Welcome to Affinity,
A Myotherapy clinic based in Carlton

Dedicated to helping you achieve your optimal health & wellbeing.

Myotherapy is the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions.

Musculoskeletal conditions can come from a variety of causes, but generally lead to symptoms such as:
– pain
– dysfunction
– restriction of movement
– fatigue and general low mood

Common causes of muscular dysfunction and pain are trauma, overload or misuse of muscles arising from occupational or recreational activities.

Myotherapy diagram explaining pain areas

It’s our aim to provide . . .

‘Holistic treatment of musculoskeletal pain creating affinity between the mind and body.’

our myotherapy services at Affinity Myotherapy

Here’s some techniques you may find in a myotherapy session:
– cupping
– dry needling
– electro-dry needling
– TENS machine
– deep tissue massage
– soft tissue massage
– myofascial release techniques
– muscular energy techniques
– joint mobilizations
– trigger point therapy
– exercise prescription
– hot/cold therapies

BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH

‘The biopsychosocial model views pain and disability as a complex interaction between physiological & social factors that may worsen the clinical presentation.’ (IASP, 2012).

This model states that the three aspects of health (physical, mental and social) all interact and work together to either promote or detriment health.

‘Alongside my physical assessment of the body, I often discuss with my patients lifestyle factors such as: diet, stress, nutrition, exercise and forming of habits and relate them to their bodies current state. I believe using this holistic approach addresses the patient as an individual and allows me to tailor-make a treatment program specific to their wants and needs whilst also considering their time, physical and financial constraints.’

Tailored Care

Empowering you with KNOWLEDGE
Helping you clarify and identify YOUR GOALS and DESIRED OUTCOMES
Giving you an ACTIONABLE PLAN
And aligning you with the RIGHT CARE

frequently asked questions about Myotherapy Services

What do Myotherapists treat and what techniques are used?

Myotherapists use various soft tissue manipulation techniques during treatment such as trigger point therapy, dry needling, deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapies, passive/ active muscle stretching and cupping. The care does not end when you leave the room as corrective/rehabilitative exercises or postural re-education may be given so as you can continue your recovery at home.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a spot on your muscle that feels like a taut band or may be described to feel like a ‘knot’. They can be both active, meaning they are felt as a muscular ache either at the site or have the potential to elicit a referred pain response or latent meaning when you apply pressure to them (like with a foam roller or spikey ball) only then do you feel the pain. They are also located in specific spots and can create referral pains, this has to do with the anatomy they share and the common ways basic human movement patterns can elicit their activity.

How do trigger points affect your body?

Because trigger points are areas of dysfunction in your muscular skeletal system, untreated they will continue to perpetuate poor movement patterns, muscular fatigue and pain.

What does dry needling do?

Dry needling utilises your bodies natural response to pain management by safely creating a miniscule trauma (the needle) into an area where pain reduction is required. When we insert a needle into a trigger point, we create an environment in which the bodies response to that needle counteracts the underlying chronic issue that was being perpetuated by that taut band.

If you would like to read more on the science of dry needling, please check out the blog!

What conditions can Myotherapy help with?

– neck, back and limb pain
– headaches
– nerve pain
– chronic overuse problems
– postural pain
– tendon, muscle and ligament damage
– general tightness
– muscular pain from restricted breathing
– sports injuries

How long is a Myotherapy appointment?

Both initial and follow-up appointments are 45mins long.

Can I claim Myotherapy on Health Insurance?

If you have Myotherapy under your allied health extras – yes!

We have HICAPS facilities for claiming at your appointment.

Do I require a referral to see a Myotherapist?

No referrals required – though we do appreciate you bringing along any medical information (reports from medical scans, medication lists, etc.) relevant to your visit.

Resources and Information

Muscular Nutrition

So... what's good for muscles? What do I need to eat to maintain muscle? What do I need to eat to GROW muscle? All questions I am commonly asked, especially by patients who frequent gyms and compete in the body building world. If you turn to the internet there are...

What is Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a spot on your muscle that feels like a taut band or some might say ‘knot.’ They can cause pain when I touch them, or you might just feel spots of dull pain every now and then with no known reason as to why.These happen due to problems with muscle...

What does Dry Needling do?

Dry needling is a technique used by trained physical therapists to alleviate pain in the musculoskeletal system. It is not to be confused with acupuncture, which utilizes needles over set points on the body to holistically treat imbalances in the bodily systems. So...

Welcome to Affinity,A Myotherapy clinic based in Carlton