Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Deep Tissue Massage, and Normalization of Soft Tissue (NST) are massage therapy techniques that offer effective ways to focus on the deeper tissue layers of the body. They address underlying musculoskeletal dysfunction to alleviate pain and bring about greater function and ease. These massage techniques work to resolve both chronic and acute pain, caused by problems existing deep within one’s structure.
These types of massage combine a range of different techniques to meet the client’s specific goals. No two bodies are alike, and as a result, no two injuries are alike, and no chronic pain syndrome is identical. Each body requires a therapist with both the capacity for understanding its individual structure and dysfunctions, as well as specific methods tailored to its needs.
In addition to NMT, Deep Tissue Massage and NST, our massage therapists are also skilled in other massage therapy techniques that can target deep structures for lasting relief including: including trigger point therapy, Trager method, friction strokes, and muscle energy techniques.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT precisely examines and treats the body’s soft tissue structures using regionally oriented protocols. This technique is built upon scientific evidence and addresses both the muscle bellies and the nerves that enervate them, in order to get at both the cause and effect of pain. Repetitive movement injuries often have a complex system of irritation and inflammation that continually trigger pain signals. In order to thoroughly address these tricky places, NMT targets trigger points (targeting tender muscle points), joint pathologies, nerve compression, postural issues, circulation, and biomechanical problems, emotional well being, neuroexcitants, and neurotoxins–all of which play an important role in the continuation of pain and injury.
NMT classifies pain and dysfunctions into three categories: biomechanical; biochemical; and psychosocial, in order to treat them effectively. This technique addresses ischemia, myofascial trigger points, neural entrapment, nerve compression, and postural and gait dysfunctions. As a part of its holistic emphasis, NMT also considers perpetuating factors that can play a role in chronic pain including hydration, breathing patterns, nutrition, and psychological and emotional stress. Additionally, NMT works thoroughly in the entire region of pain in order to address the body as a systemic unit. It is a commonly used technique in mainstream and integrative medical care, as well as in chiropractic care.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is one of the most popular forms of massage therapy because it is both effective and deeply satisfying. Deep tissue massage uses slow, deliberate strokes that aim pressure at specific layers of muscles, tendons, and fascia–the connective tissue matrix that connects the entire body. Using strokes that are similar to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage uses heavier pressure to address chronic muscle tension and adhesions (commonly known as “knots”). It is an especially therapeutic way to address painful, stiff areas of the body. Feeling sore after a deep tissue massage is common, as it flushes waste out of tissues, stimulating regeneration. A good way to ease soreness after a deep tissue massage is to drink plenty of water after your session.
Normalization of Soft Tissue (NST)
NST refers to any massage therapy technique aimed at identifying imbalances in soft tissue and then addressing that imbalance with appropriate strokes. NST can utilize myofascial release, trigger point, lymphatic drainage, pin & stretch, cross-fiber friction, and muscular energy techniques, depending on the nature of the imbalance in the soft tissue and the layer in which it resides. In systematically normalizing the soft tissue of the body, postural imbalances that lead to chronic pain are addressed and resolved. NST is an effective way to efficiently locate and address the areas of the body that are dysfunctional and contributing to pain and decreased health and vitality in the body.
Who We Are
Colorado Body Wisdom is a healing arts and massage studio located in Boulder, Colorado. We are committed to providing the highest quality treatments delivered with compassion by only the most skilled therapists in the field. Our mission is to spread health and relieve suffering through the compassionate, skillful, and joyful practice of massage therapy, healing arts, and wellness education.
We strive to assist clients in living satisfied and authentic lives by: delivering the highest quality massage and therapeutic treatments; receiving clients with deep compassion while creating a safe space for emotional release and personal discovery; and orienting our treatments towards each client’s innate health–not their illness or pain.
At Colorado Body Wisdom, the well-being of our therapists is just as important as that of our clients. CBW owner, Rachel Scott, founded the company with the intention of creating a mutually supportive, inclusive, and harassment-free work environment for women in the healing arts. CBW is committed to providing a safe space for female practitioners to develop their skills and build a career in a profession they love.
We invite you to come in and experience the multitude of benefits of massage therapy for yourself!