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 reasons adults seek medical care. It’s estimated that roughly 20% of U.S. adults (50 million) have suffered or are suffering from chronic pain, which can greatly limit experiences throughout our lives. Those that suffer have sought out relief from this pain from a great variety of approaches (e.g., traditional medication, chiropractic services, stretching, etc.), but in a great number of cases the pain does not go away.

If you suffer from chronic pain, perhaps it’s time to try something new. Neuromuscular massage therapy is the tested and true treatment for chronic muscular pain. Neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT) is a highly targeted form of deep tissue massage that is highly effective at treating chronic soft tissue pain.

Neuromuscular Massage in Denver: How Do We Do It?

Our certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, Sarah Monreal, is a dedicated practitioner of NMT and is intensely passionate about helping others find relief from chronic pain. This passion comes from her own real world experiences as an athlete, who suffered from chronic pain issues in the past. When practicing Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, also referred to as trigger point myotherapy, Sarah uses a step-by-step approach to assess the body, focusing on areas of muscle spasm or pain commonly called trigger points, and relieving the chronic stiffness and pain of the trigger point through extremely focused pressure. Chronic pain in muscles is often the result of a lack of blood to the area; our neuromuscular massage in Denver uses pressure to reopen those muscles to allow blood back into the afflicted areas and relieve the pain naturally.

In our Denver office, we will approach NMT with a therapeutic tool called a “t-bar.” When engaging in such high-pressure massage therapy, sometimes the thumbs just do not cut it. The t-bar allows Sarah to work through a detailed massage, acquire the best leverage, and isolate the trigger points. The t-bar is a very versatile tool that we employ daily in our neuromuscular massage in Denver. Once a trigger point is identified, Sarah will utilize the t-bar to apply alternating levels of concentrated pressure directly on the trigger point for anywhere between 10-30 seconds.

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.