Treatment Options

At Akatore Massage Therapy, we offer a range of advanced clinical massage techniques tailored to address your musculoskeletal needs. Our services include myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, PNF stretching, dry needling, cupping, and sports taping (both rigid and kinesiology tape).

Myofascial release is a technique used  by Akatore Massage Therapy to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles. Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that wraps most structures within the human body, including muscle.

During myofascial release, the therapist applies gentle pressure and sustained stretching to the fascia and underlying muscles. This technique aims to release tension in the fascia due to trauma, posture, or inflammation. It can help improve range of motion, alleviate muscle stiffness, reduce pain, and enhance overall flexibility and posture.

There are different types of myofascial release techniques, including direct and indirect approaches. Direct myofascial release applies pressure to the restricted areas to stretch the fascia. Indirect myofascial release involves gentle stretching and allowing the fascia to unwind itself.

Myofascial release

Neuromuscular Techniques

Neuromuscular techniques are specialized massage techniques aimed at addressing musculoskeletal issues by targeting the relationship between the nervous system and the muscles. At Akatore Massage Therapy we use these techniques to alleviate pain, release tension, and improve overall muscular function. Here are some common neuromuscular techniques:

  1. Trigger Point Therapy: Focuses on releasing hyperirritable spots in the muscle tissue that can cause pain and referred sensations. Therapists apply sustained pressure to these trigger points to facilitate relaxation and relief.

  2. Myofascial Release: Targets the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, to release tension and improve mobility. This technique involves applying gentle pressure and stretching to the fascia to restore its elasticity and reduce restrictions. (More information under the myofascial release tab).

  3. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): A form of stretching that involves alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles. PNF techniques can help improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength.

  4. Muscle Energy Technique (MET): Involves the active contraction of a muscle against resistance followed by a period of relaxation. MET is used to improve muscle function, joint mobility, and alignment.

  5. Deep Transverse Friction Massage: Involves applying deep pressure perpendicular to the muscle fibers to break down scar tissue and adhesions. This technique can help reduce pain and improve mobility in injured muscles and tendons.

  6. Ischemic Compression: Involves sustained pressure on a tender or trigger point to reduce blood flow temporarily, which can help release muscle tension and alleviate pain.

Dry needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by trained healthcare professionals to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points (trigger points) in muscles or connective tissues.

Key aspects of dry needling include:

  1. Needle Insertion: Fine needles (similar to acupuncture needles) are inserted through the skin and into muscle tissues or trigger points.

  2. Trigger Points: These are hyperirritable spots in muscles that are associated with nodules or taut bands of muscle fibres. They can cause pain and affect muscle function.

  3. Mechanism of Action: Dry needling aims to release trigger points and relieve pain through various mechanisms, including stimulating the nervous system, improving blood flow, balancing the pH, increase oxygen and triggering biochemical changes in the body.

  4. Conditions Treated: It is often used to treat many injuries, for example: muscle pain, tension headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, and shoulder pain.

  5. Differences from Acupuncture: While dry needling uses similar needles to acupuncture, it differs in its goal and approach. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and aims to balance energy flow (Qi) in the body, while dry needling targets musculoskeletal issues directly.

  6. Safety and Effectiveness: When performed by trained practitioners, dry needling is generally considered safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks such as soreness, bleeding, or bruising.

Cupping

Therapeutic cupping is an ancient holistic therapy that involves placing specially designed cups on the skin to create suction. This suction helps to mobilize blood flow, promote healing, and relieve muscle tension.

During a cupping session, Akatore Massage Therapy uses plastic cups to create a vacuum seal on the skin, which draws the skin, fascia, and superficial muscle layer partially into the cup. This process is believed to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and release toxins from the body.

Therapeutic cupping is known for its potential benefits in:

  1. Pain Relief: It can alleviate muscle and joint pain by promoting blood flow to the affected area, which may speed up the healing process.

  2. Relaxation: Many clients find cupping therapy deeply relaxing, similar to a deep tissue massage.

  3. Detoxification: By enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage, cupping is thought to aid in detoxifying the body.

  4. Improving Skin Health: Cupping may help improve the appearance of cellulite and promote healthier skin.

  5. Stress Reduction: Like other forms of massage therapy, cupping can help reduce stress and anxiety levels

Kinesiology taping

Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic technique that involves applying a specialized elastic tape to various parts of the body to support muscles and joints during movement. This method is widely used in sports medicine, physical therapy, and rehabilitation settings.

Key Characteristics of Kinesiology Taping:

  1. Elastic and Adhesive Tape: The tape used in kinesiology taping is made of thin, stretchy fabric with an adhesive backing. It is designed to mimic the elasticity of human skin and muscles.

  2. Application Techniques: Trained practitioners apply the tape in specific patterns and tensions depending on the therapeutic goals. The tape can be stretched longitudinally or transversely to provide different types of support.

  3. Support and Stability: Kinesiology taping is primarily used to provide support to muscles and joints without restricting movement. It can help improve circulation, reduce pain, and facilitate healing by providing proprioceptive feedback.

  4. Enhanced Performance: Athletes often use kinesiology tape to improve muscle function, reduce fatigue, and prevent injuries during sports activities.

  5. Conditions Treated: Common conditions treated with kinesiology taping include muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint instability, tendonitis, and postural issues.

Benefits of Kinesiology Taping:

  • Pain Relief: The tape can help alleviate pain by relieving pressure on pain receptors and improving blood flow.

  • Injury Prevention: By providing support and enhancing proprioception, kinesiology tape may reduce the risk of injuries.

  • Facilitates Recovery: It promotes faster recovery by supporting injured tissues and allowing for natural movement.