It seems as though the world of healthcare is filled with endless treatments, each covering different yet similar areas of the body. You might have heard the words ‘physiotherapy’ and ‘myotherapy’ before, but do you have a solid understanding of what each one truly is? Though there are similarities, understanding the differences is vital – especially if you’re trying to figure out which one your body needs.
This blog breaks down physiotherapy and myotherapy in simple, clear ways to help you figure out what might be the best option for your health. For personalised advice, contact our team at Modern Medicine today.
What is Physiotherapy?
While physiotherapy uses similar assessment techniques and treatment methods as myotherapy, it is typically a less hands-on practice. As a form of manual therapy, physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation. They can help assist patients with pain and increase range of movement. Physiotherapists may also use their expertise to recommend exercises to introduce into your daily life to help address ongoing health concerns.
Physiotherapists are a great option for many severe injuries or conditions that require rehabilitation. Many people who have undergone surgery and need to recover will regularly see a physiotherapist to get their health back on track. Problems such as knee or shoulder injuries are commonly treated by a physiotherapist.
The Conditions Physiotherapy Treats
When you see a physiotherapist, you’re getting assessed by someone whose work focuses on the structure of the human body and its movement. Their treatment can therefore be applied to a wide variety of different people and conditions. Physiotherapists will treat people of all ages with a range of health conditions, including sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
Chronic health conditions can also be addressed by working with a physiotherapist. People struggling with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and more may be benefitted from seeing a physiotherapist.
What is Myotherapy?
Now, myotherapists share many similarities with physiotherapists. They also use types of manual therapy to help patients minimise pain, restricted movement, and discomfort. A big difference, however, is the delivery of their treatment. Unlike physiotherapists, myotherapists primarily provide remedial massage therapies. The patient doesn’t need to take an active role when undergoing myotherapy, which they may need to during physiotherapy
Myotherapists will sometimes have studied other treatments and areas that physiotherapists may have, at times expanding them into broader services. While a myotherapy appointment might also involve stretches and exercises, massage is typically the primary service.
The Conditions Myotherapy Treats
Physical therapy with a myotherapist can be used to treat different problems and pains throughout the entire body. Most commonly, myotherapy is used to treat and prevent soft tissue conditions, issues with joint mobility, and problems caused by myofascial or muscle dysfunction. The sheets of tissue surrounding and separating muscles (myofascia) are what makeup ligaments and tendons, and issues with these areas can benefit from remedial therapy such as myotherapy.
Here are some of the most common conditions a myotherapist will treat:
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Types of joint pain
- Types of chronic pain
- Postural issues
- Sprains and strains
- Injuries from overuse (for example, shin splints or tennis elbow)
Benefits of Myotherapy
What makes myotherapy so popular? Why do so many people opt for this form of treatment to address their health problems? Well, there are countless benefits on offer through regular myotherapy appointments. Seeing a myotherapist as regularly as every two to six weeks can show significant improvement in stress reduction and tension release. When you work with a myotherapist, they can properly assess your health and make an appropriate recommendation regarding how often you may need treatment.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest benefits myotherapy has to offer:
- Reduced DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
- Minimised stress and anxiety
- Lowered tension throughout the body
- Improved quality of life
- Higher well-being and comfort levels for patients with chronic conditions or terminal illnesses
- Pain management
- Improved lower back pain
Book Yourself in for Holistic Myotherapy Treatment in Ballarat
Now that you’ve got the basic differences of physiotherapy and myotherapy covered, it might be easier to know which one is best going to benefit you. Whatever treatment you need, it’s best to ensure that you’re going to a provider you can trust.
At Modern Medicine Ballarat, we offer more than just your average myotherapy session. We believe in empathetic, holistic, and comprehensive care. Our sessions are tailored entirely to each individual patient, ensuring a personal care plan that will optimise results. If myotherapy seems like it could be the right option for you, contact the Modern Medicine team today.
