Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (NMT)

There are three ways NMT can help alleviate pain:

1) Trigger Point Therapy

2) Releasing nerve entrapment which is caused when tight muscles pinch nerves that pass under or through them.

3) Releasing nerve root compression which is caused when nerves exiting the spine are compressed against bone or intervertebral disc material*. *There are some important exceptions and limitations when treating nerve root compression with massage therapy-consult your therapist and your medical doctor.  

Trigger Point Therapy

NMT specifically addresses muscular pain and dysfunction using Trigger Point Therapy.  NMT involves detailed anatomical musculoskeletal knowledge, including awareness of muscular trigger points and referred pain patterns. A trigger point is a localized area in a muscle with reduced circulation that becomes starved of oxygen and nutrients causing normal metabolic wastes accumulate resulting in pain and irritation.  Because of the relationship between muscles and nerves the pain often radiates to other areas of the body i.e. referred pain.  Sometimes the referral pain is actually greater than the pain at the trigger point.  Since the cause of the pain may not necessarily be where the pain is felt, however, it can be difficult to find and eliminate.  Our highly trained NMT therapists have the knowledge and the hands on skills to access and release the congestion causing trigger points, which can be very specific spots and are often found in less commonly treated muscles.

If you have not had relief in the past with massage it may be that the therapist wasn't treating the source of the pain - the trigger point. The pain does not always originate in the area where it's felt.

Our NMT therapists also have the knowledge and hands-on skills to access and release the congestion causing trigger points, which can be very specific spots and are often found in less commonly treated muscles.

Releasing Nerve Entrapment

There are many areas in the body where nerves pass through muscles or between muscles and bones and are susceptible to being "pinched". If the muscles become shortened, congested or tight they put pressure on the nerves causing pain, numbness and/or tingling. Thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, piriformis syndrome, are a few examples. NMT is a non-invasive, alternative approach to releasing tension in the muscles to take the pressure off the nerves and alleviate the pain.

Releasing Nerve Root Compression

Nerve root compression is caused when nerves exiting the spine are “pinched” between bone and intervertebral disc material often as a result of a breakdown in the disc material (herniated disc)*. Sometimes loosening up the responding muscular spasm and stabilizing the hips (the foundation of the spine) can take the pressure off the area and alleviate the pain. (*There are some important exceptions and limitations when treating nerve root compression with massage therapy - consult your therapist and your medical doctor.)

Deep Tissue Massage/Myofascial Release

A technique that focuses on the muscles as well as the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds it. Many factors such as stress, diet, dehydration, trauma, lack of exercise, postural habits or over exertion  can contribute to congestion, tightness and shortening of the muscles and fascia. The muscles and fascia can become compromised which impairs their normal function causing pain and/or restriction.  Myofascial release uses deeper sustained pressure and slow strokes to melt and elongate the muscle and fascia, which normalizes circulation to the area and releases restriction enabling recovery.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stones are placed on the body and are incorporated into the massage strokes.  The heat of the stones helps to soften the fascia and relieve tension.  Hot stone massage can be used for relaxation or to release chronic tension comfortably.

Pregnancy/Prenatal Massage

Uses specific strokes and positions to address the needs of a pregnant woman.  Massage can help a pregnant woman adjust to the changes and added stress that her body will go through during her pregnancy.  Massage can also help prepare a woman for labor by easing chronic tension in muscles and teaching the expectant mother how to relax and focus on her body.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

MLD is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the body, helping to rid it of excess fluid and waste at a cellular level.  It is used clinically in the treatment of lymphedema (swelling of a limb due to fluid build-up resulting from damage to or inadequacy of the lymphatic system).

Sports Massage

Combines many massage techniques and stretching to treat the athlete and their specific needs for their events.  Therapists will work within the athlete’s training and performance schedule: maintenance, pre-event, post event, injury rehabilitation and recovery.

Chair Massage

Performed on a fully clothed client in a special massage chair. Massages usually last 10-15 minutes and can be offered on site at corporations and special events such as parties, showers, conferences, and nonprofit fundraising events.

Aromatherapy

A form of alternative health care that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health.

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) & Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Methods of stretching used by many top athletes. Helps the body repair itself and prepare for daily activity by improving circulation and increasing the elasticity of muscles and fascia, improving performance and helping to protect the body from injury.

Swedish Massage

Uses a system of long, gentle strokes, kneading and friction techniques to ease tension, increase range of motion, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. Swedish massage is used for relaxation and to reduce stress.