
04 May Difference between Remedial Massage and Myotherapy
Difference between Massage, Remedial Massage and Myotherapy
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being.[1]
Massage therapy is the foundation for all soft tissue therapy. Training to become a massage therapist is on average six to twelve months resulting in a qualification, Certificate IV in Massage Therapy.
Massage therapists learn basic human anatomy and physiology, pathology and biomechanics. They also learn hands on soft tissue manipulation techniques that are mainly based on the principles of Swedish massage. This form of massage aims to relax the muscles and other connective tissue as well as boost immunity and blood circulation in the body (among other subtle benefits). [4]
Remedial Massage therapy
Remedial Massage is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. [2]
Remedial Massage therapy builds upon the soft tissue techniques that are used in massage therapy and expands into the world of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Training for a remedial therapist is on average twelve to eighteen months and the qualification is a Diploma of Remedial Massage. Remedial Massage therapists undertake further training in human anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics, as well as sports injuries and trigger point activity.[5]
Remedial Massage therapists learn the basics of postural analysis and range of motion testing to identify which soft tissue structures are causing pain. They learn advanced hands on skills to release tension such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, cryotherapy, cupping, trigger point therapy, and range of motion tests.
They also learn the basics of injury rehabilitation and corrective exercises and taping techniques to aid in the management of sporting injuries.
Myotherapy
Myotherapy is the evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions.[3]
Myotherapy is a form of soft tissue treatment that is based on Remedial Massage, as well as Western medical, evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation principles. Basically, Myotherapy focuses on relieving musculoskeletal pain by treating the soft tissue of the body (muscle, fascia, tendons, and ligaments).
A Myotherapists’ training builds upon the soft tissue techniques learned as a remedial massage therapist with an even greater focus of biomechanics, postural analysis and injury rehabilitation. Training for a Myotherapist is on average 1.5 to 3 years and their qualification is either an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy or a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy). [6] A Myotherapist gains an in-depth knowledge and understanding of functional anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the body, with a focus on the optimal functioning of each structure individually and as a whole.
Myotherapy is the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions which can cause muscular dysfunction and pain, and thus affect movement and mobility. Myotherapists utilise a range of treatment techniques to restore and maintain the normal integrity of soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia).
The main goal of a Myotherapy treatment is to reduce your pain, increase your range of motion, flexibility and strength as well as correct any postural imbalances that are causing your pain. A Myotherapist may do an assessment, treat the soft tissue, then assess again and continue this pattern until you have a significant improvement of range of motion etc.
Simply put,
A Remedial Massage therapist will generally treat the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction while a Myotherapist will treat both the immediate symptoms and the underlying cause, be it behavioural, postural, muscular imbalance or structural.
At Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic, our team of Myotherapists are available for half hour, forty-five minute and one hour appointments. To find out if Myotherapy can help you, please speak to our reception team on 9596 7211.
This article is an edited extract from a blog post by Dale York, Myotherapist, at the Spring Osteo Clinic.
[1] https://www.nwhealth.edu/academics/school-of-massage-therapy/
[2] https://www.atms.com.au/modalities/remedial-massage/
[4] Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Breese C; A Preliminary Study on the Effects of a Single Season of Swedish Massage on Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune function in normal individuals; J Alternative Complimentary Medicine; 2010; issue 10; page 1079-88.
[5] https://www.atms.com.au/modalities/remedial-massage/