Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Bodytech?

Founded in 1999 by Adam Martin and Selina Foong, BODYTECH SDN BHD offers professional and reliable health & fitness services, consisting of:

• Personalized Fitness Training
• Physical Therapy (Myotherapy)
• Education
• Health & Fitness Facility Design & Implementation

Bodytech's mission is "To optimize our clients' health & fitness with an integrated combination of Physical Therapy, Exercise and Education, using an approach which is informed by Science and implemented with Care."

What is Myotherapy?

MYOTHERAPY is a multi-skilled form of physical therapy that includes the assessment and physical treatment of myofascial pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapy is suitable for you...

• If you need physical rehabilitation
• If you are suffering from chronic aches & pains
• Also, if you simply need to de-stress and relax

What is the difference between Myotherapy and other forms of massage?

MYOTHERAPY does share in common with other forms of massage a variety of manual techniques. However, while Myotherapy may look similar to other forms of massage, it feels very different because it is informed by a deeper understanding of human anatomy & physiology (the structure and function of the body)

Furthermore, Myotherapy also incorporates other methods which are used depending upon the condition of the client. For example, in addition to massage, the Myotherapist may use such methods as:

• Assisted stretching
• Passive stretching
• Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)

This is a scientific method of contraction followed by stretch, which addresses abnormal tension patterns at a neurological level

• Myofascial release
• Mobilization therapy, where joints are manipulated very carefully to improve range of motion
• Electrotherapy modalities such as TENS and EMS
• Thermotherapy & cryotherapy

Depending on the client's problem, the Myotherapist will usually prescribe a selection of exercises to improve flexibility and/or strength. It is important that the client performs their homework regularly in order to achieve the desired rebalancing of function around the problem joint or joints, so that subsequent treatments may be more progressive.

Is Myotherapy the same as Physiotherapy?

No. However, they may appear to have a lot in common depending on the areas of specialization and interest of the individual practitioners.

Is Myotherapy suitable for kids? Adults? All sports injuries?

The appropriate application of Myotherapy methods is not limited by age. It is more a question of the type of problem.

Some examples of injuries & common conditions that CAN be benefited by Myotherapy:

• Muscle & tendon strains
• Ligament sprains
• Nerve impingement
• Chronic neck ache / headache
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica
• Shoulder dysfunction, 'frozen' shoulder
• Weak / painful knees

A few examples of injuries that CANNOT be directly treated by Myotherapy:

• Fractures (cannot treat until it is in secondary stage of recovery)
• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations & abrasions
• Thrombosis

How often one should have Myotherapy sessions?

This depends on the severity of the problem and whether you are seeing the Myotherapist in order to treat a problem, or for preventive measures.

NB: Myotherapy works extremely well as a component of athletic recovery, for those who are training on a regular basis. For example, a competitive runner may choose to see a Myotherapist once or twice a week for the purposes of assisting in recovery from exercise and treating any early-stage strains. This also gives the Myotherapist an opportunity to assess and advise on any training methods which may be beginning to cause a problem.

What are the general benefits of Myotherapy?

Benefits are quite specific when the client presents with a specific problem.

However, if the client is presenting with generalized tiredness and tension, the treatment would also be more generalized and provide more generalized benefits such as improved circulation, muscular relaxation, increased mobility and pain reduction.

Bodytech also offers Personalized Fitness Training. How does this work together with Myotherapy?

Myotherapy & exercise complement each other. Myotherapy helps to REDUCE tension, pain & dysfunction; while exercise helps to RESTORE strength, coordination & function.

What are the benefits of Personalized Fitness Training?

Many individuals exercise too intensively, which often leads to injury. Other individuals exercise too gently, which produces no progress.

Thus, one benefit of personal training is that it ensures steady progress whilst working within safe limits of intensity.

There are also individuals who stop exercising because they no longer find it fresh or exciting.

Thus, another benefit of personal training is that it offers the client variety and progressive change. Personal training motivates you to continue exercising.

Are there major differences in exercise programmes you would design for different age groups, or based on gender?

For children, one needs to be careful about strength training exercises as it can lead to premature closure of the epiphyseal plates (growth plates). Generally, we would not recommend Personal Training for young children up to mid-teens. Such children are best advised to engage in a variety of multi-skilled games to develop as many of their physical abilities as possible.

For adults & older generation, programme differences are more based on individual histories and goals, rather than age or gender. Some considerations in designing programs include:

• Sports performance enhancement
• Skill acquisition
• Prevention of injury & diseases
• Enhancement of general well-being & health

The basis of any programme we design is always:

• Technique
• Breathing
• Safety considerations
• Easy start & gradual progress through regular training

What is the combination of Personalized Fitness Training / Myotherapy most effective for? General well-being? Cure of pain/ injury?

The combination of Personalized Fitness Training / Myotherapy is equally effective for either maintaining general well-being, or addressing specific problems/painful areas.

In Adam's 20+ years of clinical experience, clients who only have myotherapy generally progress less rapidly than those who embark upon a complementary exercise program also.

What qualifications or experience does a Myotherapist need to have?

In Australia, there are now several tertiary institutions providing accredited courses in the study of myotherapy. The courses generally constitute 3 years of full-time study, of subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, exercise physiology, surface anatomy, kinesiology, psychology and nutrition. Practical modules include massage techniques, trigger point therapy, therapeutic stretching and exercise prescription.

In fact, Myotherapy has become such as widely accepted form of therapy in Australia that it is offered at sports medicine clinics & physiotherapy centres, and is also covered by health insurance funds and 'Work cover'�insurance.

I have no injury and am reasonably fit. Should I go for Personalized Fitness Training or Myotherapy?

If you are reasonably fit, injury-free, and satisfied with your current exercise regimen, then you may decide to just continue on your own. However, if you feel that you would like to learn some new exercises or training techniques, or if you want to make sure that what you are doing is effective, then some Personalized Fitness Training would be very beneficial. People are often surprised at just how much there is to learn.

As for Myotherapy, you do not need to have an injury to see a Myotherapist. Many clients come to us for regular Myotherapy treatments, to prevent the build-up of physical tension that can result from the unrelenting psychological stress of modern day urban living.