How Myotherapy Helps Relieve Pain

By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist

Myotherapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This means your favourite Myotherapist primarily targets soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, to alleviate your pain and improve overall function. 

We have a variety of advanced techniques that can be used to calm down painful areas, reduce strain on injured muscles and joints, activate weak muscles and rebuild strength and stability. Our treatments include hands on massage and myofascial techniques; dry needling; cupping; MET (muscle energy technique); joint mobilisations; stretching; taping; prescribing exercises to restore muscle balance and strength; providing education and home care advice on how to give your body the best opportunity at recovering.

Myotherapists are goal oriented healthcare professionals - that means that we carefully plan our treatment for your pain based on the outcomes we want to help you achieve. We can help you in the following way
Pain Reduction:

• Myotherapy techniques, including massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching, can help reduce pain associated with muscle tension, “knots”, and trigger points.
  
• By releasing muscle tension and improving blood flow, myotherapy can alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation.
  
• Calming the nervous system allows for pain processes to reduce.
  

Improved Range of Motion:

• Addressing muscular restrictions and adhesions allows your body to move more freely.
  
• Increased range of motion can lead to improved functional abilities and reduced pain during movement.
  
• Movement of our joints is how these joints stay healthy and well lubricated - as they say, motion is lotion!
  

Muscle Relaxation:

• Tight and tired muscles can lead to spasms, cramps and painful movements.
  
• Allowing muscles to relax can provide relief from conditions like tension headaches and muscle strains.
  

Enhanced Circulation:

• Myotherapy techniques stimulate blood flow to the treated areas, which can aid in the healing process by delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues.
  
• Improved circulation can also help flush out metabolic waste products from muscles, including assisting with recovery after big physical exertions like going to the gym or playing sport.
  

Prevention of Further Injury:

• By identifying and addressing imbalances, muscle weaknesses, or postural issues, myotherapists can help prevent future musculoskeletal injuries.
  
• It promotes better body awareness and encourages patients to adopt healthier movement patterns.
  

Stress Reduction:

• Myotherapy sessions often involve relaxation techniques and therapeutic touch, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
  
• Lower stress levels can contribute to a reduction in musculoskeletal pain, as stress can exacerbate tension and discomfort.
  

Rehabilitation Support:

• Myotherapy is a brilliant option for recovering from injuries or for pre and post surgical care
  
• Its often used in conjunction with other rehabilitation methods, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care, to complement treatment plans for injuries and chronic conditions.
  
• It can aid in the recovery process and help you regain functional independence.
  

Customised Treatment:

• Myotherapists assess each patient individually and tailor treatment plans to address their specific musculoskeletal issues.
  
• This personalized approach ensures that the therapy is targeted and effective.
  

Education and Self-Care:

• Myotherapists can provide education on your pain or injury to help you understand what is happening within your body and what typical healing processes need to occur for you to feel better.
  
• What you do outside of the treatment room is just as important as the things your Myotherapist does for you within the treatment room - we’ll explain more to you about lifestyle factors, ergonomics and exercises to empower you to take an active role in managing your pain and preventing future issues.
  

If you're experiencing pain and need some expert assistance, book a time with one of our Myotherapists for a consultation and assessment. We’ll provide a treatment that is specific to your goals and help you get back on track.