Restore Function and Reduce Pain with Care from the Neuromuscular Studio
The team at Desert Spine and Sports is dedicated to the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of spine, sports, and musculoskeletal pain and injury.
As part of our comprehensive approach, we often refer patients to Neuromuscular Massage Therapists at the Neuromuscular Studio, a trusted partner for nearly 20 years. This partnership allows us to fully help our patients restore function, relieve pain, and help them return to the activities they love.
Neuromuscular Therapy vs. Deep Tissue Massage
When it comes to bodywork, deeper pressure isn’t always better. Understanding the differences between Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and deep tissue massage can help you choose the right approach for your body’s needs.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is a more clinical and precise treatment approach, focusing on correcting soft tissue patterns related to pain complaints. It treats specific trigger points in the muscle that cause pain and dysfunction, using customized, targeted pressure on them and gliding strokes to lengthen tissue and reset the nervous system.
NMT works by directly engaging with the nervous system to alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and address acute muscle spasms. Our approach respects each individual’s pain tolerance; specific treatments at moderate pressure are generally more effective than deep pressure. Therapists will utilize a cream-based lotion or gel designed for targeted work during a session.
Deep Tissue Massage
On the other hand, deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and fascia using slow, sustained strokes. Contrary to mainstream thought, however, effective treatment is not about how hard the therapist presses but how effectively they work to release chronic tension and improve mobility. Therapists use cream-based lotion to manipulate and stretch tissue with gliding strokes, often helping relieve long-standing tightness, muscular tension, and restricted movement.
Neuromuscular Therapy: Things to Consider
When getting a deep tissue massage, it’s important to know that “deep tissue” refers to the targeted tissue’s depth, not the pressure’s intensity. In fact, too much force can cause inflammation and soreness, and cause the nervous system to respond negatively. This, in turn, can cause muscle guarding and counteract the benefits of treatment. Effective massage works with the nervous system, not against it.
Additionally, during NMT, therapists often check in on your pain level, aiming to stay below an eight on the 1-10 pain scale. Why? Because too much discomfort can trigger a stress response in the body, making it harder to release the trigger points and muscle contractions.
If your pain reaches an eight or higher, the nervous system shifts to “fight or flight” (sympathetic), and the treatment may not have optimum results. The goal is a “productive discomfort” that creates change without causing you to tense up or hold your breath.
The Benefits of Combining NMT and Physical Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy complements physical therapy beautifully. While NMT works to correct soft tissue pain patterns and restore mobility, physical therapy focuses on building strength, improving range of motion, and functional movement.
Many traditional physical therapists are skilled at providing manual soft tissue therapy; however, clinic and insurance restrictions only allow them a few minutes to do this in a session. Therefore, physical therapists often refer their patients to the Neuromuscular Studio for conjunctive treatment, as patients can receive the dedicated NMT soft tissue work they need, while allowing therapists to focus on strength and mobility.
Over the years, this combination has been shown to speed up patients’ progress in their treatment goals, and it’s truly a winning combination. PT/NMT treatments should be at least two days apart for optimum progress, as the body needs time to process each form of treatment effectively.
About The Neuromuscular Studio
The Neuromuscular Studio is a medical-based massage office in South Tempe, specializing in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy since 2003. Their services include Certified Neuromuscular Therapy, Neuromuscular Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Cupping, and Graston scraping.
They have been a proud patient resource for the Desert Spine and Sports Physicians since 2009, sharing the common goal of restoring hope and finding relief for those in pain.
Their experienced, advanced-trained licensed therapists provide medical and sports massage therapies to treat chronic pain and injuries, helping people have less pain, more movement, and a better life.
Three levels of neuromuscular-trained therapists are available:
- Certified Neuromuscular Therapy: Completed 2.5-year training + passed certification exam
- Neuromuscular Therapy: Completed training, awaiting certification
- Neuromuscular Massage: Completed over half the training program
The rates for Neuromuscular Therapy sessions vary by experience and typically range from $120–$195 for 60 minutes. They also offer 30, 45, 75, and 90-minute sessions to accommodate the scope of areas needing treatment and a patient’s budget.
We invite you to visit their website or call 480-967-7345 to learn more.