Myotherapy

What Is Myotherapy?

Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses specifically on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The name is derived from the Greek word “myo” meaning muscle. Myotherapy takes an evidence-based approach to identifying the underlying causes of pain, using a broad range of hands-on techniques to address both the muscles and the structures that support them.

At Spine Plus, myotherapy is integrated into our multidisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal care, allowing our therapists to draw on techniques from osteopathy, physiotherapy and soft tissue therapy to deliver the most effective treatment for each patient.

Myotherapy Techniques

Our myotherapists use a range of evidence-based techniques including:

• Trigger point therapy, manual or needle-based deactivation of muscle knots
• Deep tissue massage, sustained pressure to release chronic muscle tension
• Myofascial release, gentle techniques targeting fascial restrictions
• Dry needling, acupuncture needle placement for trigger point release
• Muscle energy techniques, uses patient muscle contractions to improve joint range
• Passive and active stretching, restores muscle length and joint mobility
• Rehabilitative exercise, targeted exercises to correct muscle imbalances

Conditions Treated

• Chronic neck and back pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Tension headaches arising from tight muscles
• Shoulder and rotator cuff conditions
• Hip and gluteal pain
• Sports injuries including muscle strains and tears
• ITB syndrome and runner’s knee
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Post-surgical soft tissue rehabilitation
• Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction

How Myotherapy Differs from Massage

While massage therapy focuses on general relaxation and muscle relief, myotherapy takes a more clinical approach. Your myotherapist will assess your posture, movement patterns and pain behaviour before designing a targeted treatment plan. The aim is not just to relieve immediate symptoms but to address the underlying causes and reduce the risk of recurrence.

What to Expect

Your first myotherapy appointment begins with a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, muscle strength and pain patterns. Treatment is then tailored to your specific findings. Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes and include a combination of hands-on therapy and rehabilitation advice. Most patients attend weekly for an initial course of 3 to 6 sessions.