Upon first glance it may seem like neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage are the same thing. That assumption could not be further from the truth. When you square up neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue massage, the minute differences start to stand out. While there are some shared similarities, these two therapeutic techniques are unique in their own ways. The stark contrasts that separate the treatments are not always obvious to most people. Our massage therapist wanted to clear the air and address the differences between these innovative massage therapies.

Neuromuscular Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage

Before we dive into the differences, we should make it perfectly clear that these two therapies are similar. Neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage both work to alleviate chronic pains. Both of these techniques are also far more intense than other relaxing massage therapy techniques, like Swedish massage. These two treatments can often feel so similar that some massage therapists will use the terms interchangeably.

Even with their similarities, the comparison of neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue can reveal some clear differences. Let’s dive into the defining differences between these massage therapies.

Certifications

When you compare neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue, one of the bigger differences derives from the education of your massage therapist. In order to practice neuromuscular massage, your massage therapist needs a specialized certification. Without this education, a massage therapist cannot practice neuromuscular massage therapy at all!

This special degree can require a few extra years of school. A fair number of massage therapists will deice to not pursue that additional certification. This means that neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT) can only be performed by a handful of massage therapists. At Wayfare Wellness, our talented massage therapist, Sarah, earned her degree in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy from the Colorado School of Healing Arts. Thanks to this specialization, Wayfare Wellness is fully licensed and able to provide NMT to our Denver-based clients!

Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, does not require a specialized massage therapy certification. Of course, your massage therapist still needs a formal education. This just means that deep tissue massage is more widely available that NMT.

Treatment Goals And Therapy Approaches

Deep tissue massage and NMT are also distinctly different in their approaches and overall functions. Of course, they serve the same ultimate goal of improving the well-being of the individual client. When we compare neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue, it’s clear that these methods achieve that end-goal in different ways.

Deep tissue massage is an intense form of massage therapy that treats musculoskeletal issues. The technique aims to treat muscle pains and aches through slow deep strokes and sustained pressure. Most sessions of deep tissue massage will start out with some lighter Swedish massage to warm up the muscles before increasing the intensity. Deep tissue massage has been proven to be an effective form of chronic pain relief. It’s worth noting that:

• Deep tissue massage is usually sought out on an “as needed” basis.

• In a single session, deep tissue massage can help treat a handful of problems across your whole body.

Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems in the US. It can be very difficult to get through the day and live your life to the fullest when you experience recurring pain. Painkillers and alternative therapies can help you circumvent your chronic pain. Those approaches fail to treat the source of your pain. Deep tissue massage is one of the best ways you can effectively treat and alleviate your chronic pain. As a leading provider of deep tissue massage in Denver, let’s discuss what you can expect from this effective treatment method.

What To Expect From A Deep Tissue Massage In Denver

A deep tissue massage is no walk in the park. Other massage therapy techniques, like Swedish massage, may use a light approach to encourage relaxation and reduce muscle tension. Deep tissue massage, however, uses deeper and more intense pressure to treat chronic muscular pain. Let’s examine the unique approach, process, and benefits of a deep tissue massage in Denver.

The Deep Tissue Massage Process

A deep tissue massage will usually start out with some light massage techniques. These lighter strokes prepare your superficial muscles for a deeper intensity. It’s basically a short warm-up period to get your muscles loose, your blood flowing, and to relax your mind.

Your massage therapist will slowly begin to increase the pressure of their strokes. As the pressure builds, your massage therapist will begin to go slower and deeper. At this point, your massage therapist is beginning to target those deeper layers of muscle with more pressure in a targeted approach.

These deeper strokes aim to manipulate your connective tissues, which are the deepest tissue layers of your muscles. The slow and deep strokes slowly wear down adhesions on your connective tissue and start to break down any scar tissue. This process aims to “strip down” your muscles to ultimately treat your chronic pain and help realign your muscles, as well. As the massage continues, the problem areas of your connective tissue will start to break down and your healing process will be spurred.

Throughout your deep tissue massage in Denver, your massage therapist will mainly use their hands to apply pressure. To appropriately treat your chronic pain, your massage therapist may use their elbows and forearms to achieve the right intensity. In more intense cases, a t-bar massage tool may be used to leverage the right amount of pressure in a more targeted manner.

