These are the most Frequently Asked Questions we get about Myotherapy!
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a treatment option for pain, injuries and chronic health conditions that cause physical pain or mobility issues.
It can include treatment techniques like massage, myofascial release, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisations, stretching, taping, exercises and much more.
Whats the difference between Remedial Massage and Myotherapy?
Remedial massage is traditionally focussed on hands on massage techniques, like deep tissue massage or trigger point release. Myotherapy includes access to more advanced techniques than a typical massage therapist has, which allows us to provide more in depth care for pain and injuries, while still using feel-good hands on treatment skills.
Whats the difference between a Physiotherapist and a Myotherapist?
Physiotherapy is a highly active recovery type of treatment, meaning that a lot of the work is done by the patient completing the program of exercises prescribed by the Physio. Typical Physio appointments are shorter and more costly than Myotherapy appointments, and tend to focus more on what you need to do at home. A Myotherapy appointment generally offers a longer amount of time with the therapist, and includes more time where the therapist provides hands on care to release tight, painful muscles, and aims to provide a great window of opportunity to complete active exercises by reducing the pain first. Myotherapists also have the training to create a customised exercise program, just like a physio does.
Is Myotherapy painful?
Myotherapy is a treatment for issues that are already painful, so it can sometimes be uncomfortable. Generally speaking, it is certainly not necessary to endure a high level of pain to get effective results. In fact, Mel, our CEO and Senior Clinical Myotherapist, has worked for over a decade to develop her gentle approach that is extremely helpful for patients with highly sensitive nervous systems or can't tolerate heavy handed deep tissue pressure. The aim of the treatment is not to create more pain, its to provide a functional improvement in mobility and sensitivity, and this can very often be achieved in a way that actually feels good.
Is Myotherapy covered by Medicare?
No, unfortunately Medicare don't recognise Myotherapy as part of the Enhanced Primary Care plans available through a GP.
We do however accept Private Health Insurance.
Is Myotherapy covered by WorkCover?
Yes, it is covered, if its approved by your WorkCover Insurance BUT our clinic has strict requirements around offering WorkCover treatments:
How often should I see a Myotherapist?
It depends what you are seeking treatment for. General aches, pains and tightness may only require a small number of treatments, and if you are getting pain and tightness due to repetitive tasks we might suggest you book on a semi-frequent basis to keep on top of building tension. If you are getting treatment for an injury, for example, a meniscus tear or a disc bulge, you will likely see us often at the start of your treatment so we can manage pain and symptoms and prescribe you exercises that are safe and effective for each stage of your recovery. We aim to extend the time between visits as you recover, until you either no longer need us, or until we set you on a maintenance schedule for preventing re-injury.
Is Myotherapy good for back pain?
Myotherapy is great for back pain - we treat back pain all day, every day! Upper, middle and lower back pain are the most commonly treated conditions our team sees, and we're very good at helping make a plan that is suitable to your back pain.
Is Myotherapy good for arthritis?
Myotherapy can help manage the symptoms of many kinds of arthritis, including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. Myotherapy will not change the structure of your joints, so it will not reverse the bony changes from your arthritic condition, however it can decrease pain, improve mobility and help reduce flare ups.
Can Myotherapy help sciatica?
Myotherapy is a brilliant treatment for sciatica. Sciatic pain can come from a number of causes, including muscle, joint or nerve related conditions, so our Myotherapist will help identify the cause of your nerve pain and then create a strategy that helps you feel better. Our typical approach is to first settle the pain symptoms, then work on building strength and stability through exercises once thats tolerable for you, and making sure you leave with some self care skills to use in between visits.
Can I exercise after Myotherapy?
It depends on what you're being treated for, and what techniques we use, but typically it is safe to exercise after seeing your Myotherapist. We will certainly advise you if theres any specific exercises to avoid immediately after your treatment, but in general we are always happy to see patients excited to return to exercise.
How long does it take to become a Myotherapist?
Myotherapists study for a minimum of 2 years to gain their qualifications. The process is usually to become a Remedial Massage Therapist first, which takes 12 months. Most Myotherapists hold an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, which is an extra 12 month course on top of the Remedial Massage foundations. Clinical Myotherapists, like Mel and Peter, then go on to do the Bachelor of Health Science in Myotherapy, which is a 3 year degree. That time can be reduced, if the therapist already holds a Diploma or Advanced Diploma, however the schedules at the Universities often means that upgrading to the Bachelor is a timely pursuit. Both Mel and Peter spent 6 years at Endeavour College of Natural Health to complete their degrees, mostly due to COVID lockdowns and the scheduling conflicts of academia!
