About Myotherapy
After many years of practice and curriculum development, Brian Tritton (Head of Department at SSNT) and his colleagues have provided the following definition of Myotherapy;
Myotherapy is the treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain involving extensive physical evaluation and an integrated approach to affected muscles, joints and nerves. This approach is used in the treatment of acute or chronic conditions and in the area of preventative management.
Myotherapy treatment involves the use of soft tissue and skeletal mobilization and also includes myofacial dry-needling, electrical stimulation, pain management techniques and prescriptive exercises.
Assessment in Myotherapy requires an integrated evaluation of the patient and presenting condition.
Treatment in Myotherapy requires a holistic approach to the patient’s physical and emotional well being.
Prevention in Myotherapy requires the appropriate patient educational program.
Myotherapy is based on the pioneering research conducted by Travell and Simons (1983) who established the neuro-physiological basis into myofascial pain and dysfunction. The term “myotherapy”, was promoted in the 1970’s by Bonie Prudden, an American health and fitness practitioner who developed a form of physical therapy, based on the work of Travell & Simons. Dr Desmond Tivy was involved with Prudden’s work from its inception and it was he who coined the term ‘Myotherapy’ to describe this type of therapy.
Myotherapy has continued to evolve to include the assessment techniques and treatment modalities which are presently being taught at a Bachelor / Degree level.
