THE MYOTHERAPY COURSE [Musculo Skeletal Therapy]

Soft Tissue Musculo-Skeletal Assessment & Treatment

The two and half year professional program of training at The Australian College of Sports Therapy covers a wide range of subjects, techniques and practical skills. Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Knowledge, Practice Management and Therapeutic Skills are presented in a progressive course structure to provide the graduate with the knowledge and skills to run a successful health care practice utilising therapeutic modalities including trigger point therapy, corrective exercises, first aid, sports massage, hot and cold therapy and joint mobilisation. Myotherapists work in private practice, in physiotherapy clinics, sports medicine centres and work injury centres. Myotherapy is a rapidly growing health profession. Myotherapists work in a similar manner to physiotherapists and osteopaths, specialising  in the treatment and rehabilitatioin of muscle and joint disorders.



Myotherapy includes injury prevention, health and fitness promotion and maintenance as well as care during injury and rehabilitation.  Myotherapy training shares the foundations of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, and manual therapies with other hands on health practitioners, but covers a broader range of therapeutic modalities including myofascial techniques, deep tissue, corrective exercises, and dry needling.

This course is designed to equip graduates with the practical skills and relevant scientific knowledge required to deliver applied musculo-skeletal techniques for the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries including sport, work and motor vehicle. Myotherapists work in a variety clinical situations including primary patient contact and by referral from other health care providers.

Course Duration:
Full-time: Two and a half years

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COURES OVERVIEW

SYSTEMIC ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
A thorough grounding in anatomy provides the foundation for all studies in clinical science and is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The structural organisation of the body including an overview of the interrelationship between the body system; and descriptive terminology imparts and understanding of this science from a practical and theoretical perspective.

MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY
The integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and appropriate clinical decisions are the basis of formulating comprehensive management plans. In order to select and perform safe, effective techniques the student must be aware of indications and contra-indications for each modality used in myotherapy practice and must understand which modalities are most applicable for specific patho-physical conditions.
This subject emphasises the safe use of soft tissue manipulation, dry needling and trigger point techniques, thermal therapies, electro-mechanical stimulation and corrective exercises in the reduction of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
The importance of soft tissue technique in treatment of musculoskeletal conditions cannot be over-emphasised. Students learn to develop the palpatory skills and knowledge to effectively use proven massage applications in treating patients, including postural and joint assessment. Indications and contra-indications are introduced along with complementary technique such as muscle stretching, strapping and taping.
Professionalism with regard to confidentiality, ethics, hygiene, therapeutic environment, treatment planning and data recording is covered.

BIOSCIENCES
Biosciences provide the foundation for understanding the link between theory and practice in science as applied to health and sports therapy practice.
The human body is a complex and constantly active chemical factory that utilizes nutrients for growth, repair and production of energy. Biochemistry provides part of the background knowledge essential to understanding body structure and physiological function. Biophysics provides a valuable framework for the study of movement, muscular contraction, the effect of ultra-sound, x-rays and therapeutic and diagnostic instrumentation.

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY
Musculoskeletal Therapy is a rapidly growing profession that addresses problems that affect a large number of people in the population. Some of the most common problems that contribute to absence from work, dependence of medications for pain relief, and ongoing care by a variety of health professionals stem from the musculoskeletal system. The Myotherapist is a primary practitioner who specialises in conditions affecting the muscles, joints and soft tissues of the body. The Myotherapist works in conjunction with medical, chiropractic, physiotherapy and other practitioners and needs to be able to communicate, liaise, refer, and respond appropriately to other practitioners and stake holders with respect to addressing issues of injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, performance enhancement and optimization, improved mobility and fitness as well as health education in the areas of wellbeing and longevity. This module reviews the roles, responsibilities and methodology applied in the wide range of everyday environments. We examine the role of the Myotherapist in working with problems resulting from work injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and other musculoskeletal/soft tissue injuries and problems.

