MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY / MYOTHERAPY
WHAT IS MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY (MST)
AND MYOTHERAPY?
Both MST and myotherapy are branches of manual medicine that focus on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions.
Myotherapy originated in Victoria to provide a higher level of training to manual therapists. It is offered as a Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy). MST was introduced in Queensland through the Bachelor in Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy) program. The two modalities are now viewed as interchangeable by Australian professional associations and private health insurers.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT INVOLVE?
Initial consultation involves extensive physical assessment to determine postural and movement dysfunctions that are contributing to your pain and injury.
Hands-on treatment focuses on eliminating symptoms and improving function. This can include soft tissue therapy and mobilisation to structures such as; muscles, joints, nerves, fascia, tendons and ligaments.
Therapy techniques may include:
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Joint correction and mobilisation;
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Soft tissue – massage, myofascial release, positional release, muscle energy technique, and stretching;
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Myofascial dry needling;
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Strengthening and stabilising techniques;
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Corrective taping and bracing
Rehabilitative exercises and programs are prescribed to correct postural and movement patterns, restore function, and reduce risk of re-injury.
WHAT ARE POSTURAL AND MOVEMENT DYSFUNCTIONS?
"The majority of musculoskeletal pain syndromes (both acute and chronic) are the result of cumulative micro-trauma, induced by repeated movements in a specific direction or from sustained alignments; usually in a non-ideal position."
- Shirley Sahrmann (2011)
Postural dysfunctions are alterations in the body's ideal alignment. Movement dysfunctions are abnormal movement patterns caused by soft tissue adaptations. Identifying and treating postural and movement dysfunctions eliminates repetitive stress on muscles, and other tissues, to prevent further pain and injury.
Steph has spent her career in Musculoskeltal Therapy specialising in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of postural and movement dysfunctions.