Massage Modalities at LoDo Massage Studio - Part 4

Introduction to neuromuscular massage therapy, aromatherapy, and intra-oral massage

Hanna Kim - 10/18/2018

Massage Modalities at LoDo Massage Studio - Part 4
In this final chapter of our Massage Modalities series, I will be going over three more types of massage offered at LoDo Massage Studio: neuromuscular, aromatherapy, and intra-oral. To read about the many other types of massage we offer, you can refer to part 1, part 2, or part 3.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy
Neuromuscular massage therapy sometimes referred to as trigger point therapy, is deep tissue work that is often highly effective for soft tissue injuries like muscle strains. The massage therapist will pinpoint pressure on an area of your body with muscle spasms for ten to thirty seconds at a time to try and relax the muscle.
The tightened muscle should relax from the added pressure, but may not be able to if the muscle is inflamed. Massage is not the best option for already inflamed tissues, as massage’s intended effect is to create therapeutic inflammation to help increase blood flow to dry, overused tissues. 
It is essential for clients to communicate with their massage therapists in deep tissue modalities like neuromuscular therapy. Clients often describe experiencing “good pain” with neuromuscular work as their muscles are coaxed into relaxation. If this doesn’t ring true while you’re receiving your massage, let your therapist know so she or he can try something else.
You should feel the benefits of neuromuscular massage within the next day or two, and muscles tightened by strenuous exercise or repetitive motions at work should feel more relaxed for up to two weeks.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is offered as an upgrade to any massage service you book with us. Massage therapists use a blend of different oils to help alleviate symptoms including:
 
  • Stress, anxiety, depression
  • Muscle soreness or inflammation
  • Pain from conditions like kidney stones or osteoarthritis
  •   Side effects of cancer treatments like nausea and pain
It is believed aromatherapy works by activating smell receptors in your nose and sending messages to your nervous system. Different aromas may activate areas of your brain; for example, it may activate your limbic system, which is linked to emotions, or your hypothalamus, which can by releasing serotonin, a pain-relieving chemical.
Aromatherapy is safe for most clients to try, but be sure to mention any allergies or sensitivities to your massage therapist. We recommend aromatherapy be used as a complementary therapy and not a replacement to any regular medical treatments you are receiving.
 

Intra-oral Massage
If you are experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder (often shortened to TMJ), intra-oral massage can provide much-needed relief from symptoms such as:
  • TMJ noise (clicking, popping, or grinding)
  • Clenching or bruxism (grinding)
  • Tension headaches and migraines
  • Muscle spasms in the head, jaw, neck, and shoulder
  • Mandible deviations with movement
  • Limited opening and movement of the jaw
  • Earaches (pain and congestion)
  • Swelling and pain on the side of the face
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Nausea
  • Fatigued facial muscles
  • Sensitive teeth and difficulty chewing
  • Cervical (neck) pain
TMJ associated symptoms can be a result of past traumas, emotional trauma, whiplash, stress, anxiety, postural dysfunction, and trigger points in the muscles of your face and neck. It is important to note that emotional or physical trauma release is common with this type of work.
Intra-oral massage is performed by massage therapists with additional training - the therapist will wear gloves to work muscles and fascia in the mouth, and may also release tension in surrounding muscles of the neck, scalp, and shoulders.
You can call either our RiNo or Highlands studio or check our staff page to see what each of our massage therapists' specializations are.
 
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