OHW certified massage therapist, Mary Holz CMT, shares information and benefits of integrated muscle therapy and orthopedic massage.
Have you heard of Integrated Muscle Therapy & Orthopedic Massage? I hadn’t either until I took multiple training sessions on this science-based therapy technique. Let me tell you, I was very impressed! Here is a brief overview of some of the techniques incorporated into integrated muscle therapy & orthopedic massage.
- PNF Stretching
- Myofascial Spreading
- Trigger Point Therapies
- Isometric Stretching
Utilizing several modalities, this system of massage treatment can help eliminate painful symptoms, restoring function to tender, painful and stiff muscles by tenderly stretching and lengthening. Patients feel the difference when muscle fibers of all opposing muscle groups (quadriceps and hamstring for example) can easily stretch out to the appropriate length.
Integrated Muscle Therapy & Orthopedic Massage looks at not just the spot that hurts but at what could be causing the pain and then addresses the root cause as well. Think of it in terms of a holistic approach to massage.
If it’s easier you can think of your body as a system of levers and pulleys. If one muscle group or area is pulled up or “contracted,” the opposite side of the body will be stretched out. And if the “contracted” side, for whatever reason, doesn’t go back to its normal resting length, then the stretched out side won’t be able to work properly. This leads to pain and/or dysfunction.
Here’s a common malady-many times that common pain in between the shoulder blades could be caused by tight chest muscles, called the pectoralis major and minor (“pecs”). By stretching out the “pecs,” the muscles between the shoulder blades and relax and also come back to normal resting length, relieving the pain and restoring function.
Integrated Muscle Therapy & Orthopedic Massage brings therapeutic relief to conditions and injuries such as (but not limited to!):
- Headaches
- TMJ disorder
- Neck pain
- Tennis or golfers elbow
- Carpal tunnel
- Frozen shoulder
- Low back tension
- Knee pain
- Tight calves
- Tight IT bands
- Numbness and tingling down the arms or legs
- Lack of range of motion
Interested in experiencing a new approach to massage? Make an appointment today and try it out! 952.224.1919. or office@odomsportsmd.com