Soft Tissue Manipulation

What is it?

Soft tissue work helps reinforce the adjustment, allowing the adjustment to last longer. This includes manual muscle therapy, pin and stretch, myofascial decompression and gua sha (scraping)  techniques. Additionally there are exercises that can be performed to even further reinforce and strengthen the necessary muscles needed for recovery. 

What is the difference between this and massage?

Manual muscle therapy aims to improve movement and performance of a specific muscle group. We assess and reassess progress based on increased range-of-motion, strength and reduced restrictions. This process can include using tools and active exercises. Massage is great, but it usually only focuses on relaxation, done passively and doesn't affect muscle functionality that much.

What is scraping/ gua-sha?

This is great if a muscle is really tight, hard to reach or a mix of the two and we want to focus on it specifically. It leaves what looks like a rash, but rest assured it helps bring nutrients to the muscle in the area and helps loosen the fascia that ultimately results in feeling looser and more mobile.

What is myofascial decompression (cupping)?

If you consider manual massage therapy as compression, where we are compressing the skin, fascia, and muscle, this is the opposite, where we are trying to loosen the fascia by decompression. It usually leaves circular bruises that last for about a week or so. When a muscle is tender to the touch, or we want to hit multiple spots at once and add active movement, this is a great tool. Similar results to scraping, just a different approach.

What if I need more??