Frequently Asked Questions

Dry needling and cupping are two separate and completely different forms of treatment but are complimentary and often used conjointly. AAHN practitioners are highly trained and experienced dry needlers and cuppers who often implement both these treatment modalities with all patients as it is extremely beneficial, gets results and makes an instant change.

Dry needling gained professional popularity in the 1940s as an effective mechanism to treat patients experiencing Musculo-skeletal pain and injury. It is a Western medicine-based practice, that can only be undertaken by trained specialists and focuses on targeted trigger points in muscles. Practitioners insert thin needles that reach beyond the fascia and into knots for a short period of time, whilst continuing to physically treat other areas of the body using nerve patterns. ‘Peppering’ of the needles is frequently used to optimise this modality. Dry needling is complimentarily in alleviating pressure, increasing blood flow, muscle pain and cramping whilst increasing flexibility and mobility. Patients may notice some slight bruising, bleeding and short-term soreness, however the procedure has relatively low discomfort.

Cupping is a form of traditional ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine used most commonly to treat or manage chronic health issues like IBD, arthritis and asthma, pain, tissue tightness and dysfunction or increase range of motion. Suction cups are placed on the muscle by trained specialists and focuses on targeted trigger points in muscles, whilst the practitioner continues manual therapy on other parts of the body. Patients may observe cupping marks caused by dysfunction and restrictions within the local tissue of muscles, this is normal and non-dangerous. It is non-invasive, safe and relatively low in discomfort.

Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy used to treat or prevent soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement caused by muscle or myofascia dysfunction. Myotherapists investigate the current and underlying symptoms for long-term recovery and healing through deep tissue physical therapy, chronic and nerve patterns in the body. Their main modality is therapeutic message techniques, stretching and strengthening, however they often use scraping, cupping and dry needling. Myotherapists prescribe exercises, rehabilitation plans and modifications to lifestyle. They differ from remedial massage therapists and are not beauty therapists.

See our Conditions and Disorders tab that describes what Myotherapists are experts at treating.

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals that are able to diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the subsidiary effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. They prescribe nutritional advice alongside exercise prescription and are most well known for their ability to perform spinal adjustments and joint realignments throughout the entire body; their predominant focus is on the spine, skull and pelvis. They also perform tests and may implement some form of manual therapy to treat common conditions like headaches, sciatica and leg pain. Chiropractic treatment are much shorter in duration in comparison to myotherapy.

Using chiropractic and myotherapy treatments simultaneously is highly beneficial for patients.

You don’t need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment with a Myotherapist or Chiropractor.

Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy used to treat or prevent soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement caused by muscle or myofascia dysfunction. Myotherapists investigate the current and underlying symptoms for long-term recovery and healing through deep tissue physical therapy, chronic and nerve patterns in the body. Their main modality is therapeutic message techniques, stretching and strengthening, however they often use scraping, cupping and dry needling. Myotherapists prescribe exercises, rehabilitation plans and modifications to lifestyle. They differ from remedial massage therapists and are not beauty therapists.

See our Conditions and Disorders tab that describes what myotherapists are experts at treating.

Physiotherapists are registered allied health professionals that are equipped to diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions relating to the function of bones, muscles, cardiovascular system, nerves and other parts and systems of the body. You can commonly find them treating in hospitals private practices, community health centres, residential aged care facilities and sports organisations. They deal with a broad range of health conditions from chronic illnesses like diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity to sports injury and pain management.

Although the two professions are very similar in the conditions they treat and their approach to treatment, physiotherapy appointments are much shorter in duration (longer appointment times are about 30 minutes) and focus on one specific region at a time. Whereas myotherapists have been educated with a heavier focus on physical treatment so you can expect longer appointments with a greater presence of manual therapy.

Using physiotherapy and myotherapy treatments simultaneously is highly beneficial for patients.

You don’t need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment with a Myotherapist or Physiotherapist.

Every patient that sees an Australian Allied Health Network practitioner will be at a different stage in their healthcare journey. We recommend submitting an enquiry or contacting us at 0402 441 710 to discuss further to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Every patient that sees an Australian Allied Health Network practitioner will be at a different stage in their healthcare journey. Our therapists regularly treat pregnant individuals for a range of conditions and symptoms with the support of a healthcare professional team and close monitoring.

We recommend submitting an enquiry or contacting us at 0402 441 710 to discuss further to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Australian Allied Health Network recognises and understands the importance of creating a safe, comfortable and fully informed treatment space. Our practitioners are dedicated to listening to your needs and working with you to create treatment plans that benefit your overall wellbeing. Anything that may make you feel uncomfortable, such as dry needling can be discussed with your treating professional. If you decide that you don’t wont a particular modality or treatment option, we’ll work with you to navigate alternative options.

Every patient that sees an Australian Allied Health Network practitioner will be at a different stage in their healthcare journey. You do not need a diagnosis or referral from a doctor to see a Myotherapist. Our practitioners often refer clients to other healthcare professionals like GPs, for further investigation of symptoms or conditions. This is most commonly done by x-rays, scans or blood tests.

We recommend submitting an enquiry or contacting us at 0402 441 710 to discuss further to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Every patient that sees an Australian Allied Health Network practitioner will be at a different stage in their healthcare journey. Our practitioners often work alongside other healthcare professionals like GPs and specialists as a way of holistically treating symptoms or conditions.

We recommend submitting an enquiry or contacting us at 0402 441 710 to discuss further to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.