Myotherapy - Modalities

Modalities

All modalities are used with the specific purpose of achieving a therapeutic outcome. None of these modalities were used by Bonnie Prudden, the developer of Myotherapy. She proposed only manual medicine.

Soft Tissue Therapy STT is the use of the hands to target specific areas of dysfunction for the purpose of a therapeutic outcome. Techniques may include:

Therapeutic massage, muscle energy techniques, neuromuscular techniques, positional release techniques, myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage techniques and joint mobilisation.

Temperature Therapies Temperature Therapy is the application of either heat (thermal therapy) or cold (cryotherapy). Techniques may include:

Heat packs, cold packs, ice baths, whirlpools, heat lamps, and paraffin wax baths

Electromechanical Stimulation ES is the application of electrical currents or soundwaves to produce a healing and/or analgesic (pain-modifying) outcome. Techniques include:

TENS therapy, interferential technique, therapeutic ultrasound and low level laser therapy

Myofascial Dry-Needling (MDN) MDN is the application of fine filiform needles (which are also used by but not exclusive to acupuncture)into specific points in the muscles known as trigger points, to produce a healing and analgesic (pain-modifying) outcome. MDN is a highly effective and painless technique.

Myofascial Stretching Myofascial Stretching is the application of a range of stretching techniques, used to elongate the muscle fibres, return functionally short muscles to their optimal length and increase the range of motion of a joint, leading to prevention of further injury. Techniques may include:

Static stretching, dynamic stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF)

Rehabilitative Exercise and Corrective Actions Rehabilitative exercise and corrective actions are an imperative part of any myotherapy treatment. It enables the client to make take responsibility for their own health, acts to permanently change dysfunctional patterns, and is a vital injury prevention mechanism. Techniques may include:

Core Stability and swissball, hydrotherapy neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitative programs, biomechanical retraining, nutrition, injury prevention, lifestyle education

Myotherapy is suitable for everybody and in varying stages of health and disease. Notable examples include:

• General population
• Athletes (Amateur and Professional)
• The Elderly
• Children and Adolescents
• Pregnancy
• Neurological Conditions (e.g. post-stroke)
• Connective Tissue Dysfunction (e.g. fibromyalgia)
• Post Surgery and Rehabilitation
• Pain and Discomfort
• Movement Disorders
• Postural Problems
• Core Stability