In a general sense, remedial massage can be broadly applied for general muscle aches, and myotherapy is for targeting specific pain or conditions.
If you have muscle or soft tissue pain, you may have come across two potential treatment options: myotherapy and remedial massage. At a glance, they seem confusingly similar, but they have some differences.
Therapists in both areas treat musculoskeletal dysfunction with an applied understanding of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. But their techniques, tools and scope of treatment tend to vary.
Read on to learn more about these two services, including what they involve, the qualifications they require, and which one might be best for you.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Modern Medicine today.
What is Massage Therapy?
First, it helps to develop an understanding of massage therapy, as this is the basis of all therapies or treatments involving soft tissues.
The soft tissues of the body include muscles, fascia (the connective tissues that hold muscles together), tendons and ligaments.
- What Is it: Massage therapy is the practice of manipulating or putting pressure on a person’s soft tissues. Different types of massage therapy include relaxation massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, Swedish massage, and one of the subjects of this article – remedial massage.
- Benefits: Massage therapy is designed to enhance people’s health and well-being in a range of ways, including relieving muscle tension and pain, improving circulation, reducing the release of stress hormones, and accelerating recovery for soft tissue injuries.
- Qualifications Needed: In Australia, a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy is the entry-level qualification for massage therapy. It typically takes six months full-time, and is often the first step therapists take before undergoing further training and education in remedial massage and myotherapy.
What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage applies a range of massage techniques to reduce pain, discomfort and tension and to increase functionality and mobility in soft tissue areas. It takes a hands-on approach to treating deep layers of muscles, tissues, joints and bones, as well as blood flow.
This service often includes a deep tissue massage in which deep, firm pressure is applied to painful muscles or other problem areas.
- What Is it: Remedial massage helps restore and repair many musculoskeletal issues, including muscle tension, muscle and soft tissue injuries, scar tissue, or tendon and ligament conditions. It can also provide support and restoration for mental and emotional health. A range of techniques are involved, including trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, and myofascial release and stretches.
- Benefits: Remedial massage can decrease pain, tension and stiffness, release knots and tensions in muscles, enhance circulation and range of motion, speed up the healing process, improve the length and tone of some areas, and help with stress and anxiety.
- Qualifications Needed: In Australia, a Diploma of Remedial Massage is needed to administer remedial massage therapy. The diploma takes 12-18 months.
What is Myotherapy?
The name ‘myotherapy’ references the Greek word ‘myo’, which means muscle, and the term ‘myofascial’, which refers to muscles and fascia – or connective tissue – that holds muscles in place.
Myotherapy looks at the bigger picture of musculoskeletal dysfunction through evidence-based assessments and treatment. It is designed to prevent and treat musculoskeletal pain, enhance joint and muscle function, and improve physical performance.
- What Is it: Myotherapy involves the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Myotherapists treat muscular pain in the back, necks, shoulders, hips and more, and conditions including sciatic pain or fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, arthritic and joint pain, and sport injuries. They draw on a range of techniques, including deep tissue massage, muscle stretching and release, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and the prescription of corrective exercises and stretches.
- Benefits: Myotherapy is designed to minimise people’s pain, increase their range of motion in problem areas, boost strength and flexibility, address posture issues and more.
- Qualifications Needed: In Australia, a myotherapist will either complete an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, which typically takes 2.5 years full-time, or a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy), which typically takes three years full-time.
Key Similarities and Differences
Remedial massage and myotherapy are more targeted than massage therapy. The latter delivers the therapeutic benefits of firm pressure, and promotes well-being for the whole body. However, the others may be more suitable for those who require a specific diagnosis and treatment.
So, if you need treatment for a soft tissue injury or condition, which one is preferable? Below are some key similarities and differences to consider.
Similarities between remedial massage and myotherapy:
- They both target a wide range of issues, including muscle and soft tissue injuries and tension, musculoskeletal pain, joint mobility and flexibility issues, poor circulation, and anxiety and depression.
- They both incorporate hands-on techniques, including forms of massage and trigger point therapy.
- They both also involve strengthening exercises, many of which can be performed at home.
- They are designed to target specific chronic conditions or short-term injuries, but can also be used to reduce physical, mental and emotional stress and tension in the long term.
Differences between remedial massage and myotherapy:
- Put simply, remedial massage treats immediate problems and symptoms, whereas myotherapy looks at both the immediate problem and underlying causes.
- Myotherapists use a wider range of treatments and techniques, including some not generally incorporated into remedial massage, like cupping and dry needling.
- They may also use a wider range of tools than remedial massage therapists, who primarily use their hands, sometimes with oils.
- Finally, myotherapists tend to cover more ground in their assessments and treatment plans, which may consider not only the muscles and other soft tissue areas but also joints and nerves.
Myotherapy vs Remedial Massage: Which One Is Better for Me?
If you are struggling with a soft tissue condition or issue, both myotherapy and remedial massage may be suitable treatment options. The path you take will depend on your specific circumstances, needs and goals.
Remedial massage therapy may be the perfect option if you are struggling with general tightness and stiffness. Your therapist will use a range of hands-on techniques to target deep layers of muscle and tissue.
Myotherapy is also hands-on, but tends to look beyond the patient’s immediate problem or symptoms to consider the root causes. It uses a wider range of techniques to treat injuries or chronic pain.
Reduce Pain and Discomfort With Myotherapy or Remedial Massage
Are you dealing with muscle or soft tissue pain? You shouldn’t have to grin or bear it. Our expert team at Modern Medicine would love to help you with our remedial massage therapy and myotherapy services.
To find out more about our services and which one might suit you best, book an appointment with us today.
