Myotherapy is quite new to Brisbane. So, I thought I would share a little insight. What could be easier right, writing about what I do for a living? Turns out it's a little trickier than I thought it would be.
The Myotherapy Association Australia says "Myotherapy is the evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions". What does that even mean?
In short, if you have pain, we may be able to help.
WHAT IT'S NOT: A myotherapy treatment is not a remedial massage. Massage is one tool that we use in our treatments. But we have many other tools in our tool belt. We will help treat joints, nerves, muscles, lymphatics and connective tissue.
It is not a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist treatment. I'm not here to label injuries and rehabilitate broken bones. Though that might be what we do in a specific treatment. We may use the same assessment techniques to other practitioners, but our treatments are quite different.
And... it is not Voodoo magic tricks. Just because it is new does not mean its not evidence-based.
WHAT IT IS: Myotherapy is a comprehensive treatment. Our main aim is to decrease pain and increase movement. By having many treatment options it allows versatility in our treatments.
By having comprehensive assessment techniques, it allows me to be more of a holistic wellness case manager with your team of health professionals. We always keep in mind the mental and nutritional side as well as the medical and physical ailments. I often refer patients to GP's, dietitians and I will refer to an alternative practitioner if need be.
For example, if your issue is muscular and my treatment option is massage, I will refer to a remedial therapist. If you just need to strengthen certain muscles, I will refer to an exercise physiologist. I will always have the aim of decreasing pain and increase range, however best I can.
IN MY EXPERIENCE: Myotherapy combines a broad range of assessment and treatment techniques, catering for a more comprehensive approach to maintaining your body. "We identify structures causing your pain, a combination of treatment options is then used to address the cause."
EXAMPLE CASE: Someone walks into the clinic with pain in their arm. From assessment; I determine the cause is a nerve being compressed in the shoulder. I aim to decrease the discomfort and pain first. I also treat the compression site to stop the cause. Then I look into the 'why' aspect of the injury. "why did this happen?" This helps me provide a management strategy to ensure the issue doesn't continually happen or worsen in the future.
BENEFITS: When seeing a Myotherapist you are not just getting an assessment for your muscles. It's like taking your car into a shop for not only the engine but the bodywork and electrical too!
If you've tried to get out of your current pain and just not getting to the centre of it; or if you want some extra movement and your current strategy isn't working. This may be the answer you've been looking for.
I love my job! which is probably why I'm writing about it in my spare time. The best part is the result. Seeing someone feeling and moving healthier, makes my day.
Kommentit