Myotherapy and Remedial Massage are health services, so it is very important that you understand what is happening at all times within the clinic. Over the ten years I've been in this industry, I've been asked countless questions about Myotherapy and health. Here are a few that can help you decide whether Myotherapy is for you.
Q: What is the difference between Myotherapy, Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic?
A: While it can be difficult to definitively say what each profession does, due to individual therapists branching of and specializing in different things, we can generalise what each does. Myotherapy is muscle therapy. Our primary focus is on treating muscular aches and pains. We use hands on techniques to alleviate pain. We also have knowledge in exercise rehab to deal with more chronic injury. Physios are rehabilitative specialists. They will help you recover from injury. They use exercise and movement based techniques to help you recover. Osteos are joint therapists. They will help postural correction through joint mobilisation and help in achieving functional range of motion. Chiropractors are similar to Osteopaths but with a more direct focus on the spine.
Q: Is Myotherapy "No pain, No gain?"
A: There are certainly instances where pain is expected during a treatment. If that is the case the therapist will always let you know. Treatments should always be tolerable and if something is ever too much, you are encouraged to speak up.
Q: What should I expect when I have a treatment?
A: When you first book an appointment at Myotherapy Melbourne, you'll be sent a consent form to fill in online. It will have basic information about what the condition is you need myotherapy for. We will discuss this form and then conduct a few tests just to check the range of movement, strength and stability of the area of concern. This will help determine how to proceed and can help decide if I can help. If the condition isn't able to be treated by myself we may not be able to go forward with treatment. However you will not be charged and I will try to point you in the right direction of who to see or what to do.
Q: Am I required to get undressed?
A: In a Myotherapy session the only expectations are what you are comfortable with. It is possible to have sessions fully clothed. Most techniques do however require skin contact. Majority of people will get undressed to their underwear. You will be covered by a towel at all times.
Q: Will I be sore after the session?
A: After a session it is common to experience DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness). This is the same feeling you get after exercise. Depending on the person/injury/frequency of treatment it can last anywhere between 1-24 hours.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This will vary person to person and injury to injury. Majority of the time a follow up session will be required 1 to 2 weeks after the first treatment. Unless there is a chronic injury I will not put you on an excessive plan of 10 sessions in two weeks, My main rule is that if there is no change after 3 sessions I will generally refer on.
Q: What happens after the session?
A: 3 main pieces of advice post treatment are to keep hydrated, keep the area warm and to gently move the area. Walking stretching etc. Basic exercises will be prescribed, all of which are able to do at home and with little to no equipment. The following Sunday or Monday I will send a text to see how you felt after the session and then any questions you will be free to text.
Q: Can I claim Myotherapy on private health?
A: Yes! I am registered as both a Myotherapist and a Remedial Massage Therapist so If you are covered for either you can claim. Myotherapy Melbourne also uses a HICAPS machine. So if you bring your card you can claim on the spot.
Q: Massage is relaxing isn't it?
A: Some people do find Myo and Remedial relaxing (Some clients even fall asleep!) Unfortunately I do not offer traditional relaxation massage services.