In a world where stress, long working hours, and constant physical strain are part of daily life, muscular pain has become an almost universal complaint. From desk-bound office workers to athletes and tradespeople, muscle tightness and soreness can impact how we move, sleep, and live.
One approach that has gained increasing recognition for addressing these problems is Myotherapy. This hands-on, evidence-based, therapy focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of muscular pain and dysfunction.
The word myo comes from the Greek term for muscle, and therapy simply means treatment, so Myotherapy literally means “muscle therapy.” It is a form of physical therapy that uses manual techniques to treat soft tissue pain, improve movement, and support rehabilitation from injury.
Myotherapy sits somewhere between remedial massage and physiotherapy. Like remedial massage, it involves hands-on treatment such as deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy. However, Myotherapists also use a broader range of techniques, and their training includes anatomy, physiology, and exercise prescriptions allowing them to address the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms.
Originating in the 1970s and developed by Australian therapist Bonnie Prudden, who was inspired by the pioneering work of Dr Janet Travell and Dr David Simons on “trigger points.” These trigger points, often described as knots or tight bands within muscles, can refer pain to other parts of the body.
Prudden’s work popularised the idea that treating these points could relieve chronic muscular pain, improve function and help with realigning our skeletal structure.
During trigger point release, a therapist applies sustained pressure to the affected area, encouraging the tight muscle fibres to relax, improve blood flow, and restore normal function. This technique can be performed manually using the hands, elbows, or specialised tools, and is often incorporated into massage therapy, physical therapy, and self-care routines to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and support muscle recovery.
Over time, Myotherapy evolved from simple trigger point release to a fully-fledged health profession. Today, it is widely practiced across Australia and increasingly recognised in other countries as a valuable tool in pain management and injury prevention.
A typical Myotherapy session begins with an in-depth consultation. The therapist will ask about your medical history, daily activities, and any pain or discomfort you are experiencing. They will then assess posture, joint movement, and muscle function to identify areas of tension or imbalance.
Treatment can also include other techniques, such as dry needling (a form of acupuncture), stretching and joint mobilisation, heat or cold therapy (to relax or reduce inflammation) and corrective exercises.
Each session is tailored to the individual. For some people, Myotherapy is part of recovery from a sports injury; for others, it’s about managing chronic pain or improving posture and mobility.
Myotherapy can benefit anyone dealing with muscular or joint pain. It is especially effective for conditions such as:
Back and neck pain – often caused by poor posture or muscle tension.
Headaches and migraines – where muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders contributes to pain.
Sports injuries – such as strains, sprains, or overuse injuries.
Shoulder, hip, and knee pain – resulting from muscular imbalances.
Repetitive strain injuries – common in office workers or those with physically demanding jobs.
General stress and tension – where relaxation and improved circulation can make a major difference.
Beyond treating pain, Myotherapy (a 60-minute session generally costs between $90 and $130) can also enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and promote overall wellbeing by improving how muscles and joints work together.
What makes Myotherapy so appealing is its holistic approach. Instead of simply masking pain, it looks for the underlying causes, whether that’s poor posture, muscle weakness, overuse, or stress. The therapist works with the client to create a long-term management plan that encourages self-awareness and active recovery.
Many clients find that Myotherapy not only relieves physical pain but also reduces stress and improves sleep. Because it encourages better body mechanics, it can have lasting effects on mobility, energy levels, and even confidence in movement.
As more people seek natural and proactive ways to manage pain, Myotherapy stands out as a bridge between massage and medical treatment. It is a profession grounded in science but guided by touch, one that helps people understand their bodies better and regain control over their physical wellbeing.
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