One of the most common questions I was asked while completing my Bachelor of Health Science at Endeavour, was ‘What is Myotherapy?’ Contrary to popular belief, Myotherapy is not a form of massage therapy, though your therapist may use such a technique during the session if it is necessary for the treatment of your presenting condition. Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy which uses evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation techniques to treat neuromusculoskeletal (nerve, muscle and joint) pain and dysfunction. Students are taught an integrative approach to treatment, to discover and treat the cause of a clients’ pain, and to also identify and address any contributing factors.

Throughout the three-year degree, students are taught to identify the signs and symptoms of conditions which may be contributing to your pain, to best understand you, your health history and your needs. Additionally, identifying if you could benefit from treatment by students of other modalities, providing a holistic approach to client care and treatment. Students learn a wide range of assessment and treatment techniques in order to deliver accurate and effective treatment to all clients. Applying more hands-on techniques such as myofascial release/cupping, joint mobilisations, nerve manipulation, trigger point therapy, and dry needling or electrotherapeutic dry needling. They also have a strong focus on corrective/rehabilitative exercise prescription and education to ensure you as the client have an understanding of the mechanisms behind your presenting condition, and can work on preventing any future injuries.

Myotherapists treat many conditions such as:

A Myotherapy consultation and treatment at the Endeavour Wellnation Clinic runs for 60 minutes, with the exception of seated massage which is 30 minutes. The ratio of assessment to treatment time is greater for Myotherapy, as a thorough assessment leads to more effective, accurate and efficient treatment. Each consultation will begin with a comprehensive health history screening and a detailed postural, joint, movement and pain assessment, where applicable. From here, relevant special tests may be carried out and also functional tests to assess the impact your pain/condition has on the physical demands of your daily living and functional needs. Once enough information has been gathered the student then consults with their supervisor on what they have determined is the issue and form a treatment plan in line with their level of knowledge:

Level 1 -Relaxation & Seated: Student practitioners are in the first semester of their second year of study, and this is their first experience in a clinic setting. Seated massage is usually limited to the back, neck, and arms. Clients are seated in a supportive massage chair and remain fully clothed. Relaxation focuses on soft tissue techniques such as massage, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, and stretching.

Level 2 -Remedial: Student practitioners are in the second semester of their second year of study. This is the point where the students are given the opportunity to advance in their skill set from soft tissue techniques into more specialised Myotherapy techniques. Targeting the relief of discomfort and muscular tension, and treatment of minor musculoskeletal conditions. Techniques include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching, cupping, spray and stretch and taping.

Level 3 -Comprehensive: Student practitioners are in their final year of study. Ideal for the treatment of complex musculoskeletal conditions, injuries and pain. They offer all treatment techniques with the exception of dry needling, which will be offered from week 8 during the first semester, and electrotherapeutic dry needling, which is offered in the final semester of their degree.

The aim of your initial appointment will be to alleviate pain and identify the structures or movement dysfunction needing to be addressed in order to restore the body back to optimal function. From here student practitioners will develop an on-going treatment plan which typically consists of corrective exercises to assist in preventing re-occurrence of injury. Follow-up sessions may be requested where the student practitioner can further monitor your progress and adjust any exercises that have been prescribed.

Disclaimer: We no longer offer the Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) at Endeavour College. We encourage students to check out our Chinese Medicine courses instead.