Massage for Pain Relief: A Natural Solution to Chronic/Acute Pain
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Massage for Pain Relief: A Natural Solution to Chronic/Acute Pain
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woman getting a massage for pain relief

Massage for Pain Relief: A Natural Solution to Chronic/Acute Pain

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Whether it’s from hours at a desk, an old injury, or the daily wear and tear of life, pain is something nearly everyone experiences. While medications can offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and don’t address the root cause. More people are turning to massage for pain relief—a natural, holistic approach that provides both immediate and long-term benefits.

In this post, we’ll explore how massage therapy helps relieve pain and the science behind it. We’ll also look at different types of massage techniques, and tips for getting the most from your massage sessions.

Why Choose Massage for Pain Relief?

Massage therapy is one of the oldest healing traditions. For centuries, cultures around the world have used therapeutic touch to reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being.
Here’s why it stands out as a solution:
Natural pain relief: No pills, no prescriptions—just healing hands and your body’s own ability to recover.
Stress reduction: Emotional stress can amplify physical pain. Massage reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) while boosting endorphins.
Improved blood flow: Better circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, speeding up the healing process.
Reduced muscle tension: Tight, knotted muscles are a common cause of pain. Massage relaxes these tissues, improving range of motion and comfort. The techniques I use are particularly beneficial in addressing massage for pain relief.
Holistic approach: Massage doesn’t just treat symptoms—it addresses the entire body and mind. This approach is more important thanks known previously! Everyone needs to learn their own situation and help your own cause to get better.

How My Style of Massage Therapy Works

I do a very specific style of therapeutic bodywork called Orthopedic Massage [“OM”]. This advanced method uses physical tests to determine what your condition is. Then, I’ll use progressive methods to relieve any pain present and look at your underlying issues and how to treat them. The entire comprehensive techniques I use get to the bottom of what is REALLY happening!

When you are ready to take the next step and begin looking deeply into your situation, get in touch with me. There are several ways to do that – choose whichever is the easiest for you: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com Online Contact Form Or, call me for a free consultation and we can talk specifics: 831.818.6916

How Massage Helps with Different Types of Pain

  1. Back and Neck Pain
    Back and neck pain are among the most common complaints treated by massage therapists. Poor posture, herniated discs, and muscle strain all contribute to this discomfort. Massage helps by:
    Reducing inflammation
    Relaxing tight muscles
    Promoting spinal alignment
    Increasing mobility
    Best types: Deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy
  2. Headaches and Migraines
    Tension headaches often result from tightness in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Regular massage for pain relief can:
    Decrease headache frequency and intensity
    Alleviate muscle tension that contributes to migraines
    Improve sleep quality, a known migraine trigger
    Best types: Craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, scalp massage
  3. Arthritis and Joint Pain
    Arthritis sufferers often experience stiffness, swelling, and chronic pain. While massage can’t cure arthritis, it can ease discomfort and improve function by:
    Enhancing joint flexibility
    Reducing inflammation
    Decreasing stiffness
    Best types: Gentle Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, hot stone massage
  4. Sports Injuries
    Athletes frequently use massage for faster recovery and injury prevention. Sports massage can:
    Break down scar tissue
    Improve circulation to injured areas
    Increase range of motion
    Decrease delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
    Best types: Sports massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy
  5. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndromes
    Massage therapy can be a crucial part of a treatment plan for fibromyalgia, helping reduce overall pain and fatigue. It also aids in improving sleep and decreasing anxiety levels.
    Best types: Myofascial release, gentle Swedish massage, reflexology

The Science Behind Massage For Pain Relief

Massage stimulates the body’s nervous system and encourages the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and healing, and decreases sympathetic (fight or flight) activity. This shift allows muscles to relax, blood pressure to lower, and healing to begin.
Additionally, massage may reduce levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain perception, further enhancing its analgesic effect. Massage For Pain

What to Expect During a Massage for Pain Relief

Your first session will typically include a consultation, where the therapist discusses your medical history, pain areas, and goals for the session. During the massage:
You’ll be fully clothed, so you can be comfortable.
I will use different strokes, pressure levels, and techniques tailored to your needs.
Communication is key—please let me know if the pressure is too much or too little.
Sessions usually last between 60 to 90 minutes, and the effects may be immediate or cumulative over several visits.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

The frequency depends on your condition [and how massage for pain relief can help]:
Acute pain (like a sports injury): 1–2 times a week initially
Chronic pain (like arthritis or fibromyalgia): Weekly or biweekly
Maintenance or preventative care: Every 3–4 weeks
Consistency is key to experiencing long-term relief and preventing future pain episodes.

