Myotherapy vs Remedial Massage
When looking for relief from an injury or a condition sometimes we don’t know what modality to choose or who would be the best fit. This may cause confusion with patients. The most common question we get asked in the clinic is what is the difference between Myotherapy and Remedial Massage? Well… scroll down to find out!
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is evidence-based practice used to assess, treat and provide rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal pain and conditions including but not limited to:
Neck and jaw pain
Disc pathologies
Lymphoedema and lipoedema
Headaches and migraines
Chronic conditions (e.g. Fibromyalgia)
General pain management
Sporting injuries
Low back pain
Rotator cuff injuries
Qualified practitioners use clinical reasoning, manual hands-on therapy, problem solving and planning skills to design and implement treatment and management programs specific to the patient's needs and health outcomes/goals. (As stated by Myotherapy Association Australia).
What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial Massage Therapists primarily utilise their hands and elbows to provide soft or deep tissue massage. Most Remedial Massage Therapists will hold a Certificate IV or a Diploma of Remedial Massage. Practitioners learn the basic foundations of assessment and anatomy and how it can relate to a patient's presentation. Some therapists gain their qualification so that they can work whilst they study towards a higher allied health qualification (e.g. Osteopathy, Myotherapy or Physiotherapy).
What is the difference between Myotherapy and Remedial Massage?
We understand that there is a lot of cross over between the two modalities and treatments may sometimes feel very similar.
The main distinction between Myotherapy and Remedial Massage is that Myotherapists hold a higher qualification (either a bachelor degree or an advanced diploma). This means that your Myotherapist may have a larger variety of techniques, treatment and rehabilitation strategies to tailor and apply to the patient’s needs.
Myotherapists can hold a more in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and injury presentations which can help identify underlying causes, signs and symptoms. Myotherapy is often chosen when an area/injury requires more specific attention.
Some tools and techniques that Myotherapists use that a Remedial Massage Therapist may not include:
Dry Needling
Electro Dry Needling
Cupping
Joint mobilisation
Manual lymphatic drainage
Rehabilitation programs
Taping
Neural mobilisation
How are they similar?
Both Myotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapists rely on soft tissue techniques to help their patients achieve their goals. Choosing which practitioner to see depends on what your goals and needs are.
Some Remedial Massage Therapists go on to complete professional development to learn treatment techniques such as dry needling and cupping. This may be why some patients perceive Myotherapy and Remedial Massage as similar modalities.
Both modalities have great benefits that can help their patients achieve their outcomes and goals.
Cassie holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) and is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for all of your Myotherapy needs! Online booking available.
Cassie