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MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY 2
The musculoskeletal system consists of the muscles, bones and joints, and is responsible for all movements and physical actions. This system is subject to a wide range of problems including sprains, strains, muscle tension, inflammation, swelling, bruises and injuries resulting from work, sport, or everyday activities. This subject introduces methods of assessment and therapeutic applications that provide relief from pain, restore mobility and enhance healing. Upon completing this subject the student will be able to accurately assess and make clinical decisions, design treatment plans, and apply a wide range of modalities, with acumen to refer to other health practitioners when appropriate.

MUSCULO SKELETAL ANATOMY OF THE EXTREMITIES
To be an effective practitioner of any physical therapy an understanding of kinesiology (how muscle work), biomechanics (principles of joint action), and the interaction of muscle groups is essential. This knowledge is only possible through a strong grounding in the structure of the muscles and their relationship to the skeletal system. This module introduces the major muscles, muscle groups, their attachments and structural components of the upper and lower extremities. It examines the musculoskeletal system of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers as well as the hip, knee, ankle and foot, with special emphasis on the joints and mechanisms of movement. It imparts an understanding of the significant structures commonly involved where there is pain and injury.

ACUPRESSURE AND TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves application of pressure to specific tender points within muscle tissue. Acupressure also utilises the application of pressure to points but these points are based upon Chinese acupuncture points. Many of the trigger points coincidentally fall on recognised acupuncture points. Both techniques are employed in order to relieve pain and dysfunction and are proven to have long lasting results on a wide range of conditions. This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge to effectively identify specific points that have a beneficial effect in the relief of pain and the resolution of musculoskeletal conditions.

KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS
Kinesiology introduces basic mechanical principles of coordinated muscle contraction. By examining and analysing common movement patterns, the mechanisms of common injuries to joint structures and means of injury prevention are presented.

NUTRITION
Nutritional intake has a significant effect on the health and well being of the human organism. This module presents an overview of dietary intake, structure and function of the digestive system and metabolism. Important concepts of micro and macro nutrients, nutritional assessment, eating disorders and nutritional requirements in development, aging and disease are addressed.

SURFACE ANATOMY
In order to provide effective assessment and treatment in the profession of myotherapy, accurate identification and palpation skills are of primary importance. Surface anatomy is the study of the external body with relation to deeper structures through visual examination and palpation skills.

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APPLIED MYOTHERAPY
Treatment procedures are as varied as the bedside manner of each individual practitioner. Through observation and supervised practice this experience will be a great stimulus to your development as a Myotherapist. The student under qualified health professionals participates in this exciting and rewarding time for discovery of new skills and abilities.
This subject provides an opportunity for the senior student to develop assessment skills, apply foundation knowledge, formulate effective treatment plans and provide professional services in the clinical situations.

MUSCULOSKELETAL ANATOMY OF THE TORSO AND SPINE
To be an effective practitioner of any physical therapy and understanding of kinesiology (how muscles work), biomechanics (principles of joint action), and the interaction of muscle groups is essential. This knowledge is only possible through a strong grounding in the structure of the muscles and their relationship to the skeletal system. This module introduces the major muscles, muscle groups, their attachments and structural components of the torso and spinal column. It examines the musculoskeletal system of the chest, pelvis, upper and lower back, neck and head with special emphasis on the joints and mechanisms of movement. It imparts an understanding of the significant structures commonly involved where there is pain and injury.

PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
Exercise and physical activity are daily parts of most peoples’ lives and is essential to the health and well being of our bodies and minds.
This subject explores how exercise affects and alters the structure and function of the human body. By studying physiological responses of the body under stress the student can learn about the influence on energy levels, function of systems, weight control, and especially the effect of exercise on the cardiovascular and muscular systems.
Exercise physiology plays an important role in therapy during rehabilitation from injury or illness and in the control and prevention of cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes.

CLINICAL ASSESSMENT
Symptoms of pain, stiffness motivate individuals to seek help.
Knowledge of physical examination using the five senses and the practical skills of palpation, along with special orthopaedic and neurological tests, allows the practitioner to discern the cause of presenting conditions and to evaluate the effectiveness of sports therapy treatment.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Treatment procedures are as varied as the bedside manner of each individual practitioner. Through observation and supervised practice this experience will be a great stimulus to your development as a myotherapist. The student, under qualified health professionals in outside clinics can participates in this exciting and rewarding time for discovery of new skills and abilities.

