Myotherapist’s are lucky enough to learn a wide range of evidence-based treatment techniques within their bachelor degree – lets dive into how each one works.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting fine filament needles into a muscle, ligament, tendon, trigger point or fascial sheath to create a chemical change within the structure. When a needle is inserted into a muscle, a chemical change occurs at the neuromuscular junction which decreases pain receptors, improves pain feedback between the nerve and the muscle and improves muscular tension and blood flow.
Cupping
Cupping involves placing suction cups onto the skin which helps decompress the tissue layers between the skin, fascia and muscles. This allows better circulation and neural conductivity as it decompresses the neural and circulatory structures that lay between the skin, fascia and muscles.
Electrotherapy
Electro-needling is the type of electrotherapy Myotherapist’s learn within their degree. It involves small electrodes being attached onto dry needles after their insertion. Electro-needling can feel slightly different depending on the settings your therapists uses but it typically feels like a light buzzing or twitching sensation.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a massage technique that helps release “trigger points” within taught muscle bands. This helps decrease muscle tension, increase circulation and hydration to the muscle and improve muscle range of motion.
PNF + MET
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) involve active contraction of the muscle by the client and guided relaxation to improve muscle range of motion and control.
Taping
Rigid tape stabilises joints and helps take pressure and tension off of a particular structure to assist it’s healing.
Rock tape helps increase proprioception (body awareness) and help decrease inflammation. Rock tape can also be used to promote healing to a bruised area.
Joint Mobilisations
Joint mobilisations involve apply pressure to a joint to create small movements within the joint capsule. This provides feedback to the joint to improve the range and quality of movement and decrease pain.
References:
- Gattie, E., Cleland, J. A., & Snodgrass, S. (2021). The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(3), 113-125.
- Kim, S., Lee, S. H., Kim, M. R., Kim, E. J., Hwang, D. S., Lee, J., … & Shin, B. C. (2018). Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 8(11), e021070.
- Dunning, J., Butts, R., Henry, N., Mourad, F., Brannon, A., Rodriguez, H., … & Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C. (2014). Electrical dry needling as an adjunct to exercise, manual therapy and ultrasound for plantar fasciitis: A multi-center randomized clinical trial. PloS one, 9(3), e92671.
- Cagnie, B., Castelein, B., Pollie, F., Steelant, L., Verhoeyen, H., & Cools, A. (2015). Evidence for the use of ischemic compression and dry needling in the management of trigger points of the upper trapezius in patients with neck pain: a systematic review. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 94(7), 573-583.
- Hindle, K. B., Whitcomb, T. J., Briggs, W. O., & Hong, J. (2012). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF): Its mechanisms and effects on range of motion and muscular function. Journal of human kinetics, 31(2012), 105-113.
- Parreira, P. D. C. S., Costa, L. D. C. M., Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Lopes, A. D., & Costa, L. O. P. (2014). Current evidence does not support the use of Kinesio Taping in clinical practice: a systematic review. Journal of physiotherapy, 60(1), 31-39.
- Bennell, K. L., Egerton, T., Martin, J., Abbott, J. H., Metcalf, B., McManus, F., … & Buchbinder, R. (2014). Effect of physical therapy on pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 311(19), 1987-1997.
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