FAQ

What is Myotherapy?

Myotherapy is one of the multi-skilled physical therapies within the Allied Health Profession.
Myotherapists assess and physically treat myofascial pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) of the human body.

When should I see a Myotherapy Association Australia Myotherapist?

If you have pain or dysfunction that may be caused by muscles or fascia you should make an appointment.

If the Myotherapist is a member of the Institute of Registered Myotherapists (IRMA), you know they are qualified and bound by a Code of Ethics and IRMA rules. You may be able to claim Health Fund rebates if you are eligible.

Pain or symptoms caused by muscle (myo) or cascia is described as myofascial. Myofascial pain is usually not specific and is often described by the patient as a 'deep ache', 'tightness'or 'tenderness'in an area. It can vary in intensite and radiate to other areas. Other symptoms can include reduced range of motion of muscles and joints, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. There are many other symptoms depending on the condition and patients can have one or many symptoms.

Do I need a referral to see a Myotherapist?

NO! Most Myotherapists will see patients without a referral from a doctor. Many doctors and other health professionals will refer patients to a Myotherapist for specialised treatment. If your Myotherapist decides there is a need for further assessment or specialised treatment they will refer you to the appropriate medical or health professional.

What conditions do Myotherapist's treat?

Myotherapist's treat the cause as well as the symptoms of a wide range of conditions. The cause of pain and symptoms is a myofacial in many conditions. It may originate from abnormal muscle contraction ('tightness') or trigger points ('knots') in muscle or fascia.

Trigger points are tender, irritable areas which can refer pain and other symptoms to areas close to or often distant to the trigger point. They can be causes by many factors e.g poor posture, overuse of muscles, stress, incorrect lifting and lack of sleep.

Some examples of conditions commonly treated by Myotherapist's, but not limited :

• Chronic overuse syndromes to wrist, hand or elbow from poor posture at a computer or prolonged usage.
• Headaches as a result of tension in neck and shoulder muscles which refer pain to areas of the head.
• Chronic back pain, including 'Sciatica' caused by tightness in some muscles and weakness in others. Restoring muscle balance and optimal posture is a major aspect.
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow). Localised tenderness of elbow and radiating pain to forearm. Often as a result of overuse and weakness of wrist extensor muscles, which can result in trigger points developing.
• Shoulder pain, e.g. Impingement Syndrome .During overhead arm motions impingement can cause micro-trauma, and result in pain and inflammation of the shoulder. Abnormal muscle contraction and trigger points can develop.
• Chronic knee pain may be caused by your patella ('knee cap') not tracking or moving correctly. This can be a result of many factors including muscle imbalance in the thigh, and pronation of the foot.
• Hand and Finger numbness and tingling .Compression of nerves and/or blood vessels at the thoracic outlet due to abnormal muscle contraction and trigger points in neck muscles(usually scalenes) can cause these symptoms. Your sitting posture at work or your sleeping position (e.g. pillow height) may be contributing factors.
• "Shin Splints" .Common term used to describe exercise induced pain to the lower leg e.g. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome can be treated by a Myotherapist using a variety of techniques including soft tissue manipulation, dry needling, electro-mechanical stimulation and thermal applications.
• Stiff Neck .Often a result of abnormal muscle contraction which causes severe pain and discomfort on movements of the head and neck. Passive stretching and thermal techniques and soft tissue manipulation are often used to reduce the contraction and relieve discomfort relatively quickly. Contributing factors need to be considered.
• Foot Pain. Pain in this area can often be referred from trigger points in leg or foot muscles. Myotherapists can treat the trigger points and also address any perpetuating factors e.g. poor footwear.
• Sprained Ankle .Over -stretching of muscles (e.g. peroneals) often occurs with an ankle sprain. The resulting abnormal muscle and/or trigger points can be effectively treated.

What should I expect from a registered Myotherapist?

Assessment:

Clinical assessment is reliant on history-taking, examination routines of particular joins or regions, assisted by highly developed tactile, palpatory skills and a through understanding of joint and muscular assessment procedures. These skills distinguish Myotherapy from other physical therapies. Assessment of potential causes of dysfunction is also important.

Accurate assessment of soft tissue is dysfunction is usually possible with the adequate knowledge of anatomy and the understanding of associated pathological processes likely to occur with soft tissue dysfunction.

Treatment:

Myotherapist's employ various soft tissue manipulation techniques, together with other modalities such as passive/active muscle stretching, ischaemic compression, electro-mechanical stimulation, heat therapy, cryotherapy, dry needling, corrective exercises and trigger point therapy.

Telehealth at Injuries West

Telehealth in our New Environment.

In response to the new and evolving working and living environment our of communities, Injuries West has taken the step to introduce and offer Telehealth services.

We view Telehealth as a great service which supports us as Therapist's to manage our patient's rehabilitation when they are unable to see us in person.

What Technology do I need for a Telehealth Appointment?

Telehealth can be used on a smart phone, tablet / laptop or desktop computer with a camera attached. Having a good internet connection is important, ensuring your connection is reliable as this will ensure your consultation runs smoothly.

What will happen once my appointment is booked?

Once your appointment is booked you will receive an email with details about how the consultation works. Immediately prior to your appointment you will receive an email with a link to Physitrack (PhysiAPP) where we will have our consultation.

We ask that you go online 10 minutes prior to your appointment and click on the link to join our conversation, would be much appreciated.

If you are using a mobile device it would be useful to download the PhyisAPP (available free from your app store).

If using a computer, please ensure you have a camera and microphone so we can chat.

What happens if my computer or internet fail during the consultations?

Should our Telehealth consultation not work, Leanne will call and continue the consultation via phone.

Can I use Telehealth if I have never been to see Leanne before?

If this is your first appointment with Leanne she will contact you via phone if Injuries West is the first point of call for you.

Can I use my Private Health Insurance Extras cover on my Telehealth Consultation ?

Unfortunately at this point in time, Private Health Insurers do not cover Telehealth Consultations with us. This is something Allied Health bodies along with our Industry Associations are currently working on with Health Insurers to access this.

If you have further questions on Telehealth or need assistance / discuss your current consultation needs please email our Clinic Director Leanne Taylor-Leckie - leanne@injurieswest.com.au.