Musculoskeletal Therapy

Musculoskeletal Therapy (MST) is a form of body work that involves various techniques to relieve pain and dysfunction, and to maintain general muscle and skeletal wellbeing.

MST was developed and began being offered as a Bachelor course recently (early 2000’s) to fill a niche between clinical massage (remedial) and the manipulative therapies (osteopathy, chiropractic and manipulative physiotherapy). The basic difference between a massage therapist and a musculoskeletal therapist is that the musculoskeletal therapist has an increased skill level in assessment and diagnosis, and a broader and more developed menu of treatment approaches.

A consultation will involve questioning and examination of the presenting complaint and then a physical treatment. Manual techniques are used, directed at the soft tissues and joints to relieve pain and dysfunction. Other modalities of treatment can include, but are not limited to, postural alignment, exercise and stretching advice, as well as some nutritional advice.

Specific treatment options that can be used are:

• Deep Tissue Massage/ Neuromuscular Techniques - a variety of massage techniques.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) - Muscles are actively contracted against the therapists slight resistance, and then released, which allows tight muscles to release and lengthen.
• Joint Mobilisation - Joints are mobilised by being passively taken through their range of motion. This increases and creates more quality movement through the joint.
• Myofascial Release - a gentle fascial stretching technique.
• Cupping - Cups with negative pressure are placed on the affected area, which helps to relieve general muscle tightness and fascial restriction, increasing range of motion. It also dilates blood vessels improving circulation, facilitates movement of lymph, can work to release superficial scar tissue, and draws out toxins.
• Myofascial Dry Needling - Needles are inserted into contracted muscles to deactivate trigger points, ‘knots’, which in turn decreases their associated local and referred pain and helps the muscle to relax and lengthen.
• Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy may also be used in a treatment.

Musculoskeletal Therapy can treat a wide range of complaints including, but not limited to:

• Back, neck and shoulder pain and tension
• Headaches
• Joint pain/arthritis/bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Sprains/Strains
• Postural dysfunction