Tips for Maximizing Pain Relief

To get the most from your sessions:
Stay hydrated: Massage releases toxins stored in muscles—drinking water helps flush them out.
Rest afterward: Allow your body to recover and absorb the benefits.
Stretch regularly: Support your massage therapy with light stretching to maintain flexibility.
Communicate openly: Let your therapist know about changes in your pain levels or health status.
Choose a licensed professional: Make sure your therapist is certified and experienced in pain relief techniques.

Final Thoughts: A Holistic Path to Healing

Massage for pain relief is much more than a luxury or a spa indulgence—it’s a powerful, scientifically supported method for managing and reducing pain. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, a skilled massage therapist can help guide your body back toward balance and comfort.
So if you’re looking for a natural pain relief solution, consider booking a massage. It could be the missing piece in your wellness journey.

woman receiving a massage therapy Aptos.

Discover the Healing Power of Massage Therapy Aptos

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If you’ve been searching for natural ways to relieve stress and restore balance to your body, massage therapy Aptos offers the perfect solution. Aptos is home to skilled massage therapists who specialize in holistic healing techniques tailored to your individual needs. If you’re a local resident, a rejuvenating massage session in Aptos can help you feel your best—inside and out.

Why Choose Massage Therapy

Massage therapy Aptos is more than just a relaxing experience—it’s a therapeutic treatment with numerous mental and physical health benefits. When performed by a licensed therapist, massage can:
Relieve muscle tension and chronic pain
Improve blood circulation
Support mental health and reduce anxiety
Enhance mobility and flexibility
Boost the immune system
Improve posture and body alignment
In Aptos, massage therapy centers focus on blending wellness with nature, helping clients connect to their bodies and find long-lasting relief through expert touch.

Top Benefits of Getting Massage Therapy Aptos

Aptos is uniquely positioned between the redwood forests and the ocean, creating a serene environment that enhances the healing process. Here’s why massage therapy in Aptos stands out:

  1. Personalized, Client-Centered Care
    I will prioritize your individual wellness goals. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or a busy professional managing work stress, you’ll find treatment plans tailored just for you. Sessions often include a blend of different types of therapeutic bodywork that will help your body get better!
  2. Natural, Holistic Approach
    Since my intention is to help you get better [and heal from any/all issues], I’ll use as many different effective approaches as it takes. By using efficient techniques, you will have many ways to regain your health. This is an important tactic to me!
  3. Proximity to Nature
    There’s something deeply rejuvenating about receiving massage therapy just minutes from the Pacific Ocean and forest trails. After your session, take a peaceful walk along Seacliff Beach or through Nisene Marks State Park to enhance your relaxation and recovery.

What I Do . . . Therapeutic Massage For Pain/Stress Relief

Since 2006, I have been doing type of massage therapy Aptos called Orthopedic Massage. This style is specifically geared to find out what’s REALLY happening in your body. From there, you and I can talk about what’s involved to treat the issues. This is massage therapy, not just relaxation!

You will get a free initial consultation and can ask any/all questions. See the end of this paragraph for my contact info. When we 1st start working together, we will discuss all my different options for expert treatment. After the 1st session, you will have a good idea of what I do! tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com 831.818.6916 Contact Form

Different Types of Massage

There are several types of massage and they vary in what they are effective for. The most common style is Swedish massage. It’s main approach is relaxation – it’s really good if you just want to unwind. Sports massage can be good for an athlete who’s getting ready for a competition.

Deep tissue massage is another well known type of massage. It’s popular because it [usually] gets down deeper to tight muscles. But, deep tissue can only REALLY be effective if the practitioner knows how to “enter” the tight tissue slowly! Many massage therapists say they do deep tissue but finding an experienced one isn’t always easy.

