We get many questions regarding remedial massage and myotherapy. Here we hope to answer any questions you may have, and some you might not have thought of.
Myotherapy is a type of physical therapy that treats most common musculoskeletal conditions that can result from injury, improper posture and poor biomechanics.
It is very easy to confuse remedial massage and myotherapy as they both treat a range of non-specific soft tissue conditions. The main distinction is that myotherapists use a much broader range of massage techniques.
Myotherapy fees are not covered by medicare. An exception is if your myotherapist is also a GP. In saying this, myotherapy fees can be covered by some private health funds, but this depends on your insurance policy.
Pain during a remedial massage is not a good sign that the massage will be effective. Experiencing pain during a massage will make your muscles tense up, making it difficult for your therapist to reach deeper muscles. Always tell your therapist if you are experiencing any discomfort.
The frequency that you should get a remedial massage greatly depends on your active lifestyle.
Elite athletes get a remedial massage at least once a week, while most amateur athletes and gym goers should go once a week to once a fortnight. For those who engage in regular light exercise, once every two to four weeks is generally enough.
Stimulating blood supply, making joints more mobile, and repairing damaged tissue are some of the benefits of remedial massage. Therapists aim to balance the length and tension of muscles and tendons to restore the position of bones and increase blood flow, which in turns helps to heal injuries.
You do not need a referral to visit a remedial massage therapist. However it may be useful if you have an existing injury or illness that has been diagnosed by a health professional so that we may create a solid recovery plan.
