Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a very specialized form of massage that addresses trigger points (areas in the muscle that are continually contracted and cut off blood flow to the area, causing pain) and other specific issues that may be causing you pain or discomfort. It can be beneficial for individuals with the following conditions:
- Chronic pain
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle tightness
- Injuries/car accidents
- Whiplash
- Scar tissue
- Nerve compression
- Headaches
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpel tunnel-like symptoms
- TMJ disorder
- Poor posture
- Knee/ankle/hip pain
- Jaw pain
- And more!
It sometimes can feel similar to deep tissue, but is not specifically intended for relaxation purposes. The goal of NMT is to obtain measurable results, like increased range of motion, less pain, and regaining ability to perform activities or motions that were previously limited. It often requires some feedback from you regarding pain or discomfort. You may also be occasionally asked to activate certain muscles for these techniques. One of the benefits (besides improvement of pain and discomfort!) is that you do not need to completely undress for this type of massage. Please bring athletic shorts and a sports bra for your session if you are able to do so. For more information, check out the FAQ further down on this page!
Different techniques used in NMT work include trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Trigger point therapy deals involves gently working with your nervous system in order to desensitize and release trigger points. Myofascial release is a slow technique that helps release adhesions and restriction in muscles, connective tissue, and scars.
I understand that unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone's life! In my desire to be effective and fair to all clients, the following policies are honored:
A minimum of 24 hour advance notice is most appreciated when canceling an appointment. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment for the time you had reserved.
No-shows: Anyone who is 15 or more minutes late without calling, either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason, will be considered a "no-show". They may be charged for their "missed" appointment, and payment would be due prior to scheduling the next session. If you happen to honestly forget, please call to reschedule. I appreciate your consideration and respect for my time.
Late Arrivals: If you know you are running behind and will be more than 5-10 minutes late, please call and let me know as soon as you are able.
If you arrive late, I will do my best to accommodate if possible to be sure you get your full session time; however, your session may have to be shortened in respect of others whose appointments follow yours. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you may be responsible for payment of the "full" session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other clients, please plan accordingly.
All clients need to fill out health history and consent forms prior to treatment, please arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for this. For neuromuscular (NMT) massage - please wear or bring comfortable, flexible clothing. As jeans and many leggings/athletic pants can be difficult to work through, athletic shorts and a sports bra for females (if working on the upper body) are ideal. Clients do not need to be undressed for NMT massage.
What is different about neuromuscular massage (NMT)?
NMT is a specialized form of massage that is targeted towards specific issues you may be experiencing - whether it's chronic pain, posture imbalances, headaches, neck/back pain, limited range of motion, or something else. While most other modalities focus on relaxation, NMT is focused on measurable results - such as increasing range of motion, decreasing pain, and being able to participate in activities that your pain may be limiting you from doing! It usually involves client feedback on comfort levels, areas of pain, and specific movements that help activate muscles.
Swedish massage and deep tissue are better suited for those who are dealing with the stressors of everyday life, and the minor aches and pains that come along with it! They can be very therapeutic and beneficial as well, but have a greater emphasis on the relaxation aspect and are not quite as focused on problem areas.
What if I'm not into the "spa " experience?
Not a problem! My goal is to make massage a comfortable experience for everyone - even those who normally would not be interested in a traditional spa experience. Want rock music (instead of that "zen" stuff)? Just say the word! Not into essential oils? I got you! Not comfortable being unclothed for a massage? No worries! I typically work on my clients while they are wearing athletic shorts and/or a sports bra. If you have ideas or suggestions on how to make the session more suited to your comfort level, please do not hesitate to let me know!
Do you offer deep tissue massage?
While I do not have a specific "deep tissue" service on my menu, I always work as deep as is necessary to resolve the tension while still working within your pain tolerance.
A very common misconception about deep tissue is that it is very aggressive and often very painful - and that this is necessary in order to relieve tension or trigger points. This is actually not true! Done correctly, it involves warming the tissue before going deeper, and slowly working through the many layers of muscle and connective tissue in your body. You should not feel that you need to tense up against the pain and "fight through it"! In fact, this can be counterproductive! This is because your nervous system does not understand that this pain is not a threat, and will try to protect the muscles in one of two ways: 1) release temporarily, and then revert back to it's previous state at a later point in time, or 2) not release at all.
Do I need to be undressed for the massage?
You do not need to be unclothed for this type of massage. As jeans/leggings can sometimes be difficult to work through, I ask that clients bring athletic shorts and sports bra (if working upper body for females) if they are able to.
What does neuromuscular massage (NMT) feel like?
Prior to the hands-on massage, your therapist may perform some assessments, ask questions, and/or record certain measurements. NMT can sometimes feel similar to deep tissue but may also be lighter at times. Long strokes, percussion, static pressure, friction, and slow kneading are common techniques you can expect during your session. I often do very slow methodical work on individual muscles. Sometimes special massage tools are used to help the muscles to relax. Your therapist may perform active (you are actively contracting muscles) or passive (you are relaxed) range of motion.
What should I do during the massage?
After filling out the health history/consent form, you will be escorted to the treatment room. The therapist will leave the room while you disrobe (or change into proper attire for the massage). If you are unclothed, you must get underneath the covers. If you are wearing your clothing, you are free to lay on top of the covers if you wish. The therapist will knock before entering and ensure that you are covered. Please feel free to address anything that may be making you uncomfortable, or that could be changed to improve your experience! Your therapist will communicate with you if any movement or change in position is required from you. Most clients prefer to close their eyes and relax, communicate if/when they need more or less pressure, if they are too cold/hot, want different music, or anything relevant to the session. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time! You are welcome to talk as much, or as little as you would like during your massage - this is YOUR session! When the massage has ended, the therapist will leave the room before you get up from the treatment table and change.
Are there any conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That is why it's imperative that, when filling out your health history form, you inform your therapist of any and all health problems, medications, major accidents/injuries. Please make sure that you continue to update your therapist on any changes in your health prior to each session in the future. Certain conditions may require clearance from your physician before you are able to receive a massage.
Do you offer Swedish relaxation massage?
Since my focus is on medical massage, I do not offer a massage that is purely relaxation, though my style of massage can still be relaxing! Because there is certain feedback I need regarding your pain and occasional activation of specific muscles, I will often ask questions or request movement from you during the session. If you are looking for just relaxation, I am more than happy to refer you to a wonderful therapist who I highly recommend!
What areas of the body are massaged?
This can be different for each client, depending on their specific issues. Most often the area massaged is more than just the exact area that you feel your pain, and the main reason for this is because muscles have "origin" and "insertion" points - areas where they attach to the bone on each end. The other parts of the muscle, attachment sites, and the surrounding and/or opposing muscles ("antagonistic" muscles) often require treatment too. Additionally, trigger points can also "refer" pain - meaning that the root cause of the pain is in a different location than where you actually feel it. If you are questioning why your therapist is performing treatment to an area, please do not hesitate to ask!