Myotherapy is a non-intrusive therapy developed by Bonnie Prudden PT, based on the research of Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simons. It is a method of applying external pressure to myofascial trigger points. Pressure is applied to the muscle with either thumbs or elbows to relieve muscle tension and spasms, which in turn alleviates pain. A treatment of myotherapy increases circulation, relaxes hypertension in the muscle, and re-establishes the muscle back to its normal length.

Myofascial trigger points are hypersensitive spots in the muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Trigger points that are “active” cause referral to distal part of the affected muscle. Trigger points that don’t refer, but cause pain cycles are “latent”, which means trigger points have been there for a longer period of time. Latent trigger points may become active again when pressure is applied. Besides being painful, myofasical trigger points can cause muscles to lose oxygen, blood supply, and nutrition. Trigger points in muscles, surrounding a joint, can cause immobility, stiffness, soreness and extreme pain. When trigger points are released, muscles begin to heal and are restored back to normal length and flexibility, and mobility returns.