WHAT IS MYOTHERAPY?

Myotherapy literally means muscle (myo) therapy. Myotherapy is a hands-on, drug free, non-invasive form of treatment that is used for relieving muscular pain and dysfunction. Myotherapy emphasises speedy, cost effective recovery and active patient participation for long-term relief.

It is the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions and myofascial pain.

Myofascial pain, is pain produced from the injury to soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and cartilage, which combine to form musculoskeletal structures. These structures are often injured via day-to-day overuse/repetitive actions.

TREATMENT METHODS

Depending on your condition, Myotherapists use numerous techniques to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction.

• Myofascial manipulation/Massage: Remedial massage and muscle release techniques used to release trigger points, release muscle tension, increase circulation and reduce pain and dysfunction.
• Joint Mobilisation: movements used to aid the assistance of muscle and ligament release.
• Cupping: Used to increase circulation and induce localised healing.
• Myofascial Dry-Needling: A form of acupuncture by which needles are inserted into trigger points to deactivate their tension, and reduce pain.
• Thermal Therapy: Heat and cold used to release muscle tension, reduce inflammation and reduce pain
• TENS: A method of applying controlled, low voltage electrical stimulation to peripheral nerves for the purpose of relieving pain.
• PNF stretching: active stretching to assist muscle release.
• Corrective Exercise & Actions: Strength and stretching exercise to help condition muscles and reduce pain.

These methods are practiced according to the condition that causes the body to produce symptoms.

Examples of some common conditions are:

• Myofascial pain Syndrome
• Postural dysfunction
• Sprains & Strains
• Sports injuries
• Sciatica
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Inflammatory conditions
• ...and many more.

Is Myotherapy safe?

Myotherapy is one of the safest forms of treatment today. The only possible side effect of myotherapy is post treatment tenderness (which may last for up to 48hrs) and occasional minor bruising.

Do Myotherapists treat all ages?

Yes, Myotherapy is suitable for children, adolescents, seniors, athletes and pregnant women.

Can I claim Myotherapy services through my health fund?

Generally, yes. Most health funds do allow myotherapy services to be claimed however you will have to check that with your private health insurer.

Specific Chiropractic’s Myotherapists

Jason Nass – Lower Templestowe & Pascoe Vale

Jason graduated with Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) degree at the Southern School of Natural Therapies.

Jason’s experience in rehabilitation of sport related injury’s is attributed to his time spent at various sport clubs around Melbourne. Jason's professional interest lies in biomechanical analysis, or the study of how the body moves. This is applied to assess and correct postural abnormalities, and when used in conjunction with exercise and lifestyle corrections, it can improve fitness and strength and decrease pain through better human movement.

Jason is a registered member of IRMA (Institute of Registered Myotherapists of Australia) and PMA (Professional Myotherapists of Australia)

Scott Ward - Croydon