Is Myotherapy just a really hard massage?
No! Myotherapy is so much more than "just a really hard massage". Pressure is not the defining factor between a massage and a Myotherapy consultation. Myotherapists study more in depth on specific injuries, and Clinical Myotherapists with a Bachelor degree also study neuroscience, pathology, nutritional factors, biochemistry, and other science-heavy subjects.
A Myotherapist comes to your treatment armed with lots of knowledge about anatomy and physiology, healing, working with complicated conditions, and the advanced manual therapy skillsets including dry needling, cupping, TENS, joint mobilisation, MET, and so much more.
Can Myotherapy help Bursitis?
Absolutely Myotherapy can help with Bursitis. We treat this inflammatory condition frequently, and the good news is that you can get Myotherapy for Bursitis, with or without a cortisone injection for it. Shoulders and hips are the most common bursitis sites, and its usually caused by repetitive movements that irritate and inflame the bursa. We provide treatments that reduce the strain on the bursa and the joint, and help decrease pain, allow you to put more load through the joint, and give you safe and effective exercises that are suitable for where you're at, whether thats highly sensitive pain or dull but constant discomfort.
Is Myotherapy better than Physio?
Myotherapy and Physiotherapy work towards the same goals - both treatments are designed to help a person in pain to feel and move better.
We believe it comes down to a personal preference. In fact, there is a huge cross over of techniques that are used by Myotherapists and Physiotherapists, so both kinds of practitioner are very well suited to helping if you're in pain.
Our patients love that they typically get more hands on time from us than with a Physio, and just more time in general! Our standard appointments are 50 minutes, which is often double (or more!) of the standard appointment time of a Physio. As far as cost effectiveness goes, you can often get more treatment time for less treatment fees with a Myo.
Myotherapy is a treatment option for pain, injuries and chronic health conditions that cause physical pain or mobility issues.
It can include treatment techniques like massage, myofascial release, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisations, stretching, taping, exercises and much more.
Whats the difference between Remedial Massage and Myotherapy?
Remedial massage is traditionally focussed on hands on massage techniques, like deep tissue massage or trigger point release. Myotherapy includes access to more advanced techniques than a typical massage therapist has, which allows us to provide more in depth care for pain and injuries, while still using feel-good hands on treatment skills.
Whats the difference between a Physiotherapist and a Myotherapist?
Physiotherapy is a highly active recovery type of treatment, meaning that a lot of the work is done by the patient completing the program of exercises prescribed by the Physio. Typical Physio appointments are shorter and more costly than Myotherapy appointments, and tend to focus more on what you need to do at home. A Myotherapy appointment generally offers a longer amount of time with the therapist, and includes more time where the therapist provides hands on care to release tight, painful muscles, and aims to provide a great window of opportunity to complete active exercises by reducing the pain first. Myotherapists also have the training to create a customised exercise program, just like a physio does.
Is Myotherapy painful?
Myotherapy is a treatment for issues that are already painful, so it can sometimes be uncomfortable. Generally speaking, it is certainly not necessary to endure a high level of pain to get effective results. In fact, Mel, our CEO and Senior Clinical Myotherapist, has worked for over a decade to develop her gentle approach that is extremely helpful for patients with highly sensitive nervous systems or can't tolerate heavy handed deep tissue pressure. The aim of the treatment is not to create more pain, its to provide a functional improvement in mobility and sensitivity, and this can very often be achieved in a way that actually feels good.
Is Myotherapy covered by Medicare?
No, unfortunately Medicare don't recognise Myotherapy as part of the Enhanced Primary Care plans available through a GP.
We do however accept Private Health Insurance.
Is Myotherapy covered by WorkCover?
Yes, it is covered, if its approved by your WorkCover Insurance BUT our clinic has strict requirements around offering WorkCover treatments:
- Mel Simon is the only WorkCover registered therapist. Mel must accept your WorkCover claim before you can book a WorkCover session with her, and she only takes limited numbers of WorkCover patients at a time. We can't guarantee WorkCover suitability for any appointments booked without discussing your WorkCover claim with Mel prior to the booking.
- All WorkCover treatments need to be paid in full and you will be given a receipt to make a reimbursement claim with your WorkCover Insurer.