Orthopedic massage is the best type of massage therapy Aptos if you are looking to treat or “unwind” tight issues in your body. Why? Orthopedic massage is a whole system of evaluating what’s really going on in your body! And then, it treats those issues to resolve them. My Website

What to Expect at Your First Massage Therapy Session

If it’s your first time trying massage therapy in Aptos, here’s what typically happens:
Consultation: You’ll fill out a brief intake form outlining your health history and goals for the session.
Personalized Treatment Plan: I will discuss your needs and recommend the best massage style.
Therapy Session: Most sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and are conducted in a calm, private space with soft lighting and soothing music.
Post-Massage Guidance: After the session, I will suggest stretches, hydration tips, or follow-up sessions based on your condition. What to Expect

Conclusion: Start Your Wellness Journey – Massage Therapy Aptos
Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply need a break from your busy life, massage therapy in Aptos offers a natural, effective path to better health. With skilled practitioners, personalized treatments, and a tranquil environment, Aptos is the ideal place to experience the profound benefits of massage.
Take the first step toward healing – book your massage therapy Aptos session with me today and experience how valuable holistic care can be.

Flower. Anxiety Muscle Tensiion

Anxiety Muscle Tension

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Anxiety Muscle Tension – What Is It And How It Can Help You Relieve It

Anxiety muscle tension can be relatively light . . . your anxiety can just cause minor tension in your muscles that is annoying. But, anxiety muscle tension can also be quite disruptive – like, it takes up time and energy during your daily life! This can be disruptive and can direct your life in ways that may not even be fully conscious. Let’s take a deep look into what anxiety is – and then determine how it can affect your muscles!

The word “anxious” literally means “experiencing worry, uneasiness, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” It is almost always a mental phenomenon. Since anxiety is a mental issue, we have control over whether or not to allow it to occupy any space in our minds, and we also have the power to fully move beyond it. 

When you become anxious over too many things, when thoughts start occupying every waking moment of your life, that’s when it becomes “anxiety.” That’s when you know there’s a problem that needs to be addressed soon. Anxiety, when left untreated for long periods, can turn into a chronic issue, which is referred to as an Anxiety Disorder. Of course, for many of us, anxiety is not yet a disorder—but it is a problem that requires attention.

How To Relieve Your Anxiety

As with most problems, there are short-term “fixes” and long-term “aims.” Short-term fixes can provide immediate relief, but investing in a long-term cure is the best way to overcome anxiety for good. To quickly relieve anxiety, try one or two, or even all, of these tips: 1) If you’re anxious about an upcoming event, be sure you’ve done your homework. Being prepared is one of the best ways to avoid anxiety.

2) When you notice anxious thoughts beginning, stop and take 10 slow, deep breaths. If you need more relief, try this anxiety muscle tension relaxation exercise: bring awareness to your toes, then move up to your feet, tighten those muscles, then relax. Continue up your body—calves, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, hands—until you reach your scalp. Tighten it and release. Do over if you have time!

3) Holding your breath for a few seconds can also interrupt anxious thoughts. You’ll notice you don’t have thoughts when holding your breath. 4) Try to identify what is specific about the situation that is making you anxious. If you’re struggling to make a decision, take a pen and paper and list the positives and negatives. 5) Don’t worry about things you have no control over. 

More Relief from – Anxiety Muscle Tension

6) Don’t take on every project that comes your way. It’s okay to “drop” things that are making you anxious. Saying “NO!” is perfectly okay. Organize your life in a way that makes you feel comfortable – you can do that!

7) Your emotional state affects your thought processes, which in turn can cause anxiety. Avoid clutter; take some time to clean up your space—it really helps! Having fresh flowers in the room can also brighten your mood. It’s OK to do things for yourself – and that will “radiate out” to others and make things better!

Strategies I Use For Anxiety Muscle Tension Relief

For anxiety muscle tension, I use several massage techniques to ease any dysfunctions. Usually, the tension commonly results from overuse or stress or an injury. But, how to deal with different possibilities? If you have shoulder pain that is acute [just happened recently and is more than a minor pain], massage has to be gentle so it doesn’t make things worse. A technique called MET is perfect in this case.

If you have chronic shoulder stress or pain, the best technique is to slowly “unwind” your shoulder. That means taking the time to “unpeel the onion.” I don’t go too deep at the beginning because the outer layers may be too tight to let go. One-step-at-a-time is the best strategy. I believe that this particular strategy is much more effective by allowing your body to adjust to the changes and then integrate those corrections. Contact Me

What I Do

I specialize in Orthopedic Massage (OM), a targeted approach to therapeutic bodywork that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Unlike standard massages that primarily offer relaxation—though OM provides that as well—this method delves deeper to address the reasons behind discomfort.

