What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy that helps in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of joint and muscle injuries and neuromuscular dysfunction causing acute or chronic pain and affecting mobility. Treatment mainly involves a hands-on approach but other modalities are also used.
Indications for Myotherapy
Indications for myotherapy include:
- Myofascial pain: A muscular pain arising from the fascia (sheath) surrounding muscle fibers which can undergo changes with exercise, poor posture and neuromuscular disease
- Back pain
- Joint injury and stiffness
- Arthritis
- Shoulder impingement
- Sports injuries such as strains and sprains
- Overuse injuries such as tennis elbow, runners knee, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tension headache
- Fibromyalgia
- Stress and anxiety
Preparation for Myotherapy
Prior to the procedure, your myotherapist will perform a detailed physical examination and review your medical history and current medications. Certain diagnostic tests will be performed to determine the cause of pain. Based on the results, your therapist will determine whether you would benefit from myotherapy and if so, will recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Myotherapy Procedures
Some of the common treatment methods in myotherapy include:
- Soft tissue massage: During this procedure, the pressure is applied slowly and in deep strokes to target the superficial and deep layers of muscles. Massage helps to reduce the tension formed in the muscles and can relieve pain.
- Joint mobilization: Your therapist will move the affected joint through its range of motion to increase joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Trigger point therapy: During this procedure, the pressure is applied to target the trigger points in muscle fascia which are sore, tight spots responsible for muscle tension and pain.
- Dry needling: This technique, also known as intramuscular stimulation, is similar to acupuncture in which fine filiform needles are penetrated through the skin to target the trigger points.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): During this procedure, small electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate the nerves near the affected area.
- Functional cupping: This technique involves placing cups on the skin that produce suction forces to improve blood circulation and relieve tension and pain in the muscle.
Post-therapy Instructions and Recovery for Myotherapy
Recovery varies within individuals based on the severity of the condition. Some of the steps to be followed include:
- Gentle exercises to improve blood circulation
- Applying heat on the affected area
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Staying hydrated
Risks and Complications of Myotherapy
Risks and complications of myotherapy include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Lethargy
Benefits of Myotherapy
Benefits of Myotherapy include:
- Relieves stress and reduces muscle tension
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces pain
- Strengthens the immune system
- Increases flexibility
- Helps prevent injury
- Improves posture
- Relieves muscle spasms
Other Therapies