What Does A Deep Tissue Massage In Denver Feel Like

Fair warning: your deep tissue massage won’t feel like any massage you’ve experienced before. Afterwards, you’ll ultimately feel far better and have less pain than before. You should prepare to feel some slight discomfort during your deep tissue massage in Denver.

There are a number of different types of massage therapy, each playing an essential role in someone’s healing. If you have never gotten a massage before or you are experiencing a type of pain or problem that is new, you may struggle to determine what kind of massage is best for you. In any case, your massage therapist can help you determine the best type of therapy to suit your needs, but we want to share with you some of the more distinct differences between types of massage so that you have the background knowledge you need.

Difference Between Types of Massage

What Are The Most Common Types Of Massage?

Before we get into the difference between types of massage, we want to go over what the most common types of massage therapy are so you know what to expect when you schedule your appointment. There are four key types of massage that you will find at most spas or offices. These include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Cranial-Sacral, and Neuromuscular Therapy. Those are, by no means, the only types of massage. You’ve likely heard of shiatsu, which is often performed in a chair and, if you are a mom, you’re probably familiar with prenatal massage. You’ll also find therapies that utilize essential oils, hot stones, and other tools of the trade. For the purposes of distinguishing the difference between types of massage that anyone can receive at most locations, we are only going to discuss these four, most common modalities.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is widely recognized because of the highly flexible implementation of pressure and speed. Most massage therapists recommend starting with a Swedish massage when you’ve not had one before. Not only does this modality allow your therapist to assess your treatment needs but a Swedish massage also allows you to get a feel for what you like or don’t like.

This technique is most commonly performed using a mix of fingers, knuckles, and palms to relieve superficial tension. Different strokes promote blood flow to the soft tissue of the body. Swedish massage is a great technique for those looking to relieve stress or anxiety, reduce joint or muscle pain, and prevent insomnia. This technique is best known for promoting relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage

Next up in our discussion of the difference between types of massage is deep tissue. Deep tissue massage is commonly misunderstood. It is not an extra-deep, Swedish massage. Deep tissue is a specialized technique that builds upon itself to prepare superficial muscles for deeper strokes. These movements help to break up ischemic tissue, scar tissue, and adhesions in the connective tissue. The increasing pressure through strategic movements “strips” the deepest layers of tissue and it is this that characterizes a deep tissue massage as a different technique from other massage modalities.

Deep tissue massage is ideal for patients with chronic pain and muscle tension. Additionally, it can be a beneficial therapy for those suffering from limited mobility, injury, repetitive strain, fibromyalgia, and sciatica.

If you suffer from chronic pain, chances are you've probably sought out a number of different remedies for relief. Whether it's chiropractic care, exercise, stretching, massage therapy, or a combination of these pain relief options, if you're not finding relief, it's time to try something new. Neuromuscular massage therapy is the tried and true treatment for muscular pain. Here's why you should try and what you can expect from neuromuscular massage in Denver.

How Is Neuromuscular Massage In Denver Different?

Neuromuscular massage therapy isn't necessarily a “different” type of treatment than other forms of massage therapy, but rather it is just a highly targeted form of deep tissue massage. It is highly effective in the treatment of chronic soft tissue pain.

Let's Talk About Muscular Pain

Soft tissue, or muscular pain, is often caused by ischemic muscle tissue. This is muscle tissue that is lacking proper blood flow. When a muscle is not getting enough blood, that means it is also not getting enough oxygen. A lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid, which is what causes that sore feeling you get after a strenuous workout. All of these factors mean that your muscle spindle can't relax, leading to the formation of trigger points, or concentrated areas of hypersensitivity.

While a single, concentrated area of pain doesn't sound like it would require intensive neuromuscular therapy, the problem with ischemic muscle tissue and trigger points is that the pain is rarely localized. Often this kind of muscle pain results in referral pain in areas of the body that are related to the initial location. For example, a client that comes in with shoulder pain may be experiencing that due to dysfunction in the hand or forearm and vice versa. Trigger points are often the cause of sciatica or carpel tunnel like pains.

The Process Of Neuromuscular Massage

Neuromuscular massage is commonly referred to as trigger point myotherapy, a name that more directly references the key that makes this treatment unique: the trigger point.

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) starts with a thorough examination of the body through regional protocols. If you're noticing pain in a specific area, your massage therapist will perform a primary examination in that location, followed by the muscles that directly cross the related joints and attach to or originate from that spot.