When a client comes to me with an injury or imbalance, I start by conducting a thorough assessment. Using orthopedic tests, I pinpoint underlying issues and rule out conditions that may seem like the problem but aren’t. This allows me to focus on the true source of the pain, ensuring a more effective and personalized treatment.

The process typically begins with relieving the client’s immediate pain or discomfort, which often takes just a session or two. Once the surface-level pain subsides, deeper issues start to emerge. At this stage, I work collaboratively with the client to address these underlying problems, gradually unraveling the layers until we uncover the root cause. While achieving lasting relief and balance can take time, the results are profoundly rewarding, offering clients a renewed sense of ease and well-being in their bodies.

How To Contact Me

You have several ways to contact me for shoulder tension: 1] visit My Website where you can learn more about me as well as my contact info: 2] email me directly without browsing my website – tpett,ortho.massage@gmail.com; 3] visit my Yelp page and read the reviews.

If you want to discuss your situation and talk about your specific shoulder tension issues, you can always call me directly – and I will gladly talk to you for free: This won’t cost you anything and perhaps give you more info about what I do and who I am – especially how I approach bodywork in an effective way: 831.818.6916

Expert massage therapist and massage for tendonitis

Massage for Tendonitis – What Tendonitis is and How Can Massage Help

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Massage for tendonitis: does it help? First, Let’s talk about what tendonitis is. Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are the thick fibrous ends of a muscle that attach to a bone. These thick tissues are called tendons. Tendonitis causes pain and tenderness near a joint [where the tendon attaches]. Tendonitis can occur in any tendon but it’s most common around shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

Why around those particular areas? It’s because those parts of your body are the most active and get the most use. So, when there is a lot of use – or when there is overuse -the tendons become irritated because they aren’t used to that much movement. And the body reacts to that over-use by protecting it with extra fluid – hence the build-up of inflammation.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

The most common symptoms of tendonitis include:

1] Pain – especially at the site of your tendon and the surrounding area; the pain may get worse when you move.

2] Swelling, often with skin discoloration (red to purple or darker than your natural skin tone).

3] Stiff joints or difficulty moving your joints [like arms, legs or your neck].

4] Hearing and feeling a cracking or popping sensation when you move.

The pain you feel with tendonitis may be gradual or sudden and severe, especially if you have calcium deposits. Calcium deposits are a buildup of calcium in your tissues that looks like firm white to yellow bumps on your skin. These bumps can cause itchy skin.

Causes of Tendonitis

Causes of tendonitis can include:

1] Overuse or repetitive movements over time – like running, athletic activity, or working at a job where you constantly do the same movement.

2] Strain from sudden movements; sudden movements have put too large a “stress” on your tendons – so your body will react with inflammation in an attempt to protect the area.

3] Any injury.

In addition, tendonitis might be a side effect of a medication, including drugs that lower cholesterol, or fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Certain underlying medical conditions can also cause tendonitis, such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout/pseudo gout, Osteoarthritis, or even an infection.

Can Massage for Tendonitis Help?

It’s well-known that massage is quite relaxing – right? But can massage really help your tendonitis issue?  Yes, massage can help with tendonitis because it reduces pain and thus speeds up the healing process! Massage also increases blood flow to your injured area and thus brings in nutrients but also takes waste products away. It’s also possible that massage for tendonitis will strengthen an inflamed tendon!

Massage has gained importance as part of a holistic recovery plan. Sports massage is directed to the areas where tendonitis is present and is specific to treating problem areas. And – I do orthopedic massage that does JUST THAT!!

I do massage . . . I prefer to call it therapeutic bodywork because I work with the body to correct pain and dysfunctional aspects that need re-alignment in order to get back to proper functioning. Here are 2 links of clients who had rather complicated conditions that needed very targeted bodywork to correct their problems [the 1st one was when I worked in Berkeley]: Suzanne Rebecca

Massage For Tendonitis: What I Do That Helps

Tendonitis is a condition in the body that inflames the tendons – they are the part of a muscle that attaches to a bone. See above for the Causes. The question becomes . . . how to treat tendonitis. Well, 1 way is to massage for tendonitis! But, there are average ways to do that and then there are better ones! The important thing is not to make things worse – because the tendon is already painful and inflamed!

