This is one very common question we’re asked frequently: “what is the difference between remedial massage and myotherapy?”

To be honest, there is a bit of an overlap with both professions, however the approaches to treatment are vastly different. For example, a Remedial Massage Therapist will do an assessment and the remainder of the treatment is hands on while lying on the table. A Myotherapist may do an assessment, treat the soft tissue, reassess the area again, and continue this pattern until there is a significant improvement of the issue being addressed.Massage Watsonia

Massage Certification Process

Certificate IV (spa massages)à Diploma of Remedial Massageà Advanced Diploma in Myotherapyà Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy)

 

 

Remedial Massage Therapist: Is a massage-based therapy primarily used to release muscular tension (“knots”, tightness, soreness), enhance relaxation, improve bodily function/joint mobility, and aid in recovery. Remedial massage focuses’ exclusively with hands-on techniques to the soft tissues of the body- muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments, to generally treat the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain with a basic analysis and assessment of posture and range of motion.

Myotherapist: Builds on the soft tissue techniques and knowledge learned as a Remedial Massage Therapist, however implements a greater focus on postural analysis, biomechanics and injury rehabilitation with evidence based treatments. Myotherapists treat both the immediate symptoms and underlying cause of the issues, including muscular, postural, structural or behavioural. In order to become a Myotherapist it is required to complete the Diploma of Remedial Massage first before advancing into either the Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy and/or the Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy) programs.

Both:

Are able to utilise the same techniques, however each practitioner has a different approach to treatment. Both the Remedial Massage Therapists and Myotherapists use soft tissue techniques, such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, muscle energy techniques (MET), stretching techniques and prescribe exercise in the treatments. The difference is, unless a Remedial Massage Therapist takes additional courses to add to their therapy treatments, a Myotherapist/Clinical Myotherapist is able to do myofascial dry needling, cupping, taping, electrotherapy, joint mobilisation and advise specific exercise prescriptions and management.

remedial massage

WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION?

You can expect an introduction, review of history, assessment, plan, treatment, reassessment and exercise prescription (if required). Each treatment is tailored specifically to each individual and their goal outcome.

WHAT CONDITIONS DO THEY TREAT?

We treat a variety of conditions, so to speak.

Some examples include, though are not limited to:

  • TMJ
  • Neck pain
  • Wry Neck
  • Tension Headaches
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
  • Subacromial Impingement (SAI)
  • Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
  • Lateral Epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)
  • Medical Epicondylalgia (golfer’s elbow)
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Grip strength
  • Scoliosis
  • Biomechanical Soreness & tightness (i.e. posture)
  • Back pain
  • Gluteal Tendinopathy
  • Femoracetabular Impingement
  • Osteitis Pubis
  • Muscular strains
  • Ligament sprains
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Patellofemoral pain
  • Patellar Tendinopathy
  • Sports Injuries
  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Myofascial Pain
  • Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
  • Pre & Post event soreness

 

ARE THEY TRAINED TO WORK WITH PREGNANT WOMEN (PRE & POST NATAL)?

  • Yes! All of our Remedial Massage Therapists and Myotherapists have been trained to treat both pre-natal and post-natal women. Treatment positioning will include side-lying positions with a side-abdominal wedge for bub, and semi-reclined positions. This ensures safety and comfortability for both Mum and Bub. Each treatment is tailored specifically to the individual, including pressure depth & techniques used.

 

DO YOU NEED A REFERRAL?

  • No! To book in a treatment with a Remedial Massage Therapist or Myotherapist you do not require a referral. How great is that!

remedial-massage-macleod-victoria

ARE THEY COVERED UNDER PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?

  • Yes! It is highly recommended to check with your private health insurance to see what practitioner modalities you are covered for, and how much per annum is elicited. It may be best to check with them prior to your appointment for a full understanding of what is and what is not covered, so there aren’t any surprises come forth on the day of.

 

 

If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to give us a call. We are happy to assist with any questions you may have, and we look forward to assisting you in your recovery process.