Deep Tissue Massage and Neuromuscular Massage: What’s the Difference?
Like any form of therapy, massage offers a wide variety of techniques and modalities, each of which has its own unique approach and focus. For those looking to integrate therapeutic massage into their health and wellness regime, it’s difficult to know which type of massage may be best suited to the challenges you’re facing.
Sometimes, these types of massage have similarities that make them difficult to distinguish. For example, deep tissue and neuromuscular massage both involve the use of firm pressure, but target different areas and treat different symptoms.
In today’s post, we’ll explore the differences between deep tissue and neuromuscular massage.
Areas of Focus
Deep tissue massage focuses on the treatment of aches and pains linked to large muscle groups and the surrounding connective tissue. In contrast, neuromuscular massage is highly targeted, focusing on specific trigger points located throughout the body. Both forms of treatment can reduce pain linked to inflammation by improving circulation.
Most commonly, deep tissue massage is used to treat:
Loss of mobility
Sports injuries
Muscle tension
Strained muscles
Stress relief
In contrast, the trigger points targeted by neuromuscular massage are more often linked to chronic pain—sometimes in seemingly unrelated areas of the body. An impacted nerve, for instance, may cause chronic headaches, issues with posture, or loss of mobility or function. Neuromuscular massage is used to treat:
Nerve damage and compression
TMJ disorders
Posture or mobility related issues
Chronic headaches
Carpal tunnel and sciatica
Muscle spasms
Chronic stiffness or pain
Pain related mobility impairments
Strain from repetitive movements
Crucially, neuromuscular massage can be used to treat nerve-related damage, such as sharp pains, tingling, and numbness. The goal of neuromuscular massage is long-term reduction or elimination of pain, as well as improved or restored mobility.
Availability vs. Specialization
While both deep tissue massage and neuromuscular massage require education, neuromuscular massage is more specialized in nature. Where deep tissue massage is widely available, it is more difficult to find a certified neuromuscular massage therapist. Neuromuscular massage is a form of medical massage therapy, utilized for specific, sometimes debilitating, issues.
Length of Treatment
In most cases, deep tissue massage is done on an as needed basis, and rarely over an extended number of sessions. In contrast, neuromuscular massage often requires several sessions to provide comprehensive treatment.
Treatment Goals
Deep tissue massage is often focused on stress reduction and relaxation. During deep tissue massage, the therapist works on areas across the body to relieve muscle tension and soreness. In most cases, deep tissue massage functions as a form of relaxation, or temporary treatment for everyday aches and pains.
In contrast, neuromuscular massage offers an effective, longer-term solution to more serious medical issues. The goal of neuromuscular massage is to restore function and alleviate chronic pain related to nerve compression, muscle damage, and issues with posture. In short, neuromuscular massage works best for people whose quality of life is suffering because of the pain they’re experiencing.
Common Techniques
While both deep tissue and neuromuscular massage employ firm pressure targeted deeper layers of muscle, or trigger points, the techniques used vary significantly. Therapists performing deep tissue massage use their body to put pressure on large muscle groups. They do this by applying pressure with their palms, elbows, and forearms. In neuromuscular massage, therapists use their fingers and thumbs to reach specific target points, often surrounded by muscle tissue.
Schedule an Appointment
It can be difficult to know what form of massage therapy may be appropriate for you. Our bodies are complex, with beautifully interconnected systems that often interact in unexpected ways. Over time, wear and tear on our bodies adds up. Often, the result is chronic pain and loss of function. Reach out today to schedule a deep tissue or Neuromuscular massage. Together, we can chart a course toward long-term pain relief and improvement in quality of life.