MYOTHERAPY TREATMENT METHODS

Most of us suffer some form of muscle soreness, aches and pain at one point in our life. Everyday factors such as sitting in front of you computer too long, constant traveling in the car, chasing after your kids, missing you gym session, and flopping on the couch after a long day at work can all contribute to your aches and pains.

If you suffer from muscle aches and pains, constant headaches of stiff joints, sporting or work injuries that don't seem to heal, or constant fatigue and tiredness, then you will benefit from Myotherapy. Why continue suffering in silence or popping pain killers that just don't cut it?

After an initial assessment of you health, your myotherapist will recommend the best course of action to suit you.

Myotherapy includes a variety of treatments and techniques to improve the integrity of the muscles and other soft tissues. A myotherapy session may include any or all of the following:

SOFT TISSUE MANIPULATION
Soft tissue manipulation aims to break down, and reduce fibrous or scar tissue. Doing so aids in dispersing inflammation, decreasing pain, improving range of motion/quality of movement and increase function. There are several ways in which soft tissue can be manipulated, however the more common technique is directed pressure applied to a muscle.

Soft Tissue Manipulation

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Trigger points can be defined as “A hyper–irritable spot, usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle or in the muscle’s fascia. The spot is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, tenderness and autonomic behavior" - Travell and Simons (1992)

Trigger points can be treated through a number of techniques including directed pressure (ischemic compression ) to the trigger point and dry needling. Trigger point therapy helps reduces muscle pain, referred pain such as headaches, helps strengthen muscles, improve the length of muscles and range of motion of joints.

Trigger Points cause Pain

STRETCHING
Stretching is a great way to improve flexibility. Flexibility is the ability in which the body can twist, turn and move such that joints are able to move through their full range of motion without sustaining damage or injury. There are many different ways to stretch however they all have the same common aim/effect. Stretching types can vary from active stretching to passive stretching, assisted stretching, ballistic stretching and dynamic stretching. If you want to view stretches click here.

Stretching using Foam Roller

MYOFASCIAL CUPPING
Myofascial cupping is the application of a small cup to the skin which then generates suction either by fire, or suctioning the air out. This then allows the cup to draw the skin, move the skin and superficial muscles as well as stretch the relevant tissue. There are two different types of cupping - glass cupping (used in TCM and acupuncture) as well as plastic cupping (for myofascial release). We use the plastic cups to aid in myofascial release.

This results in improved range of motion to the area, increased and improves blood supply to the area. Myofascial cupping creates a reaction with the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system which can help reduce blood pressure, muscle tension, stress, improves visceral activity and blood supply to the area.

Myofascial Cupping

DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is a technique which is used in the treatment of muscular pain & dysfunction. It involves inserting a needle through the skin and into muscles and relevant tissue. The goal of dry needling is to target myofascial trigger points. Trigger points can be defined as “A hyper–irritable spot, usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle or in the muscle’s fascia. The spot is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, tenderness and autonomic behavior" - Travell and Simons (1992)

Dry Needling

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE
Chronic pain and injuries affect a huge percentage of people throughout the world. Quite often, chronic pain and injuries are symptoms of a more global neuromuscular dysfunction. Rather than just temporarily satisfy or mask the pain, corrective exercise strategies are very import to help clients reduce their pain and improve postural dysfunction thereby creating a more permanent effect. Corrective exercises consist of stretching, self-massage, exercise and necessary strengthening exercises. The prescribed exercises are beneficial by supporting and enhancing the work done by the treating therapist, as the corrective exercises can improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Corrective Exercises

TENS MACHINE
TENS is also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a small hand operated unit which provides a non-invasive, drug free method of controlling acute and long term pain. It can also be used as an adjunctive treatment in the management of post-surgical traumatic pain problems. TENS sends mild electrical impulses, transmitted through the skin via surface electrodes to modify the body’s pain perception. Users will feel a tingling sensation and in most cases instant pain minimization and/or relief. Whilst TENS doesn’t cure problematic physiological conditions, it does help the body to control pain perception.

TENS Machine

THERMO / COLD THERAPY
Thermotherapy or Heat therapy helps open blood vessels which increases blood flow, reduces pain and helps muscles relax. There are several types of hot therapies which consist of heat gels, wheat packs, heating lamps etc. Hot therapy is good for stiffness and chronic pain. It is best NOT to use heat on an injury until 48 hours later. Instead, you would use cold therapy.

Cold therapy (cryotherapy) slows down the blood flow to an injury, which cuts down the swelling, inflammation and pain and helps the body move to the next stage of healing after an injury has occurred. Cold can be applied through a number of ways which can consist of gels, ice packs, ice, cold water etc. Cryotherapy is best used immediately after an injury has occurred.

Thermotherapy