A lot of people ask, what is the difference between remedial massage and myotherapy. I have to say that the main point of difference is that myotherapists are qualified to prescribe exercise for rehabilitation.
A qualified myotherapist can make an assessment of your condition. Then prescribe specific exercises to help you strengthen and rehabilitate from. Exercise can be used in conjunction or without the use of massage and manual therapy to help you rehabilitate.
Prescribed exercise should also help keep you pain free in the long term.
What type of exercise do myotherapists prescribe?
This varies from therapist to therapist. Some use isometric exercises, some are qualified in pilates instruction. I am trained in the NASM system of assessment and exercise prescription. I will ask you to perform specific exercises; such as overhead squats, push ups, single leg squats and various other techniques. From this I can deduce what muscles might be overactive or under active. From there, I will prescribe stretches, self myofascial release, like foam rolling, and basic exercises to correct any imbalances.
The exercises might be basic body weight type. Or with simple equipment such as a theraband, light hand weights, or a fit ball. As you progress, the weight, repetitions and sets may increase, but also the complexity of the exercise. For example, while you might initially start with a squat, you will progress to a weighted squat and then to a squat with a medicine ball and throw.
In your first one or two myotherapy appointments, I will recommend some stretching or foam rolling. Then after a few manual therapy sessions, I will suggest an appointment to make an exercise rehabilitation assessment and draw up an exercise program. This is emailed to you, so you can have it on hand at home.
All exercises will be prescribed to your ability and fitness level.
How often will I have to exercise?
It depends on your condition and fitness level. I will usually prescribe daily stretching and foam rolling. Some conditions require daily strengthening, some three to four times a week. Postural correction is something that needs constant conditioning and should be done hourly!
Will I be sore from exercise?
Initially you may develop DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) but our aim is to get your pain free. DOMS only lasts a day or so, and as you become stronger, it will ease off.
How long will I have to continue my exercises for?
Ideally we will set a four to six week goal to have you pain free. However, the healing process is not linear and sometimes you may have set backs or flare ups. We will adjust your program accordingly. It’s best to be patient but diligent. Things wont get better without compliance.
How do I get an exercise program?
Book in today to have a treatment and assessment. If you have ongoing pain or reoccurring injuries we can start working on alleviating your pain and correcting the over active and under active muscles straight away!
