Myotherapy
Treatment
Myotherapy is a specialized form of non-invasive therapy that focuses on treating pain caused by injuries or issues with muscles and soft tissue. Let’s delve into the details:
Definition:
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- Myotherapy is an advanced form of remedial massage, also known as sports massage or medical massage.
- It was developed in 1976 by Bonnie Prudden, building upon techniques pioneered by Dr. Janet Travell (who notably served as John F. Kennedy’s personal doctor) and Dr. Hans Kraus.
- During myotherapy, a therapist uses techniques such as trigger point release to address muscle and myofascial pain.
- Trigger points are sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that form due to overuse or injury.
- Myotherapists employ special massage techniques using their hands, fingers, elbows, or knuckles to relieve tension in these areas.
Benefits:
Although research on myotherapy is still emerging, it shares similarities with remedial massage and offers potential benefits:
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- Chronic Low Back Pain: Myotherapy may help improve chronic low back pain.
- Reducing Muscle Soreness: It can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Myotherapy may help alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Quality of Life Enhancement: Patients with terminal illnesses (such as cancer or multiple sclerosis) may experience improved quality of life.
- Fibromyalgia Management: When combined with other treatments, myotherapy assists with pain management in fibromyalgia.
- Optimizing Muscular Movement: Treating painful trigger points may aid muscle contractions and optimize movement.
When Is Myotherapy Needed?
Myotherapy is used to treat various conditions involving muscles and soft tissue:
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- Sprains
- Joint Pain
- Back Pain
- Poor Posture-Related Pain
- Cervicogenic Headaches
- Sports Injuries
- Overuse Injuries