Course overview
Persistent pain is a leading cause of long-term disability in the western world, affecting more people than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. It decreases quality of life, increases sickness absence, and compromises wellbeing in a growing proportion of our society, placing a significant burden on local and global communities.
Providing access to treatment, promoting physical activity, and education to understand their pain in a biopsychosocial framework are key solutions to these problems.
Through high quality health education, Clinical Myotherapists have a sound understanding of human structure and function to apply evidenced based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. Clinical Myotherapists are part of the solution for individuals and the community.
Myotherapy is considered to be the evidence base assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions (Myotherapy Association Australia, 2018). The term 'Myotherapy' comes from the Greek word 'myo' or 'muscle', and Clinical Myotherapy is now a system of healthcare that focuses on the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal pain (pain in the muscles, nerves and joints). Its methods of physical and orthopaedic assessment share some similarities with other manual therapy disciplines such as Physiotherapy and Osteopathy. However, Clinical Myotherapy can have greater reliance on physical soft tissue treatment methods that accompany a complete treatment plan. There is also a strong focus on working in a clinical setting, an aspect of this degree that many Myotherapy students enjoy.
By assessing the movement, contraction and function of the muscles, nerves and joints, Clinical Myotherapists are able to treat complaints and prescribe pain management and rehabilitation regimes that are tailored to individual patient needs. Clinical Myotherapy differentiates itself from other Myotherapy qualifications by its focus on in-depth scientific underpinnings and its evidence-based approach to clinical practice. This higher-level learning allows for a broader perspective of the clinical picture and enables clinical diagnoses and treatment to be more focused for effective patient outcomes. It also provides opportunities for academic development in post-graduate areas, with many students choosing to onto post-graduate pain management and physiotherapy qualifications.
This three-year degree is approved by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) the National Australian accreditation body for Higher Education providers and is offered through the Southern School of Natural Therapies.
Course record
Other Information
Clinical placement
Myotherapy students complete 210 hours of clinical practicum experience at The Practice Wellbeing Centre and 300 hours of Work-Integrated Learning via the Professional Development Program.
Advanced Standing
You may be entitled to credit for prior learning, whether formal or informal. Formal learning can include previous study in higher education, vocational education, or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning or various kinds of work and life experience. Credit can reduce the amount of study needed to complete a degree.
Applicants admitted based on prior higher education study may be eligible for Advanced Standing in the form of credit and/or recognition of prior learning (RPL) under the Torrens University Australia Credit Policy.
- Students with completed subjects may be eligible for specified credit and/or elective exemptions
- Students who have completed a qualification at AQF level 5 (diploma) or above may be eligible for block credit (where a block credit agreement exists)
- Students with a mix of formal study and informal and/or non-formal learning may be eligible for recognition of prior learning in addition to any credit approved.
Credit will not be applied automatically. Applicants must apply for credit and/or RPL as early as possible prior to each study period, with applications not accepted after week 2. For further information about credit and recognition of prior learning please see http://www.ssnt.edu.au/courses/course-credit.
Career Opportunities
There is a continually growing demand for highly trained Clinical Myotherapists who can work in:
- Complementary health and wellbeing clinics
- Medical clinics
- Sporting clubs and
- Industries that require the treatment of pain management and musculoskeletal treatment.
Furthermore many students have gone on to set up their own successful clinics, undertaken post-graduate study, worked overseas, and worked voluntarily to give something back to the community.
Majors
The application of Clinical Myotherapy requires a comprehensive theoretical knowledge in the biomedical and clinical sciences combined with a proficiency in clinical reasoning and the dexterity to utilise discipline-specific manual skills. These attributes must also be supported with communication and management skills, an appreciation of legal and ethical issues as well as an understanding of psychosocial theories.
The distinguishing feature of Clinical Myotherapy is its specific form of clinical reasoning where standard methods of assessment, such as postural evaluation, orthopedic, neurological and functional testing, are accompanied by a thorough palpatory exploration of spinal and peripheral joint-play, the contractile state of specific muscles and an interpretation of these findings in their relationship to musculoskeletal pain.
Clinical Myotherapy practice is strongly associated with expert knowledge in musculoskeletal and neuro anatomy and the addition of cadaveric wet lab workshops reinforce and deepens this knowledge. Practical skills-based subjects are an important aspect throughout this course and all practical subjects connect back to the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, the biomedical and social sciences and the evidence base that supports clinical practice. The skill set of a Clinical Myotherapist includes physical assessment and history taking skills; manual skills that include massage, neuromuscular techniques, myofascial release and joint mobilisation; thermotherapies, dry-needling, exercise prescription and pain management techniques to focus on rehabilitation from acute and chronic pain. With this integrated therapeutic approach, graduates can alleviate both acute and chronic conditions arising from occupational, sporting and recreational activities.
Students will gain hands-on experience at the Think Wellbeing Centre under the guidance of experienced practitioners in a clinical setting treating public patients. Graduates will become the highest qualified Myotherapy practitioners in Australia, with the skills and knowledge to greatly improve the quality of life for people suffering from musculoskeletal pain.
Entry requirements
Review the captured standard entry requirements, English requirements and additional notes for this course.
Standard entry
- Applicants with higher education study A completed higher education qualification at AQF level 5 (diploma) or above, or equivalent, from an Australian University or another accredited higher education provider
- OR Successful completion of at least 1 EFTSL (equivalent full time student load, or one full year) of an AQF level 6 (Associate Degree) or above, or equivalent, from an Australian University or another accredited higher education provider Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study A completed vocational education qualification at AQF level 4 (Certificate IV) or above, or equivalent, from a registered training organisation (RTO)
- OR Successful completion of at least 1 EFTSL (equivalent full time student load, or one full year) of an AQF level 5 (Diploma) or above, or equivalent, at a registered training organisation (RTO) Applicants with work and life experience Demonstrated ability to undertake study at the required level: broadly relevant work experience (documented e.g. CV), demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success
- OR written submission to demonstrate reasonable prospect of success. Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years) or equivalent Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent English Language Proficiency (applicable to international students, and in addition to academic or special entry requirements noted above) International Students: Equivalent IELTS 6.5 (Academic) with no skills band less than 5.5. Special Entry Applicants in any category whose study, work or life experiences have been impacted by disability, illness or family disruption will be given special consideration for admission. Each application will be considered on its merit, based on the evidence supplied by the applicant attesting to the circumstances of the applicant. Applicants for special entry may need to complete written or numerical tasks to assist with assessing eligibility for admission.
Student profile
Campuses & intake dates
- Flinders Street Campus, MelbourneVIC