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS
Resting on the foundations learned in Kinesiology and Biomechanics, this subject expands theoretical and functional concepts into the realm of movement and action including injury prevention, relief from pain, increasing muscle and joint efficiency. Conservative treatment of common musculoskeletal disorders including repetitive strain injury (RSI), tennis elbow, patella tracking syndrome, frozen shoulder are introduced with a view to the student developing analytical skills which are critical to clinical proficiency.

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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
Knowledge of the therapeutic uses, toxicology, actions and interactions and abuse of prescription, over the counter and illegal drugs is important in patient management.
Terminology, administration, absorption and effects of propriety, recreational and illicit drugs are reviewed with respect to the influence of drugs on the function of the body.

ADVANCED MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES
Myofascial (Deep tissue) techniques help release chronic muscular spasm or tightness and relieves pain and tension, restoring normal muscle function. Myofascial release and structural integration are well established approaches to musculoskeletal rehabilitation that restore structural alignment and balance through stretching, resolving muscle fascia adhesions, that have resulted from injury or chronic deep muscular tension. The effects of myofascial techniques are improved posture, freedom of movement and pain relief, resulting in a sense of well being and relaxation.

MYOFASCIAL DRY NEEDLING
Myofascial Dry Needling is a specialised technique that is an integral aspect of myotherapy. It utilises insertion of acupuncture needles into active trigger points to relieve pain, resolve musculoskeletal pain patterns associated with the specific points and restore freedom of movement. This subject presents practical skill and theoretical knowledge to perform dry needling to reduce abnormal muscle contraction and deactivate trigger points (hypertonic muscle lesions). The Guidelines of Victorian Health Department Regulations with regard to sterilisation and infection control are emphasised.

CORRECTIVE EXERCISES
Application of myotherapy does not necessarily end when the client leaves your clinic. To assist with the treatment of muscular or joint dysfunction it may be desirable to prescribe an exercise program to be followed at home or in a fitness centre under supervision. Corrective Exercises provides the knowledge and practical principles of therapeutic exercise prescription for specific problems and general health.

APPLIED ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT MANAGEMENT
In sports therapy practice, each client presents with their unique history and presenting symptoms. Before proceeding with any treatment it is essential to ascertain specific information about their condition using questioning, palpation, physical examination and orthopaedic and neurological tests. Once test findings are correlated with information gathered, the practitioner can most effectively assist the client. This subject provides an opportunity for the senior student to hone their assessment skills and apply foundation knowledge, formulating effective treatment plans.

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
Remedial Therapies have grown to include a broad range of treatment approaches which are widely used in the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. These techniques are generally known as Therapeutic Modalities. The use of Thermal Therapies (hot and cold), electrotherapies (T.E.N.S.), Cupping, Hydrotherapy, Yoga and Pilates are among the most common.
This course is designed to teach students how to incorporate a variety of approaches according to best practice and needs of the individual client.

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CLINICAL MYOTHERAPY
Recognising the complexity of the healing process enables the myotherapist to more fully understand the needs of the patient while the assessment methods used by myotherapists provide subjective and objective clinical findings. By utilizing these results to their best advantage the practitioner can treat the patient most effectively.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL
Knowledge and skills in the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental, psychological or ergonomic hazards in the workplace are an important part of client care and rehabilitation. This unit imparts knowledge for the myotherapist to address occupational risk factors in the areas of health, hygiene and injury prevention.

FIRST AID
In an emergency situation it is essential that every practitioner be able to provide essential First Aid until trained medical assistance is available. This module teaches the principles and practical knowledge to Level 2 First Aid in the Workplace Certificate.

BUSINESS AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Good clinical skills are only one aspect of successful practice. Reaching your personal and professional goals requires sound planning and purposeful action. This module incorporates a wide range of proven clinic management strategies that will help make your practice grow.

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT
This subject provides individual students or groups of students the opportunity to examine a research topic of their choice in the field of Musculoskeletal Therapy. Students are expected to explore the scientific literature, develop of skills in research methodology with a view to submission of articles for publication in professional health and allied medicine journals.

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