We often get asked many questions before, during or after a Myotherapy consultation. This information is to help answer any questions you might have before booking or simply to help decide if a Myotherapy consultation is for you. It’s super important that you feel comfortable with the healthcare professional you are considering trusting with your health. There is a lot of info on this page but if there is anything you need clarification with or a question you have that hasn’t been answered please reach out to Jamie on 0417667267 🙂
I don’t think I’m an ‘athlete’…can I still book an appointment?
YES!!! This is the number 1 reason I hear for people either not booking or delaying booking an appointment. Seriously, no matter who you are or what you do you can always book an appointment at AIM! The athlete stuff simply means I primarily work with elite sportspeople but treat everyone exactly the same, which more often than not means you’re in for some pain…in a good way! An easy example is an individual who has just started running but doesn’t think they are an athlete. Your body is going to be dealing with some things that you might have no clue what to do about, this is the perfect reason to book an appointment. You don’t have to be breaking World Records or running marathons. Simply wanting to be healthier, running more or starting a new exercise routine is amazing and I love helping people start these journey’s.
Do I need a doctors referral for a Myotherapy appointment?
Nope, you can simply book and rock up. However it is becoming increasingly common that GP’s are referring to Myotherapists for musculoskeletal pain/dysfunction cases.
What’s the difference between Myotherapy and Physio, Chiro etc?
This question can be very difficult to answer. I generally say its the actual practitioner and not so much their ‘title’. As the ‘Allied Health’ industry grows, so does the research into the techniques that may or may not be effective. We often find overlap in these particular treatment techniques between the various fields. Some practitioners spend more time on assessment and less time treating, some use dry-needling lots and some love gentle massage. I would suggest to focus on finding a practitioner that has your best interests genuinely at heart, who is passionate about what they do and who actually gets you results you want. Someone who you actually enjoy spending the time with is a bonus. Simple referrals are usually the best way to find a good practitioner!
Can I claim via Private Health?
Yes you can claim Private Health for Myotherapy consultations, however you have to confirm you have ‘extras’ cover that includes Myotherapy or Remedial Massage. You can do this easily by contacting your Private Health company. Currently we don’t offer HICAPS as they don’t offer mobile terminals with ALL providers and nowadays it is easy claiming online or via an app. If you are unsure with claiming, I would be more than happy to help you after the session.
Why do your prices seem much cheaper then elsewhere?
The honest truth is if I could do what I do for FREE I would! But currently my prices reflect how lucky I am to work in a residential location with low overheads and also how lucky I am to be doing what I love everyday.
Can you help me with this issue?
Well it depends! I will have a decent crack at helping you with your issue, but there are some things I can’t help with. For example, I can’t help you’re singing voice but if you have a sore Achilles I’d back myself in. I have a principle where if you see me for something specific and I can’t help you create a positive change within 2-3 sessions, I will refer you on. This is to simply save you time and money. In those 2-3 sessions you can guarantee if we find something doesn’t work or help, we won’t be doing that again. Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result…I see too many people who have been to x practitioner getting the same heatpack or ultrasound or gentle 5 minute massage on the same issue for weeks and weeks. That reallyy annoys me, because it happened to me too!!
Do I have to come back weekly?
Hopefully not, but it also depends on YOU and your GOALS! If you are an olympic level athlete or have a national comp coming up in 3 months you may want to book in for weekly treatments which is probably smart. However, if you have an issue we will discuss the prognosis of how much we need to see each other. This might be as simple as a one off session to educate you on what specific exercises you can do to fix your issue completely. But I RARELY say come back next week. I genuinely want to help you to not have to see me or any other practitioner and take control of everything yourself!
What do I wear?
Clothes that you feel comfortable in and can move in. Ideally shorts and a tee shirt/jumper. There is usually a degree of undress to work on things such as necks and quads but if you’re not comfortable then we can easily work around this. Please remember to wear underwear though, seriously.
Does dry-needling hurt?
It depends. Dry-needling is mostly described as weird as opposed to painful. Generally when you’re using the best quality needles on the market (Red Coral Myotech) you almost can’t feel the needle penetrating the skin. The ‘weird’ part is when there is a small muscle twitch. Post needling, it is often described as moderate DOMS, just like you’ve done a tough workout.
Dry-needling is simply another technique that can be used to release muscle tension or create neural desensitization, your pathology will dictate whether needling is indicated as something we can use. If you are super scared of needling we can definitely avoid it and use other techniques to achieve a similar result. But it is always beneficial to be open minded about particular treatment techniques that could help you feel better.
On a side note; I LOVEEEE needling!! When I first had it done on my calves I struggled to walk for a day, but the relief afterwards was like nothing I had experienced before.
COVID-19….talk to me?
So initially we closed our doors indefinitely from the 30/3/2020. However we now have REOPENED as of 11/5/2020 with many restrictions and changes in place.
We have taken many new measures to protect both yourself and the studio. I am constantly monitoring the situation and will make daily decisions as to whether it is safe to work/see clients.
Before your appointment, you will notice a “COVID-19 SCREENING FORM” in your email reminder. This ensures you have not been contact with anyone who may have been exposed, you do not have any symptoms and you have not traveled. Filling out this form is important before your appointment, but also within that 24 hour period if you do notice any symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath please call to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
We have a contactless thermometer and will be checking temperatures before every appointment. Hand sanitizer must be used when coming into the studio. There are also gloves and face masks if you prefer.
Strict hygiene protocols should not have to change in any clinic. We will continue to do things such as disinfect and clean everything after single use, wash single use towels daily, remove waste daily etc.
We also ask that if you are early to your appointment that you wait in your car until the exact time of your appointment. COVID-19 screening and Initial Consultation Health History Forms can now be filled in online so there is no need to be early and wait for your appointment. This makes it much easier to adhere to social distancing rules.
If we all continue to do the right things consistently this pandemic will be something we talk and reminisce about in future sessions.
Anything I missed?
If you have a question that I have missed or specific questions about your condition and whether I could help please reach out to Jamie on 0417667267 or email Jamie@aimrecovery.com