We understand how easy it is to mix up myotherapy and massage therapy. From the outside looking in, they both look very similar, and a lot of us use both terms interchangeably.
Additionally, confusion between myotherapy and massage therapy might occur because they treat a considerable amount of non-specific soft tissue ailments and pain.
We decided to create this piece to shed more light and help everyone understand the differences and similarities between these two essential practices.
Myotherapy involves an evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions and pain.
On the other hand, massage therapy is administered by manipulating soft body tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and the like to improve a person’s well-being.
Now that we know what they are, here are a few differences.
Education and Accreditation
Most people do not realize this, but in Australia, to work as a massage professional, you need to be well educated and accredited by professional massage organizations.
First and foremost, if you’re new in the space and you’re trying to start a career as a massage therapist, you need to earn an entry-level certificate in massage therapy such as The Certificate IV in Massage Therapy (HLT42015) from the Melbourne Institute of Massage Therapy and Myotherapy.
Such certification will give you recognition as a professional massage therapist. On the other hand, myotherapists require more certification.
They must also complete an advanced diploma of remedial massage to operate as a professional myotherapist.
General vs Specific
Many Australians question when they should seek out a Myotherapist, and when will the services of a Massage Therapist suffice?
A rule of thumb would be to clarify that a massage therapist is ideal when you require general remedial massage to deal with tightness, tension, recovery, and more.
A Myotherapist is ideal when you have specific conditions or injuries that need to be accessed, managed, and treated.
If you have any chronic injuries or conditions that need to be managed, a myotherapist might be better for you.
Methods, Techniques, and Tools
Remedial massage therapists tend to work more with numerous manipulative massage techniques to help with relaxation and manage muscular tension.
Often, massage therapists work primarily with their hands and sometimes utilize powders or oils during massages.
Myotherapists are more likely to utilize trigger point therapy, cupping, deep tissue massage, muscle stretching, and other rehabilitative exercises during their treatments.
We feel a need to add that the “myo” in myotherapy stands for muscle.
Training
As we have mentioned earlier, massage therapy training is the first step to becoming a soft tissue therapist.
To become a professional massage therapist, you will need to undertake six to twelve months of training to earn the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy.
During that time, you will learn about Swedish massage principles, basic physiology, human anatomy, biomechanics, and even pathology.
Myotherapist training builds upon what they learned during massage therapy and remedial massage therapy training.
You will learn more about the functional anatomy, injury rehabilitation, postural analysis, and biomechanics.
Myotherapy training usually takes twelve months, and you will earn a Bachelor of Health Science or an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ascertain whether my massage therapist is legitimate? The easiest and most effective way to know this is to inquire about their certifications and what organization granted them.
This is usually effective if you are conversant with accrediting organizations such as the Massage Association Australia (MMA), Association of Massage Therapists (AMT), Massage & Myotherapy Australia (M&MA), and others.
Can a Remedial Massage Therapist serve as a Myotherapist? Sometimes, when a remedial massage therapist completes a PD course in cupping or dry needling, they can offer Myotherapy services while still being registered as a remedial massage therapist.