Massage Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly-specialized form of manual therapy that corrects pain and dysfunction by treating trigger points, muscle adhesions, and fascial (connective tissue) patterns. These trigger points, adhesions and fascial patterns can form due to a specific trauma, postural pattern, or series of repetitive movements. Neuromuscular Therapy sessions utilize precise treatment protocols to correct these patterns by releasing tight fascia, palpating and decreasing trigger points in tight bands of muscle and releasing areas of stuck muscle in an effective and efficient manner. The muscular areas of pain, and the surrounding muscles that are affected due to biomechanics and compensation for the primary pain are treated using these protocols. Pressure used during the treatment is based on the client’s pain threshold – “no pain, no gain” is Not the motto. We ask the client to provide feedback on the sensitivity of trigger points and tissue; if the client’s pain reaches 8 on their 1-10 pain scale, the treatment is too intense. After 7 on the scale, the tissue starts to tighten up in response to the pain which is counterproductive, and inappropriate for achieving the client’s goals. Neuromuscular treatments are rarely full body; the work is concentrated on the primary and secondary areas of the body that are causing the pain you are experiencing and limiting range of motion. To specialize in Neuromuscular Therapy, a therapist must receive additional training beyond traditional massage therapy education. This additional education takes usually around 2 – 2 1/2 years from a Neuromuscular Therapy training program before a therapist can sit for the Certification exam. The training involves learning every trigger point commonly found in each muscle, their common referral zones, and biomechanical aspects of trigger point formation (watching your gait and movements), as well as hands-on clinical application of all specific treatment protocols for each muscle and region. A Certified Neuromuscular Therapist is truly a muscular expert.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.

During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches, reduce stress, and ease muscle tension. You can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy. However, many facilities, especially in the United States, do not offer massages to women in their first trimester due to the risk of miscarriage during this time.

Prenatal massage uses mild pressure similar to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on areas such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be fully or partially undressed depending on your comfort level. During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a doctor before you have a massage.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.

A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs.

You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to wear clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and allows the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are options.

Trigger Point Massage

Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain.

Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be fully or partially undressed.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that: promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, may relieve headache, reduces muscle tension.

Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas of your body that need extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage.

Chair Massage

A chair massage is best for people who want a quick massage that focuses on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can also be a way to introduce you to massage if you’ve never had one before. Chair massage also helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.

During the massage, you’ll remain fully clothed and sit in a specially designed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest pushes into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points. It’s not always easy to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain. Localizing pain to a specific trigger point is very difficult. For that reason, myofascial release is often used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at single points.

Most myofascial release treatments take place during a massage therapy session. Some chiropractors and traditional medical practitioners may also offer it.

Your therapist will gently massage the myofascia and feel for stiff or tightened areas. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. The therapist then aids the tissue and supportive sheath in releasing pressure and tightness. The process is repeated multiple times on the same trigger point and on other trigger points until the therapist feels the tension is fully released.