Myotherapy

Myotherapy (particularly Bonnie Prudden myotherapy) is a form of physical therapy which focuses on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated pathologies. The term myotherapy was originally coined by Bonnie Prudden to describe a specific type of trigger point therapy which she developed in the 1970s based on the earlier work of Travell and Simons who researched the cause and treatment of pain arising from myofascial trigger points. While based on rational principles, there is little scientific research regarding the efficacy of this therapy, so it remains controversial within the medical and academic disciplines. Myotherapy (particularly Bonnie Prudden myotherapy) is a form of physical therapy which focuses on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated pathologies. The term myotherapy was originally coined by Bonnie Prudden to describe a specific type of trigger point therapy which she developed in the 1970s based on the earlier work of Travell and Simons who researched the cause and treatment of pain arising from myofascial trigger points. While based on rational principles, there is little scientific research regarding the efficacy of this therapy, so it remains controversial within the medical and academic disciplines. Over the ensuing 40 years, myotherapy has evolved to become an allied health discipline which is practiced in many countries across the world including UK, Australia, USA, Canada, Malaysia and Thailand. Myotherapy incorporates trigger point therapy and a wide range of soft tissue massage and manipulation including: muscle energy technique, dry needling, and joint mobilization. Myotherapists also use stretching, nutritional advice, exercise prescription, postural advice and education, heat and cold therapy, ultrasound and TENS. Myotherapy is a branch of manual medicine focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. It involves a physical evaluation and an integrated therapeutic approach to affected muscles, joints, nerves, and associated viscera (organs) and is used in the treatment of acute or chronic conditions and in preventative management. Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy treatment for most common musculoskeletal conditions that result from improper posture, poor biomechanics and injury. Myotherapy is defined as: 'the comprehensive assessment, treatment and management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders and conditions caused by improper biomechanical functioning.'Myotherapists take into account all aspects of health and wellness to treat patients - this includes not only physical, but psychological and occupational aspects of the individual. Myotherapists are trained manual therapy professionals in the field of myofascial pain and dysfunction (pain that arises from the muscles and surrounding connective tissue). Myotherapists assess and treat the connective tissue (muscle, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, tissue coverings) using mostly direct 'hands-on' techniques. Some myotherapists are also trained in the use of TENS machines, lasers, ultrasound, rehabilitation aids, taping, dry needling and exercise prescription for rehabilitation.