Myotherapy and Remedial Massage

Myotherapy expands beyond the remedial massage approach by incorporating an in-depth understanding of the body’s systems and the interrelationship the systems have with musculoskeletal health. Myotherapists combine the western medical understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics into a holistic approach to treating and managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Myotherapy includes a thorough physical assessment and clinical testing to identify the primary cause of pain and dysfunction. Treatments may include but are not limited to exercise prescription, joint mobilisation, dry needling, cupping or massage techniques.

Remedial massage is the treatment of soft tissues aimed at balancing the body’s systems. This systemic balance is part of the modern biomedical understanding of health and disease. Remedial massage helps to promote healthy tissues, reduce pain and optimise postural mobility to improve physical and emotional stability.

NSD (Neuro Skeletal Dynamics) involves the balancing of muscle energy by targeting the stabilising muscles of the skeletal system. NSD requires light contact on specific points of the body. Using firm pressure, on these points is not necessary and light contact gives the practitioner effective feedback. NSD can be applied through clothing, therefore removal of clothing is not necessary to apply the treatment.

Dry needling is often an effective technique for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. The treatment is performed by a skilled and trained practitioner. It is a safe treatment with minimal discomfort. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture as its roots are in Western medicine, not Eastern medicine. Evaluation for the application of dry needling is based on orthopedic testing, functional impairment, posture and pain patterns.

Reflexology is a unique and wonderfully relaxing therapy that works on many levels, soothing, calming, balancing and stimulating the entire body. Reflexology offers the opportunity to support those already utilising Medical and Allied Health services, especially in the area of preventative health care. The positive effects of reflexology are increased well-being and disease prevention, reduction of symptoms in both acute and chronic conditions, enhanced healing following surgery, and can complement medical and allied health services through collaboration.

James Flaxman has over 30 years of experience as a musculoskeletal therapist. His training includes a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy), diplomas of Remedial Massage and Soft Tissue Manipulation as well as multiple certificates in a variety of reflexology techniques. James has been in private practice since 1991 and continues to maintain and upgrade his manual therapy skills of neuromusculoskeletal techniques and knowledge. Treatment techniques used are based on clinical evaluation and current clinical evidence.