will mean you need to nurse the joint back to normal mobility to prevent further injury.
Sometimes, hypermobility is part of a bigger concern. There are conditions that present with hypermobile joints, including most forms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome. Sometimes, hypermobile joints that become problematic are the first clue that there is an underlying issue.

Tips to support a hypermobile body part
If you have some hypermobility and it’s not causing you any issues, you might be just fine. But if your joint is causing you pain, is unstable or affecting your life in any way, here are some tips to support it back to health.
Keep exercising within your limitations
The body thrives off movement, and it boosts blood flow throughout, which is needed for healing. If you have an injured body part, do any kind of exercise that doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. For example, if your shoulder is the issue, go for a daily walk still. If it’s an ankle, keep doing upper body work at the gym that doesn’t require standing.
Remember, if you’re not sure how to exercise safely due to injury, the best course of action is to consult a myotherapist who can assess the situation for you.
Use taping and other tools to increase proprioception
One issue that is common with hypermobile joints is a loss of proprioception. Proprioception is where your brain thinks your joint is. If you lose proprioception, your body can start to think that the correct position for your joint is partially dislocated, or subluxed.
A good tool to use to increase proprioception is taping. By taping a joint, you can stabilise the joint when it is very unstable. Once the joint improves, kinesiotape can help to increase your awareness, or proprioception, of the joint.
In the clinic, I offer both rigid and kinesio taping services. In fact, return clients can book in a follow-up taping session, so we can re-tape a loose joint until it regains stability. To book a taping session, contact me directly.
If your joint is particularly loose, you can also consider tools like splints, supports or orthotics to help with proprioception. These are most useful for highly unstable joints, or for times when you can’t focus solely on where a joint is. Not sure which tool is best for you? Ask your friendly myotherapist.
Be cautious with stretching and yoga
Stretching and yoga can have oodles of benefits. But if a joint is already stretched out of place, the wrong stretches or yoga poses can exacerbate the situation. Just because you can move into an extreme stretch doesn't always mean you should - often the safest option is to stop short of your absolute maximum stretch, because here you'll have the most control over your movement. Control at our very end range of movement can be difficult, and if your joints are prone to dislocation and instability due to loose or unreliable ligaments then ideally you should be aiming for a stretch where you can still keep excellent muscle control over the joint. If you’re not sure what is safe to do, have a chat to your practitioner or yoga teacher.
Work with a hypermobile-literate myotherapist
If your body is sore, a massage therapist can relieve some pain. But if you want to get the injury rehabilitated, you want to work with a myotherapist who is familiar with hypermobility.
With myotherapy, we can not only give immediate relief using massage and other treatment techniques, but also put together a personalised treatment plan. A hypermobility management plan will include targeted strength and proprioception exercises. By rebuilding the muscles and teaching your joint where it should sit, you can get back on track.
 
I’ve had the opportunity to work with many people who have hypermobility – both short-term and chronic. So whether you have a loose joint post-injury or a condition like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I’m happy to help. Click here to book in an appointment.