Chronic Pain Relief: Physiotherapy vs Myotherapy
Chronic Pain Relief: Physiotherapy vs Myotherapy
Elevate Can Help You Find Lasting Pain Relief
Chronic pain can be one of the most challenging and debilitating conditions which usually effects your ability to live a full and active life. At our clinic, we specialize in providing tailored therapies that target pain relief and restore your quality of life. Whether you are suffering from long-term discomfort due to musculoskeletal issues, injuries, or tension, myotherapy combined with physiotherapy, could be the key components in your pain management strategy.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, often outlasting the typical healing process. It can be caused by various factors such as muscle injuries, joint problems, nerve damage, or underlying health conditions like arthritis. Chronic pain can manifest in different ways, including constant aches, sharp sensations, or even burning or tingling sensations, which can significantly impact daily activities. Studies have shown that Chronic pain lasting over 6-12 months can cause significant psychological impacts that can worsen the pain itself, leading to a vicious cycle of discomfort and emotional distress. If you are experiencing chronic pain, it is important to seek professional treatment that addresses the root cause of your discomfort, rather than just masking the symptoms, this generally requires a team of health professionals e.g., Doctors and psychologists to gain the best chance of recovery.
How Myotherapy Can Help with Chronic Pain
Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on treating muscular pain and dysfunction through targeted techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage. It aims to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall movement, which can play a significant role in reducing chronic pain. Along with assisting in exercise-based intervention and mental health by improving stress and anxiety around pain.
Here are some of the key benefits of myotherapy for chronic pain relief:
- Targeted Pain Relief for Musculoskeletal Disorders
Myotherapy is effective for treating pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder tension. By targeting specific muscles and soft tissues, myotherapists can address the underlying causes of pain, helping to relieve and manage discomfort and prevent it from reoccurring.
- Trigger Point Therapy
One of the core techniques in myotherapy is trigger point therapy, which focuses on identifying and applying pressure to myofascial trigger points, these spots are sensitive areas in the muscles that can become sore overtime causing pain. These trigger points are often caused by muscle overuse or underuse and are known for their ability to refer pain to other parts of the body, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of discomfort. By releasing these points, myotherapy can provide significant relief from chronic pain.
- Improved Muscle Function
Chronic pain often leads to muscle imbalances and restricted movement. Myotherapy helps to improve muscle flexibility, strength, and function, which can alleviate pain and restore mobility. This allows you to move more freely and participate in activities that may have been hindered by pain.
- Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is often a contributing factor to ongoing pain. Myotherapy techniques, such as massage and deep tissue work, can stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation in affected areas, providing long-term relief.
Here are a few ways physiotherapy can complement myotherapy and aid in chronic pain therapy:
Personalized Exercise Programs
Physiotherapists are trained to design individualized exercise programs that strengthen muscles, improve posture, and restore joint mobility. These exercises can address the root cause of chronic pain, such as poor posture or muscle weakness, and help prevent future flare-ups.
Education and Ergonomics
A key aspect of physiotherapy is educating patients about posture, movement patterns, and lifestyle changes that can prevent chronic pain from worsening. Physiotherapists can also assess your work environment and recommend ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain and promote healing.
Long-Term Pain Management
With a focus on long-term solutions, physiotherapy provides patients with tools to manage pain, improve strength, and enhance quality of life. By addressing the underlying causes of chronic pain, physiotherapy helps prevent future discomfort and promotes lasting well-being.
Combining Myotherapy and Physiotherapy for Optimal Pain Relief
At our clinic, we understand that chronic pain is complex, and we believe that a multidisciplinary approach is often the best way to achieve lasting relief. By combining the benefits of myotherapy with physiotherapy, we can create a personalised treatment plan that targets pain from multiple angles. Whether you’re seeking myotherapy for muscle pain relief or physiotherapy for comprehensive chronic pain management, our team of experienced practitioners will work with you to develop a strategy that fits your needs and goals.
FAQs
How long will it take to see results?
The time it takes to experience relief varies depending on the severity of the chronic pain, the underlying cause, and the treatment plan. Some people may experience immediate relief after a session, while others may require multiple treatments to see significant improvement. Depending on your personal goals A consultation with a Physio or Myotherapists can help you devise some attainable steps and a plan on reaching your goals
Do I need a referral to see a Myotherapist or physiotherapist?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a myotherapists or physiotherapist. However, for Medicare/Bulk billed subsidised treatments will need to be approved by a GP. These are only for Physiotherapy consultations and are limited to 5 sessions per year. Alternatively, some chronic conditions are eligible for NDIS/Workcover Support which can be used to fund Physio and Myotherapy consultations.
What can I do at home to support my treatment?
Your myotherapists or physiotherapist may provide you with exercises, stretches, or lifestyle recommendations to complement your treatment. Staying active, practicing good posture, using ergonomic tools at work, and following a tailored exercise program can help reduce pain and improve your overall health. Consistency with at-home practices is key to long-term pain relief.
Can I continue working or exercising while receiving treatment?
In most cases, you can continue light activities, work, and exercise as long as they do not exacerbate your pain. Your therapist will guide you on which activities are safe and provide modifications if needed. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion during the healing process.
What should I expect during my first session?
During your first session, your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your pain history, medical background, and specific symptoms. They may ask about your daily activities, lifestyle, and any areas of discomfort. Based on this, they will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. You may experience some hands-on therapy, including stretching, massage, Dry needling and shockwave/ultrasound therapy if recommended depending on your condition.
Can myotherapy or physiotherapy completely eliminate my chronic pain?
While myotherapy and physiotherapy can significantly reduce chronic pain and improve function, it’s important to understand that chronic pain management is an ongoing process. The goal is to help you manage pain effectively, reduce flare-ups, and enhance your quality of life. Some individuals may experience long-term relief, while others may need periodic treatment for continued support.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, reach out to us today to book a consultation with one of our skilled Healthcare practitioners. We’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan that supports your pain management and enhances your overall health and well-being.
Sources
Miller-Matero, L.R. et al. (2021) ‘A brief psychological intervention for chronic pain in primary care: A pilot randomized controlled trial’, Pain Medicine, 22(7), pp. 1603–1611. doi:10.1093/pm/pnaa444.
Lee, J. H., Kim, M. Y., & Lee, Y. H. (2015). Effectiveness of exercise and education for improving health-related quality of life in people with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PM&R, 7(2), 172-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2014.12.007
Kim, H. and Lee, S. (2023) ‘The impact of manual therapy on pain catastrophizing in chronic pain conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science, 12(2), pp. 177–184. doi:10.14474/ptrs.2023.12.2.177.
