myotherapy

Myotherapy vs. Remedial Massage: What’s the Difference?

July 9, 2023

When seeking natural treatments to alleviate bodily discomfort or enhance overall wellness, it can be overwhelming to understand the many available options. Two commonly encountered therapies in this space are myotherapy and remedial massage. Here at Essendon Natural Health, we often field questions like: “myotherapy vs remedial massage, which is more beneficial?” or “what is a myotherapist?”.

This post aims to answer these questions and help you understand the key differences between myotherapy and remedial massage, enabling you to make a more informed decision regarding your health and wellness journey.

 

Understanding Remedial Massage

myotherapyLet’s first delve into remedial massage. This therapy is a hands-on treatment that utilises different techniques to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body. The goal is to aid in relaxation, relieve muscular tension, improve circulation, and promote healing of injuries. It’s a popular choice for those dealing with chronic pain, muscular tension, or individuals in need of a relaxation and stress reduction technique.

 

Exploring Myotherapy

On the other side of the equation in the “myotherapy vs massage” discussion, we have myotherapy. So, what is a myotherapist?

A myotherapist is a health professional who uses evidence-based assessment and treatment techniques to manage musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions could be anything from muscular stiffness and pain, sports injuries, to chronic conditions like arthritis.

Myotherapy, like remedial massage, incorporates manual techniques, but a myotherapist also employs a wide range of other treatment strategies. These might include dry needling, heat and cold therapy, muscle stretching, corrective exercises, and even diet and lifestyle advice.

 

The Key Differences: Myotherapy vs. Remedial Massage

While remedial massage and myotherapy can overlap in their techniques, they differ in scope and approach.

  1. Assessment: A significant difference between myotherapy and remedial massage lies in the initial assessment. A myotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include muscle and joint tests, to understand the root cause of your symptoms. In contrast, a remedial massage therapist might focus more directly on the areas where you feel pain or tension.
  1. Treatment Techniques: While both professions use hands-on soft tissue techniques, myotherapists have a larger toolbox of treatments at their disposal, like dry needling, cupping, or corrective exercises.
  1. Focus: Remedial massage generally aims to provide relaxation and relieve muscular tension. In contrast, myotherapy is often employed to manage specific musculoskeletal conditions and help improve movement and mobility.

 

Choosing the Right Therapy for You

When comparing “myotherapy vs remedial massage”, it’s not necessarily about determining which therapy is superior, but rather understanding which one aligns best with your needs. Both treatments can offer benefits, and it’s essential to consider your health conditions, lifestyle, and wellness goals.

If you’re looking to simply relax and relieve muscle tension, a remedial massage might be just what you need. However, if you’re dealing with a chronic condition or a specific musculoskeletal issue, myotherapy could offer a more comprehensive approach.

Remember that everyone is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s always a good idea to discuss your options with a qualified healthcare professional who can guide you towards the best choice for your specific circumstances.

 

Book an appointment at Essendon Natural Health

At Essendon Natural Health, our team of qualified practitioners offer tailored treatments in both remedial massage and myotherapy (as well as naturopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture and other natural therapies). We’re passionate about providing holistic, individualised care to help our clients on their journey to health and wellbeing. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Let’s discover together the therapy that best suits your needs!

 

Robert Gentile

B.C.M (Hons), C.Clin.Prac (China), C.Toyohari. Registered Acupuncturist and Herbalist. Integrative Natural Medicine Practitioner.

Robert is a passionate and warm practitioner who has an extensive knowledge of integrative and functional natural medicine. He is down to earth and has an interest in organic foods, gardening and sustainable living. With over a decade of experience, he is renowned for being very thorough by both fellow practitioners and patients alike.