Whats the difference between Myotherapy and Remedial Massage?

This is one of those questions I get asked really often.
Myotherapy is still a fairly new term in the health world, its been picking up in popularity in Australia over the last 15 years or so.
My path into Myotherapy began in Remedial Massage, and I see a lot of similarities between the two modalities, as well as the differences.

The Similarities

• Both are hands on physical treatments that move and manipulate soft tissue to relieve pain.
• Techniques used by both Myotherapists and Remedial Massage therapists include massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretching.
• Both can be used for preventative care and to maintain good muscle health.
• Most private health funds provide rebates for both Myotherapy and Remedial Massage - and some health funds give you a separate limit for each! We're with Frank Health Insurance, and our plan gives us $300 per year in Myotherapy and $300 per year in Remedial Massage! Winner!!

The Differences

• A Myotherapy treatment includes a more extensive initial assessment, including your health history, doing special tests, forming a clinical impression and developing a treatment plan to specifically resolve your pain.
• Myotherapy includes additional techniques like dry needling, cupping, kinesiotaping, muscle energy techniques, joint mobilisation, and corrective exercise prescription.
• A Myotherapy treatment is usually for a specific injury, pain or muscular dysfunction - for example, a sharp pain when you raise your left arm or sciatic pain in the right leg, rather than a full body treatment.
• Myotherapists have extra study time under their belt, including pain science, neurophysiology, advanced clinical reasoning and more. Myotherapists have either an Advanced Diploma or a Bachelor Degree.

A Myotherapist is a great option if you have an injury, a specific pain area, a recurring or severe pain, or a condition that requires more in depth knowledge and training. Plus a lot of Myotherapists, like myself, came into Myotherapy through a Remedial Massage background. By seeing a Myo for your pain you are likely to get a great range of techniques that feel good and are effective at relieving your pain.

For more widespread aches, pains and tension that are a little annoying but not stopping you from getting on with your day, a Remedial Massage can do the trick.
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If you have a question, I'd love to answer it! Drop me a line, or feel free to call in in person to the clinic at Balanced Life Health Care in Ferntree Gully.

Would you like to get your treatment plan started? Book your first appointment online.