It takes a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced massage practitioner to do massage for tendonitis correctly. How much pressure to use? Work directly on the tendon? Is there an effective way to work on the sore tendon without touching it directly? This last question is the key – because there is a way! The technique is called M.E.T. [muscle energy technique].

I use MET a lot because it’s so effective. It’s also used by PT’s, DO’s, and chiros – but not many massage therapists [unfortunately]. It’s simple to perform but does soooo much to relax muscles and allow them to lengthen – this is significant because the inflamed tendon needs to relax and start to heal.

Massage For Tendonitis: More About MET

MET is an excellent way to relieve pain and inflammation from tendonitis. MET actually accesses the brain and gets it involved to relax a swollen tendon and promotes recovery from tendonitis. Here is a blog you can read that I wrote about what MET is and how it’s so effective!: Muscle Energy Technique

You are more than welcome to Contact Me for a free consultation!  tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com

Woman receiving musculoskeletal therapy on her lower back

Musculoskeletal Therapy – What Is It and How Can It Help Your Health?

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Musculoskeletal therapy is a technique that relieves pain and dysfunction of soft tissue in the body. Who needs that? JUST ABOUT EVERYONE that’s alive!! But seriously, this type of therapy is a manual therapy technique for people who need relief from any of these situations: an accident, work related injuries, tension that causes tightness, stress that can create chronic pain . . . . and the list goes on and on!

Musculoskeletal therapy is quite often used for soft tissue disorders that can be a primary cause for employee sickness or staff absence OR loss of productivity for businesses. Businesses need to be aware that employees within their workforce may suffer from problems but who don’t ask for support. Sometimes employees fear not being able to perform their daily job functions. 

What Is Musculoskeletal Pain?

Musculoskeletal pain is any pain that affects your: muscles, joints, tendons, bones or ligaments [they hold your bones together]. All these tissues make up your musculoskeletal system. You may have localized musculoskeletal pain (in one area of your body) or it may affect most of your body. It can range from mild to severe and be short-term or long-term.

Unfortunately, musculoskeletal pain is very common. . . almost everyone has some degree of that pain. If your pain has been with you for a long time, musculoskeletal therapy can definitely give you some relief! But, how do you go about finding a good therapist for musculoskeletal therapy? Asking a friend for a referral is 1 way, researching online is another. Or, you can get in touch with me and we can assess your situation.

If your pain or discomfort is not too bad but you want to deal with it so you won’t feel it anymore, you’re 1 of the lucky 1’s cuz that can usually be resolved in just a few sessions! But, deep pain can take longer. Regardless, your 1st consultation with me is always free – so please contact me!

Ways That Musculoskeletal Pain Can Arise

There are sooo many ways you can have musculoskeletal pain but let’s take a look at the most common ones. I’ll break these down into 2 categories: 1] acute [recent]; 2] chronic [longer term].

1] Acute: these are recent conditions that often arise for people who do manual labor or for athletes: muscle pulls; sprains; repetitive strain injuries; muscle injuries; bone injuries; joint dislocation; muscle spasm due to overuse. These conditions should be addressed sooner-than-later if deemed urgent!

2] Chronic: this is when acute conditions don’t heal properly: arthritis; connective tissue disease [like scleroderma: ]; fibromyalgia; osteoporosis; long-term “regional” pain [like your neck tension that lasts a while] or low back issues [from stress] with degenerative disc disease.

So, How Can Musculoskeletal Therapy Help?

Musculoskeletal therapy is a healing process that includes massage, PT, osteopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and occupational therapy. This specific type of therapy can help a wide variety of conditions: muscles are the most common that people experience but also: joints, bone injuries, strains, sprains, repetitive motions, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, shoulder tension, low back pain, sciatica, etc.

I’ve been doing therapy bodywork since 2006 and have treated MANY clients who have quite a variety of painful or stressful conditions! You can contact me, for a free initial assessment, and we can discuss everything that is going on for you! 

When I worked in Berkeley, there was a woman who came to me because she had tried several different therapeutic techniques to deal with the pain in her hips [she had been frustrated for years with no effective results]. Her condition was pretty complex and it took several treatments to progress [from simply reducing her overall pain] to treating the deeper issues. Watch Suzanne’s story.

Another Success Story of Musculoskeletal Therapy

I also worked with Rebecca who had pretty intense pain down her leg. Being a Santa Cruz surfer, it effected her ability to surf . . . in a rather dramatic way. How? She had trouble “popping up” – that’s surfer lingo for standing up on her board at the moment she catch the wave.

