What’s the Difference Between Myotherapy and Physiotherapy?
Looking for healthcare treatment but not sure which specialisation to turn to? Physiotherapy and myotherapy are popular forms of treatment that may benefit patients experiencing pain, injury, and illness. Read on to learn the differences and similarities between physiotherapy and myotherapy. For personalised advice on which is right for you, contact our friendly team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic today.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a form of manual therapy which assists in rehabilitation. Whether it’s due to an injury, disability, post-surgery, or any other reason, a physiotherapist focuses on the management and prevention of pain. They do this by assessing your condition, diagnosing the problem, and then organising a treatment plan. Treatment plans can include therapies such as:
- Exercise programs
- Joint manipulation and mobilisation
- Soft and deep tissue massage
- Dry needling
- Taping
- And more….
Using whichever treatment or treatments work best for you, your physiotherapist will improve the way your body works overall by improving the way your joints, bones, and muscles work together.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy has many great benefits for people of all ages. It focuses on the musculoskeletal system, ensuring the proper function of the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. In addition to any treatments done during sessions, physiotherapists may also recommend exercises to perform at home or at the gym. The ultimate goal of physiotherapy is to improve your function, mobility and quality of life through the reduction of pain.
Benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Better coordination
- Pain relief
- Improving range of motion
- Increased strength
- Reduced stiffness
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapists use a wide range of hands-on techniques to assist in pain relief and recovery after an injury or illness. Myotherapy is most often used to help with soft tissue injuries and restricted joint mobility. It is based on remedial massage and incorporates Western medical treatments and takes an evidence-based approach. Its treatment generally involves techniques such as:
- Muscle stretching
- Muscle energy techniques
- Cupping
- Passive stretching
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture and dry needling
The Benefits of Myotherapy
Myotherapy helps to relieve issues including tight muscles, strains and sprains, headaches, tendonitis, and RSI. When these painful and tight muscles are corrected using treatments like those listed above, it can lead to:
- Improved mobility
- Increase in body movement
- Reduced pain
- Improved physical performance
The Differences and Similarities Between Myotherapy and Physiotherapy
Now that we’ve established what myotherapy and physiotherapy are, it’s time to explore the differences and similarities. Myotherapists and physios both treat injuries and pain – if you’re looking for treatment, you can rely on either practitioner to provide a tailored treatment. The difference lies in their approach. As noted earlier in our article, myotherapists and physiotherapists have varying treatment techniques.
One notable difference between the two is that physiotherapy is a form of primary allied healthcare while myotherapy is not. You can only get Medicare rebates from physiotherapists so your out-of-pocket cost may be higher when visiting a myotherapist. If you have private health insurance though, both offer rebates as ‘Extras’.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re experiencing any aches, pains, or tightness and couldn’t decide between physiotherapy and myotherapy, we hope this blog has been helpful for you. At Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, we have a team of experienced physiotherapists available to aid in your recovery and help you feel like your best self. To find out more or to book an appointment, give us a call on (02) 9874 8410 or click the button below.
