Myotherapy vs. Remedial Massage: What’s the Difference?

If you’re experiencing muscle pain, dysfunction, or injury, you may be considering Myotherapy or Remedial Massage as part of your treatment plan. While these two modalities share similarities, they differ in scope, techniques, and focus.

Both Remedial Massage Therapists and Myotherapists assess and treat musculoskeletal issues, but Myotherapy involves more advanced techniques and deeper clinical training. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which treatment is right for you.

What is Remedial Massage?

Remedial massage is a clinical approach to treating musculoskeletal dysfunctions, chronic pain, and movement restrictions. It involves assessing and treating injuries, using a range of hands-on techniques to improve movement, reduce pain, and support recovery.

Remedial Massage Techniques Include:

• Deep tissue massage for muscle tension and pain relief

• Trigger point therapy to release muscle knots

• Myofascial release to improve mobility and flexibility

• Muscle energy techniques for joint and muscle balance

• Joint mobilisation to enhance range of motion

• Sports massage for injury recovery and performance

• Swedish relaxation massage (as part of stress management)

Who Can Benefit from Remedial Massage?

✅ People with musculoskeletal dysfunctions (e.g., chronic pain, stiffness, mobility issues)

✅ Athletes or active individuals needing injury prevention and recovery✅ People with postural imbalances causing discomfort or movement restrictions

✅ Individuals with tension headaches, back pain, or repetitive strain injuries

✅ Anyone needing a mix of relaxation and therapeutic treatment

What is Myotherapy?

Myotherapy builds upon the foundations of Remedial Massage, offering a more comprehensive, evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Myotherapists are trained in more advanced techniques and have a deeper understanding of neuromuscular anatomy, pain science, and rehabilitation.

Myotherapy Techniques Include:

• All remedial massage techniques (deep tissue, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, etc.)

• Dry needling for muscular and nervous system pain relief

• Cupping therapy to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) for pain management

• Advanced assessment & differential diagnosis for complex conditions

• Corrective exercise plans for long-term recovery

• Pain science education to help clients manage chronic conditions

Who Can Benefit from Myotherapy?

✅ People with complex musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., neuropathic pain, chronic injuries, or post-surgical rehabilitation)

✅ Individuals needing advanced pain management techniques (e.g., dry needling, TENS therapy)

✅ Athletes recovering from sports injuries needing biomechanical correction

✅ People with conditions involving both muscular and nervous system dysfunction

✅ Anyone seeking long-term movement improvements and preventative care

Key Differences Between Myotherapy & Remedial Massage

Feature	Remedial Massage	Myotherapy
Scope of Practice	Treats musculoskeletal dysfunctions, injuries & pain conditions	Treats more complex conditions including neuropathic pain, joint dysfunction & chronic pain management
Assessment	Advanced remedial assessment & pain neuroscience	Advanced clinical assessment, including differential diagnosis & movement screening
Techniques	Deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilization, sports massage	Includes all remedial techniques + dry needling, cupping, TENS, advanced rehab & corrective exercise
Focus	Pain relief, injury prevention, mobility improvement	Deeper focus on the nervous system, biomechanics, & long-term recovery
Ideal for	Mild to moderate injuries, tension, sports recovery, pain management	Chronic pain, neuropathic pain, complex injuries, rehabilitation & movement correction
Education Level	Diploma of Remedial Massage	Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy or Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy)

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you need muscle tension relief, treatment for common injuries, or postural correction, Remedial Massage is a great choice.

• If you have chronic pain, complex injuries, or need advanced techniques like dry needling and rehabilitation plans, Myotherapy is the better option.

Both Remedial Massage and Myotherapy provide excellent treatment options for pain and movement dysfunction. Myotherapy expands on remedial massage by offering a more advanced, clinical, and evidence-based approach to treatment.

If you’re unsure which treatment is best for you, book a complementary discovery call to discuss your needs and explore how myotherapy can help.