Myotherapy And Massage: What’s Really The Difference?

If you’re like most people, then it’s likely you have some uncertainty when it comes to the difference between myotherapy and remedial massage. And it’s understandable as both get used for treating a range on muscle and tissue pain. ​

The main difference is myotherapists use an extensive range of techniques. While they both focus on trigger point therapy, myotherapists use techniques such as needling, cupping, muscle stretching, and perform rehabilitating exercises. 

Education

A straightforward way to distinguish between the two is the education they’ve completed. Both myotherapists and remedial massage therapists will complete a diploma of remedial massage. And from there they can decide if they’d like to continue their studies and specialise in myotherapy. So while both complete the remedial massage diploma, myotherapists will then go onto the advanced diploma which covers more advanced treatments like what we mentioned above. Which means a myotherapist has a broader range of techniques which they can use in therapy. 

Difference in Treatment

Myotherapy

Myotherapy is a pain relief remedy of soft tissue which is based on remedial massage principals as well as assessment, treatment and rehabilitation methods. Myotherapy is used to help prevent and treat muscle injuries as well as conditions like bulging discs, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and scoliosis. Myotherapists frequently treat their patients in a similar way to physiotherapists and osteopaths. The reason for this is because they treat injuries, but usually with a more hands-on practice. 

Furthermore, myotherapy also has a focus on educating clients in self-care, prevention, injuries and imbalance problems. ​

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage therapy is the first part of soft tissue therapy which most people may begin if they need help in their muscles, or they don‘t realise the pain may be a more severe injury. 

Remedial massage gets used mainly for relaxation and a more general muscle maintenance approach as well as treating symptoms which are currently or temporarily presenting pain to provide people with comfort without a change in lifestyle. Remedial massage therapists will also offer some knowledge around how to address the cause of pain with some home care remedies. 

Remedial massage therapists like myotherapists learn human anatomy and physiology. And hands-on techniques for manipulating soft tissue which is highly based on the fundamentals of Sweedish massage. This method was designed to relax muscles and tissue as well as boost blood circulation and immunity. 

Which is right for you?

If you’re experiencing chronic and ongoing muscle pain or an injury, then myotherapy is the treatment for you. If you’re suffering other conditions from the pain such as headaches, lower back pain, neck pain or stiffness or have muscle strains, tears or disc injuries, myotherapists can help with rehabilitation and strengthening exercises to help treat the pain or swelling. And furthermore, usually, in many cases, lifestyle changes can make a significant impact on these pains and injuries. 

As above, if the muscles around your neck, back and shoulders are tight, then this is often the cause of headaches. Regular maintenance massage or remedial massage can relieve these symptoms and help with maintaining a healthy posture. 

So finally, a remedial massage therapist treats the symptoms of muscle pain and dysfunction and a myotherapist will treat immediate symptoms as well and the underlying causes and offer treatments and rehabilitation. 

If you are interested in learning more about either therapy, get in touch with the team at MPAdvantage in Melbourne, who are currently working according to the COVID-19 restrictions and offering Telehealth services.