Myotherapy

What is Myotherapy?

Myotherapy is a type of physical therapy designed to prevent, treat and manage musculoskeletal pain and associated diseases or medical conditions.

This therapy draws on an understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and pathology. It began as an extension of Remedial Massage.

Myotherapy aims to reduce pain.

Myotherapists treat a wide range of injuries, including:

• ankle pain
• elbow pain
• join instability
• knee pain
• headaches and migraines
• hip pain
• lower back pain
• neck pain
• shoulder pain
• tight and stiff muscles
• wrist pain.

They use a range of manual therapies to ease pain, including:

• corrective and rehabilitative exercises
• cupping therapy
• dry needling
• electrotherapy
• joint mobilisation
• prescriptive advice on muscle and pain management
• soft tissue therapy
• trigger point therapy
• taping.

Myotherapy is usually seen as similar to Remedial Massage, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Osteopathy. It may be combined with one or more of these treatments.

Is Myotherapy a registered profession in Australia? 

No. In Australia, Myotherapy is a self-regulated profession.

Myotherapy Association Australia represents Myotherapists and encourages them to take part in continued professional development programs.

Massage and Myotherapy Australia certifies and audits therapists for consumers, health insurers and employers.

Does private health insurance cover Myotherapy?

If your private health insurance covers Myotherapy, it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Myotherapy.

If so, check whether Myotherapy is subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

If I have Extras Cover that includes Myotherapy, can I see any Myotherapist? 

No. To be covered, your Myotherapist must be a member of a national organisation that:

• has membership requirements
• assesses Myotherapists for their level of training and educational requirements
• runs a continuing professional development program
• maintains a code of conduct
• runs a complaints resolution process
• manages a formal disciplinary procedure where members can be suspended or expelled. 

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Some insurers may require you to see a Myotherapist who is one of their recognised providers only.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered.

Does Medicare cover Myotherapy?

No. Medicare does not cover the cost of Myotherapy. 

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