- WorkCover don't cover the full cost of the appointment fees. Check with your WorkCover Insurer what rebate amount you are eligible for.
How often should I see a Myotherapist?
It depends what you are seeking treatment for. General aches, pains and tightness may only require a small number of treatments, and if you are getting pain and tightness due to repetitive tasks we might suggest you book on a semi-frequent basis to keep on top of building tension. If you are getting treatment for an injury, for example, a meniscus tear or a disc bulge, you will likely see us often at the start of your treatment so we can manage pain and symptoms and prescribe you exercises that are safe and effective for each stage of your recovery. We aim to extend the time between visits as you recover, until you either no longer need us, or until we set you on a maintenance schedule for preventing re-injury.
Is Myotherapy good for back pain?
Myotherapy is great for back pain - we treat back pain all day, every day! Upper, middle and lower back pain are the most commonly treated conditions our team sees, and we're very good at helping make a plan that is suitable to your back pain.
Is Myotherapy good for arthritis?
Myotherapy can help manage the symptoms of many kinds of arthritis, including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. Myotherapy will not change the structure of your joints, so it will not reverse the bony changes from your arthritic condition, however it can decrease pain, improve mobility and help reduce flare ups.
Can Myotherapy help sciatica?
Myotherapy is a brilliant treatment for sciatica. Sciatic pain can come from a number of causes, including muscle, joint or nerve related conditions, so our Myotherapist will help identify the cause of your nerve pain and then create a strategy that helps you feel better. Our typical approach is to first settle the pain symptoms, then work on building strength and stability through exercises once thats tolerable for you, and making sure you leave with some self care skills to use in between visits.
Can I exercise after Myotherapy?
It depends on what you're being treated for, and what techniques we use, but typically it is safe to exercise after seeing your Myotherapist. We will certainly advise you if theres any specific exercises to avoid immediately after your treatment, but in general we are always happy to see patients excited to return to exercise.
How long does it take to become a Myotherapist?
Myotherapists study for a minimum of 2 years to gain their qualifications. The process is usually to become a Remedial Massage Therapist first, which takes 12 months. Most Myotherapists hold an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, which is an extra 12 month course on top of the Remedial Massage foundations. Clinical Myotherapists, like Mel and Peter, then go on to do the Bachelor of Health Science in Myotherapy, which is a 3 year degree. That time can be reduced, if the therapist already holds a Diploma or Advanced Diploma, however the schedules at the Universities often means that upgrading to the Bachelor is a timely pursuit. Both Mel and Peter spent 6 years at Endeavour College of Natural Health to complete their degrees, mostly due to COVID lockdowns and the scheduling conflicts of academia!
Is Myotherapy just a really hard massage?
No! Myotherapy is so much more than "just a really hard massage". Pressure is not the defining factor between a massage and a Myotherapy consultation. Myotherapists study more in depth on specific injuries, and Clinical Myotherapists with a Bachelor degree also study neuroscience, pathology, nutritional factors, biochemistry, and other science-heavy subjects.
A Myotherapist comes to your treatment armed with lots of knowledge about anatomy and physiology, healing, working with complicated conditions, and the advanced manual therapy skillsets including dry needling, cupping, TENS, joint mobilisation, MET, and so much more.
Can Myotherapy help Bursitis?
Absolutely Myotherapy can help with Bursitis. We treat this inflammatory condition frequently, and the good news is that you can get Myotherapy for Bursitis, with or without a cortisone injection for it. Shoulders and hips are the most common bursitis sites, and its usually caused by repetitive movements that irritate and inflame the bursa. We provide treatments that reduce the strain on the bursa and the joint, and help decrease pain, allow you to put more load through the joint, and give you safe and effective exercises that are suitable for where you're at, whether thats highly sensitive pain or dull but constant discomfort.
Is Myotherapy better than Physio?
Myotherapy and Physiotherapy work towards the same goals - both treatments are designed to help a person in pain to feel and move better.
We believe it comes down to a personal preference. In fact, there is a huge cross over of techniques that are used by Myotherapists and Physiotherapists, so both kinds of practitioner are very well suited to helping if you're in pain.
Our patients love that they typically get more hands on time from us than with a Physio, and just more time in general! Our standard appointments are 50 minutes, which is often double (or more!) of the standard appointment time of a Physio. As far as cost effectiveness goes, you can often get more treatment time for less treatment fees with a Myo.