What Is Myotherapy, and How Is It Different From Massage?

Myotherapy and remedial massage have plenty in common, so it is understandable that people are not always sure what the difference is. While both may involve hands-on treatment, myotherapy can also incorporate approaches such as dry needling, exercise and movement strategies.

Myotherapy has its own training pathway and a focus on assessing and managing musculoskeletal pain and movement concerns. The approach taken will depend on your symptoms, activities and what you would like to achieve from care.

In this plain-English guide, our Wheelers Hill team explains what myotherapy involves, how it differs from remedial massage, where osteopathy fits into the picture, and what you can expect at a myotherapy appointment.

What is myotherapy?

Myotherapy focuses on the assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain and movement concerns. Depending on your individual presentation, treatment may include hands-on techniques, dry needling where appropriate, stretching, exercise and practical strategies to use between appointments.

Your myotherapist starts by understanding your symptoms, activities and goals before assessing relevant movement and function. From there, they develop an individualised approach based on your assessment and what you would like to achieve.

Rather than assuming there is one underlying cause for muscular pain or tension, your myotherapist considers the different factors that may be relevant to your symptoms and works with you on an appropriate management plan.

Myotherapy versus remedial massage

There can be considerable overlap between myotherapy and remedial massage, and both may use hands-on techniques as part of care. Myotherapy may also incorporate approaches such as dry needling, movement assessment and exercise, depending on your presentation and goals.

Neither is necessarily better than the other, the right choice depends on what you are looking for and your individual needs. At Living Health Group, both services are available under one roof, so if you are unsure which appointment to book, our team can help point you in the right direction.

Myotherapy versus osteopathy

Myotherapy and osteopathy are different professions, although there can be overlap in the way they assess and manage musculoskeletal concerns. Both may use hands-on treatment, movement and exercise as part of care, depending on the individual and their needs.

Osteopaths undertake university-level training in osteopathy and are registered with AHPRA. Myotherapists have their own training pathway, with a focus on musculoskeletal pain, movement and function. Their approach may include hands-on techniques, dry needling where appropriate, exercise and other strategies.

At Living Health Group, our osteopaths and myotherapists work alongside each other. Which practitioner may be most appropriate will depend on your individual needs, and if you’re unsure which appointment to book, our team can help point you in the right direction.

When Might Myotherapy Suit You?

People come to myotherapy for a range of musculoskeletal concerns, including muscular pain or tension, stiffness, discomfort associated with work or exercise, and movement concerns that are affecting everyday activities.

Your care is shaped around your individual presentation and goals. Depending on your needs, this may include hands-on treatment, dry needling where appropriate, exercise or practical strategies to support you between appointments.

Our myotherapy team is based at our Wheelers Hill clinic, near Glen Waverley, and welcomes people from across Melbourne’s south east, including Mulgrave, Mount Waverley, Rowville and surrounding suburbs.

What to expect at your first myotherapy appointment

Your first myotherapy appointment starts with a conversation about your symptoms, relevant history, activities and what you would like to get from care. Your myotherapist may then assess relevant movement, muscles and joints before discussing an approach tailored to your needs.

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include hands-on techniques, dry needling where appropriate, movement or exercise strategies. Your comfort and privacy are respected throughout, and you can ask questions or request changes to the treatment at any time.

Because myotherapy, remedial massage and osteopathy are all available at our Wheelers Hill clinic, our practitioners can work collaboratively where appropriate. If your myotherapist feels another practitioner or healthcare professional may be better placed to help with a particular concern, they can discuss this with you and recommend the appropriate next step.

Common questions