Physical therapy comes in many forms to best target areas of pain, discomfort and restricted motion. Myotherapy, for example, is a more targeted treatment capable of providing relief to a range of ailments and conditions.
In this article, the team at BodyMotion Physio break down what myotherapy is and the various benefits you can feel when seeing a myotherapist.
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a specialist form of physical therapy relying on a selection of manual techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility and deliver various other benefits. It is often used to treat or even prevent restricted joint movement and soft tissue damage, as well as other conditions, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Myotherapy is primarily based on the belief that many chronic pain conditions and injuries are caused by myofascial restrictions – areas of tightness in the muscles and connective tissues. These restrictions can cause pressure on nerves and blood vessels, leading to associated pain and dysfunction.
What are Some of the Common Myotherapy Techniques?
- Massage: Involves applying pressure to manipulate the soft tissue to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
- Passive stretching: Comprises gentle stretching of the muscles and connective tissues to increase range of motion and flexibility. Passive stretching is often used in conjunction with other myotherapy techniques, such as massage or trigger point therapy.
- Hot/cold therapy: The use of either hot or cold packs to help relieve pain and promote healing. Hot therapy can help treat conditions such as muscle spasms, arthritis, and tension headaches, whereas cold therapy helps with inflammation, sprains, and strains.
- Trigger point therapy: This is the application of pressure to specific points on the body to relieve muscle tension and pain.
- Myofascial dry needling: Involves inserting needles into the myofascial tissue to relieve pain and improve range of motion.
How Can Myotherapy & Myofascial Release Massage Help?
Pain Reduction
Many of us see aches and pains as a daily occurrence, whereas, at other times, they can seemingly spring out of nowhere, halting us in our tracks. Myotherapy can be highly effective in reducing pain. By targeting specific areas of muscle tension and knots, myotherapists can help release the pressure causing pain. Receiving these treatments, such as myofascial release massage, can provide relief from both acute and chronic pain conditions.
Rehabilitating Injuries
Myotherapy can also be used to rehabilitate injuries. By gently stretching and massaging the muscles around the injured area, myotherapy can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Introducing these techniques into your ongoing routine can help to speed up the recovery process and get you back to your normal activities sooner.
Elevate Athletic Performance
If you are an athlete, you need to do everything possible to get your body an extra edge. Whether on the running track, on a sports field, or in the swimming pool, ongoing myotherapy can help you elevate your performance. By improving flexibility and range of motion, myotherapy can help you to move more efficiently, leading to improved performance and reduced risk of injury.
Improved Mobility
Myotherapy is also an effective tactic for those looking to improve their overall mobility. Myofascial release massage, trigger point therapy, passive stretching, and other combined techniques can loosen tight muscles and improve range of motion. The progress made through myotherapy can help you to move more freely, making everyday activities easier and reducing your risk of falls or other accidents.
Prevent Injuries
Whether you are an active sportsperson or are required to perform a lot of manual labour in your line of work, you need to ensure your body is in prime physical condition not only to perform, but to protect yourself from harm. By keeping your muscles healthy and flexible, myotherapy can also help to prevent injuries sustained in physical activity. Again, this is especially important for athletes or people who are active in their everyday lives. Myotherapy can help you stay healthy and active for years to come by reducing your risk of injury.
Discover More on the Benefits of Myotherapy with BodyMotion Physio
If you are interested in learning more about how myotherapy can assist you, please contact us at BodyMotion Physio today or book an appointment.
