TREATMENTS

Myotherapy is a branch of manual therapy which focuses on the treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain. This involves an extensive physical evaluation and an integrated therapeutic approach to treat affected muscles, joints and nerves. It is used in the treatment of acute or chronic conditions as well as in the area of preventive management.

At Sydney myotherapy. Standard methods of assessment such as postural evaluation, orthopedic, neurological and functional testing are accompanied by a thorough palpatory exploration of spinal and peripheral joint-play as well as the contractile state of specific muscles. These findings are then interpreted . It is important you bring any relevant medical information or imaging reports related to a condition that will affect your treatment.

A Myotherapist treats with more than just their hands. Distinct from a Massage Therapist, a Myotherapist may use a variety of techniques to treat pain and tension. These may include:

Deep Soft Tissue Massage

A variety of soft tissue techniques used to break down restricted muscle tissue and increase blood flow thus restoring function. These techniques include deep massage, muscle stripping, sustained compression over trigger points and myofascial release. These techniques are more effective if performed within the clients’ pain threshold.

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Myofascial Release Technique

Joint Mobilisation

This involves moving spinal joints or limb joints within their normal range in order to improve range of movement and restore function thus relieving pain.

Cupping

Cupping is a gentle and effective technique that aims to restore function, movement and flexibility to the soft tissue that connects the body’s muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, cupping uses suction to create a vacuum effect in a plastic cup, which is placed on the skin. The vacuum acts to gently lift the skin and underlying tissues, to break up cross linkages between the tissue layers that limit our flexibility. Cupping also promotes the hydration of these tissues to help prevent further cross linkages from forming.

It is not uncommon for clients to occasionally have residual marks, similar to bruising, from cupping, on the surface of their skin, but these are usually painless and will clear within 2 to 7 days. Cupping is a highly effective technique which you will find very gentle and highly enjoyable. Cupping is known to help activate the lymphatic system, promote blood circulation, and is extremely useful for deep tissue repair

Dry Needling

Myotherapists are experienced in the use of needles to reduce abnormal muscle contraction, deactivate trigger points, restore neuromuscular function and assist with pain relief, this aims at reducing local & referred pain.

The method of administration is similar to Acupuncture however the philosophy behind dry needling is in no way the same as Acupuncture used in Chinese Medicine. Clinical myotherapists are not acupuncturists; however they are specialists in the alleviation of pain using dry needling techniques.

Corrective Excersise

At Sydney Myotherapy we will work with you in designing a program that will identify your needs and help your recovery. This program will be monitored, assessed and modified as your condition improves.

The suitability for either type of taping will be dependent upon your condition and determined by your therapist, specifically for you.

Taping

When it is considered benefcial treatment using either Rigid taping and Kinesio-Taping can be included.

What is Rigid Taping?

Rigid tape is used to provide support to muscle and ligament injuries, or to restrict the movement of certain body parts, where instability or poor postural habits cause pain and discomfort.

Rigid Tape may also provide wearers with a proprioceptive ‘reminder’ that a particular body part is weaker due to injury, thus may be more susceptible to re-injury.

What is Kinesio-Taping?

Unlike standard strapping tape that is rigid and aims to prevent movement, Kinesio-taping uses a stretchy and flexible tape to provide the body with support and stability, without affecting range of motion.

Kinesio-taping can also be used to promote increased blood flow, assist in removal of lactic acid, reduce muscle vibration on damaged tissue and encourage correct muscle firing.

At Sydney Myotherapy we use a brand of Kinesio-tape called ROCKTAPE . For more information visit the ROCKTAPE site here. We love the results that it has been able to give to our clients.