Myotherapy

Myotherapy is a medical term that simply means muscle therapy, ‘myo’ means muscle, just as ‘osteo’ means bone and ‘neuro’ means nerve.

There are different forms of myotherapy available, including SLM (Steve Lockhart’s Myotherapy – Australia) and Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy (more common in the US).

Myotherapy involves the rehabilitation or lengthening of MUSCLES through various massage, acupressure or trigger point techniques, followed up with a series of exercises or stretches with the aim of balancing the muscle groups on either side of the body.

Myotherapy relaxes muscles, improves circulation and can alleviate pain in all parts of the body while it increases strength, flexibility, co-ordination, stamina and energy, and improves posture, gait, sleep patterns and work and play performance, quickly, effectively and lastingly.

The way a particular myotherapist approaches the treatment will depend on the type of myotherapy being practiced. However, a typical session begins with a thorough history from the patient. Next, the patient will be evaluated for muscle strength and flexibility.

Then the therapist searches for and addresses the trigger points responsible for the patient’s complaint, by applying pressure to the muscle for several seconds by means of fingers, knuckles and elbows. This pressure may be painful, but it is likely to provide almost immediate relief from some of the pain that led the patient to seek myotherapy.

After the treatment, the muscles are passively stretched. The patient is then instructed in specific exercises to undertake at home. This follow-up is essential to re-educate the affected muscles and maintain normal function.

Myotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and has been successful with conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Athletic & trauma injuries
• Back problems
• Chronic muscular pain
• Lupus
• Migraines & tension headaches
• Stomach, digestive & bowel problems

Note: Myotherapy addresses only muscle-related pain. In the event of pain caused by a tumour, broken bone or other non-muscular cause, see your general practitioner or medical specialist.

The following links will provide further information and a list of practitioners.

The International Myotherapy Association:
www.myotherapy.org

Steve Lockhart’s Myotherapy:
www.myotherapy.com.au