We often get clients who are looking for pain relief, an escape from the stress and tension of everyday life, or just a relaxing hour in a tranquil environment. No matter what brings a client into our office, we hear one inquiry more than any other – what kind of massage is right for me?

The answer? It truly depends.

Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage: What's the Difference?

There are many different types of modalities that can be used individually or combined to create the massage therapy experience that will provide the most benefits depending on your lifestyle. Some are more well known than others. All have unique benefits that can play a role in pain relief or simple relaxation. Let's go over a few.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is by far the most widely recognized technique in massage therapy. This modality offers more flexibility in pressure, speed, and cadence than others and uses the fingers, knuckles, and palms to create pressure that works into the superficial layers of connective tissue. Many massage therapists will start off a massage therapy session with the Swedish technique to warm the tissues up, making them more responsive to other techniques that may be used in a session.

Who Should Get A Swedish Massage?

First and foremost, Swedish massage is great for beginners. If you are not sure what kind of pressure feels good to you or provides you the most relief, getting a Swedish massage will expose you to a variety of different touches to help you determine your preferences. Additionally, this technique will help your massage therapist explore the needs of your body to better craft a treatment plan that offers the most benefits.

Swedish massage is also great for those who are getting a massage strictly to promote relaxation. Because the technique works primarily in the superficial layers of tissue, those who are seeking massage therapy for pain relief may see better results with a more targeted modality.

Deep Tissue Massage

There are a lot of misconceptions around what exactly a deep tissue massage is. It is not just a massage with added pressure. In fact, deep tissue massage is a unique approach that allows the massage therapist to break up scar tissue and adhesions that have formed in the connective tissue through a process called stripping.

Stripping is a specialized type of stroke that uses slow, deep pressure to release and elongate deep layers of muscle. The goal is to increase blood flow to the specific area to reduce pain. It is through this deep, targeted manipulation of tissue that you start to see recovery and healing.

When you're looking for a massage therapist in Denver, you may also be wondering what type of massage should you be looking for. There are many different massage techniques, so which one is the most beneficial for you?

The Differences Between Types of Massage Therapy

Denver Massage Therapist

Massages offer a variety of benefits for the body and mind, including pain and stress reduction and the elimination of muscle tension. Many studies have found massage to be beneficial in treating a variety of disorders and ailments, including anxiety, headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders, temporomandibular joint pain, and sports injuries. Additionally, massage provides an overall feeling of comfort and relaxation. There are many different types of massage therapies out there, so we’ve comprised a quick overview to help you determine which style is best for you.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a massage therapy which uses essential oils to focus on underlying issues. Most aromatherapy masseuses use a variety of oils to create relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing or other sensations throughout the body. Aromatherapy massage is especially beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or stress disorders.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage relaxes sore muscles and balances energy flow by placing warm, smooth stones on specific points of the body. The massage therapist will typically apply a light pressure on the stone to provide deeper tissue penetration and overall warmth. Hot stone massage is a great option for people who suffer from muscle tension but prefer gentler massages.

Does pain or restricted movement keep you from living the life you want? Sports injuries, household accidents, repetitive actions on the job, and tension from everyday stresses can cause problems that, too often, take up permanent residence in our bodies. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and, in combination with medical attention, help heal certain conditions and prevent their return.

What Can Massage Therapy Offer Me?

Stress Relief

Relaxation is one of the best-known antidotes for stress. Reducing stress gives you more energy, improves your outlook on life, and reduces your likelihood of injury and illness. Physical therapy can also relieve symptoms of conditions aggravated by anxiety such as asthma or insomnia. Because it relieves stress, relaxation massage is an excellent supportive therapy for people in psychological counseling or treatment for addiction.

Painful or Tight Muscle Relief

Deep tissue therapy can relieve many types of muscle tightness, from short-term muscle cramp to habitually clenched jaw or tight shoulders. Massage therapy acts directly on your muscles with stretching and kneading motions. It also stimulates the nervous system to instruct muscles to relax even more. Treatment also flushes muscles of built-up waste products that can make you sore after vigorous exercise.

Heal Injuries

Massage therapy can help heal injuries such as tendonitis that develop over time, as well as ligament sprains or muscle strains caused by accidents. Deep tissue work reduces inflammation by increasing circulation, which removes waste products and brings nutrition to injured cells.