MYOTHERAPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY | The Difference

Chronic pain originating from musculoskeletal issues have become very common, thanks to the sedentary lifestyle, poor egronomics, unhealthy eating habits, and prolonged stress or anxiety. Although taking pain-killers or other OTC medications can manage the pain, it is often difficult to treat musculoskeletal pain. Patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain (such as headaches, knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and neck pain) are increasingly looking for non-invasive, drug-free, alternative therapies for long-lasting relief. Myotherapy and Physiotherapy are the two most widely used and trusted forms of complementary medicine that have shown promising results in the treatment of various musculoskeletal issues. Unfortunately, many of us are unaware of thesetreatments and unfamiliar with the difference between myotherapy and physiotherapy. 

Let’s have a look at each therapy in detail in order to find out what the differences between them are:

Myotherapy

The word “mys” is Greek in origin and means “muscle”, while “therapy” means “treatment”; therefore the term “myotherapy” literally means “muscle therapy”. The exact definition of “myotherapy” as per the Myotherapy Association of Australia is as follows:

“Myotherapy is a form of hands-on therapy which refers to the evidence-based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and associated conditions.“

The Qualification: 

• A 3-year Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) degree or Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy 

The Techniques:

• trigger point therapy
• dry needling
• mobilisation
• soft tissue massage
• passive stretching 
• acupuncture
• TENS therapy

The Health Conditions Treated:

• back pain (upper and lower)
• knee pain
• stress and tension
• headaches and migraines
• DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
• frozen shoulder
• shin splints 
• carpal tunnel syndrome

The Work Places:

• Private massage clinics
• Sports teams
• Adjunct at chiropractic clinics and physiotherapy clinics

When to Visit a Myotherapist:

• for the treatment of acute muscular (myofascial) pain
• for the treatment of diagnosed sports-related injuries
• for assistance with exercise programs

Now that you have a good understanding of myotherapy, let’s learn a bit more about physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy

“Physiotherapy/physical therapy or physio in-short is a form of interactive, evidence-based manual therapy that aims to restore, maintain and maximize a person’s physical strength, function, movement, and well-being.”

The Qualification: 

• A 4-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree 

The Techniques:

• joint manipulation and mobilisation
• spinal mobilisation
• manual resistance training 
• stretching
• trigger point therapy
• posture re-training 
• muscle strengthening
• ultrasound

The Health Conditions Treated:

• most neurological conditions
• cardio-respiratory issues
• musculoskeletal dysfunctions
• chronic joint pain
• capsular injuries
• headache
• pre and postnatal conditions
• postoperative and surgery recovery

The Working Places:

• Hospitals
• Multimodality clinics
• Sports clinics and with sports teams
• private physiotherapy clinics
• aged-care facilities

When to Visit a Physiotherapist:

• for the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain
• for the treatment of injuries
• for rehabilitation from injuries
• for the treatment of mobility issues
• for optimising sports performance
• for enhancing strength
• for structural stability

Entegra Health
Remedial Massage Melbourne