Question 1

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Neuromuscular massage therapy is a specialized form of manual massage in which digital pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in a muscle. Strain areas and trigger points tend to be the cause of ongoing muscular pain symptoms.   Neuromuscular massage therapy involves applying alternating levels of concentrated pressure to the trigger point – usually using the fingers, knuckles or elbow.

Question 2

Is Neuromuscular Therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

This particular form of treatment can be uncomfortable, but at no time should you feel pain. If I am using too much pressure or am holding a position that causes pain, it is important that you let me know so that I can adjust what I am doing to suit your needs.

Question 3

What is the difference between a Neuromuscular and Deep Tissue Massage?

Accepted Answer

A deep tissue massage is a form of massage that is generally used to address muscle aches and pains associated with daily stress. Deep tissue massage is usually administered on an on-off basis whenever a client decides they need a bit of extra relaxation and rest.  Neuromuscular massage techniques are medical in nature. The manual therapy techniques are highly-specialized and are designed to correct pain and movement dysfunction by treating trigger points, muscle adhesions, and connective tissue patterns. The problems are normally caused by a specific trauma, repetitive movements or even bad posture. Neuromuscular massage is considered an ongoing treatment – not just something a person does whenever they feel a bit achy.

Question 4

What is cupping therapy?

Accepted Answer

In cupping therapy, special cups are placed on the skin for a few minutes creating a suction seal. The suction and negative pressure inside the cups helps to loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, reduce inflammation, and sedate the nervous system. It has been shown to help with back and neck pain, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, and even cellulite.

Question 5

What are the bruises left after cupping therapy?

Accepted Answer

While they may look similar, the marks left after cupping therapy are not bruises. Due to the suction of the cups, small, painless capilaries may burst. These marks are generally painless and fade away after a few days.

Question 6

What is a trigger point?

Accepted Answer

Trigger points are small areas of a muscle in which there is a contracture of tissue, causing a lack of blood and nutrients in that area creating an inability for that muscle to relax. The area becomes hypersensitive and can cause pain, fatigue, and weakness in the muscle. Trigger points can lead to referral pain, a phenomenon in which areas far away from the trigger point experience sensations of pain, tingling or numbness.