The body is a fascinating instrument with intimate connections between muscle, fascia, joints and nerves. It can be strong and flexible, but also tight or weak. If you are physically active or have ever had an injury from sport or everyday living, you will be well aware of the interplay of these different parts. 

It may have captured your attention so much that you are considering a course of study to learn more about how to treat injuries, pain or dysfunction. If you like the idea of a hands-on, therapeutic approach you may consider myotherapy.

Myotherapy is a branch of manual medicine that focuses on the treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain. Myotherapists assess and physically treat myofascial pain (myo relates to muscle and fascia to connective tissue which supports and separates muscle).

Myotherapists treat a range of conditions including:

• Sporting or occupational injuries.
• Joint or vertebral pain or dysfunction.Shoulder pain.
• Pain associated with stress or tension.
• Knee, leg or foot pain.
• Pain or numbness in the hands or fingers.
•  Headaches or migraines.
  

What are the Options for Studying Myotherapy?

There is currently a degree level myotherapy qualification, and also a diploma qualification. After studying the diploma, you would provide advanced massage treatment to clients with needs such as injury management, rehabilitation, palliative care or pregnancy related issues.

As a degree-qualified clinical myotherapist, you would assess clients using postural evaluation, orthopedic, neurological and functional testing, and also use your hands to feel the spine, joints and the state of muscles and then interpret all this in relation to musculoskeletal pain.

Of course, you would need to decide what sort of timeframe suits you. The bachelor’s degree course runs over four years, but the diploma is a shorter course. Be sure to check the prerequisites for whichever course of study you decide on.

While completing the study program, you will also be required to gain practical experience in a clinical setting. After finishing, you will have gained a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and also biomechanics, nutrition and even kinesiology.

Depending on which course you choose, you will learn how to assess a person’s body and use soft tissue and joint mobilisation using your hands to diagnose and treat; administer dry needling and electrical stimulation; and prescribe exercises and techniques for pain management.

Myotherapy could be for you if you want to help people on their journey to recovery and a pain-free life.