Rebecca had some rather traumatic conditions earlier in her life that attributed to her leg dysfunction – causing the surfing problem. I used musculoskeletal therapy to relieve her condition so she was able to surf to her hearts desire [and I also used a special technique called “MET” to help reconnect her brain’s function to her traumatized leg]:

How Can You Help Yourself At Home?

Your healthcare provider may guide you to manage musculoskeletal pain at home with recommendations that can include:

  • Getting quality sleep.
  • Hot and/or cold therapy.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers [recommended only by a qualified provider]
  • The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
  • Strengthening and conditioning exercises.
  • Stretching exercises.
  • Stress reduction techniques.    
A massage therapist giving soft tissue therapy to a man's shoulder.

Soft Tissue Therapy – What Is It and How Can It Help You Restore Your Well-Being?

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Soft Tissue Therapy is the manipulation, management, and rehabilitation of soft tissues in the body that include muscles, ligaments and tendons. It deals directly with the musculoskeletal system and has a strong influence on our bodies’ other systems, including the nervous system and fascial system, to name a few. And, if we can find ways to alleviate the stress in our bodies, we can stay in step ahead!

In our present-day lives, our work and lifestyle patterns put increased demands on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This usually puts a load on the body and can decrease our ability to function well – not to mention the stress and tension that can occur. And as time goes on, we can create chronic stress, tension, discomfort and pain. But, getting relief from a skilled practitioner can decrease those conditions.

Soft Tissue Techniques

At the beginning of a treatment when the client comes to the room, there is an in-depth discussion of the client’s condition and usually a movement assessment. This will guide the skilled practitioner to the most appropriate approach and treatment plan to address any stress, tension, pain or movement dysfunction in their body. As well as massage, your therapist may include other techniques.  

Some of those techniques may include soft tissue release (STR), Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release (MFR). MFR is a very important approach because fascia is currently considered to be critical to restoring better functioning of the body – it is PARAMOUNT to most other techniques. For more info about the importance of fascia, read my blog about fascia: “Myofascial Release – What Is It and Why Is It So Important to Massage?” https://tompettengill.com/myofascial-release-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-so-important-to-massage/

During and following your treatment, your therapist will then re-assess any issues that come that might be restricted or painful in order to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. They will also discuss future plans for continued treatment.  

How To Find A Skilled Therapist

If you’ve decided you want to take the step forward to get better, you should look for an experienced practitioner. But, how do you do that? Of course, an internet search will bring up many results in your area. But, who has the skill do effectively do soft tissue therapy? You’ll have to look in depth into who they are. Here’s my info – text me anytime!  tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com  https://tompettengill.com/#Contact

Other professionals who can do soft tissue manipulation include a D.O. [osteopathic doctor], P.T. [physical therapist], chiropractors, a therapist who knows fascial release and massage therapists who have specific training in therapeutic techniques.

When Do You Need Soft Tissue Therapy? 

Indications that you may need s.t.therapy

1] stress or tightness from working long hours at a desk or computer

2] post-operative recovery from incisions that have created scar tissue

3] repetitive motions that involve doing the same physical action for many hours

4] emotional or traumatic events when you think your body has “captured” or “encapsulated” the wound in your body’s tissues

S.T. Therapy will have a positive impact on your wellbeing whether at work, at home or in sports. It is influential in supporting the management of any injuries, aches, pains and stresses that may be inhibiting your everyday lifestyle or physical movement.

What Is The Benefit of Regular S. T. Therapy? 

Regular Soft Tissue Therapy provides a way for the soft tissue structures of your body to adapt to stressful conditions in a positive way. Sometimes we take for granted the effect that tension, stress and chronic conditions have on our bodies and we just become completely used to the aches, pains and dysfunction that don’t need to be there!

Soft Tissue Therapy has been shown to be influential in helping manage problems and to reduce the impact on your physical and mental health. Improving mobility, body awareness, sleep, reducing stress and anxiety and mitigating risk of injury are just a few benefits. We want our physical and mental states to spend more time in a restful, calm and restorative state when the parasympathetic state predominates over the stressful state of anxiety and worry! Read Parasympathic Nervous System. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23266-parasympathetic-nervous-system-psns

How often should you get treatment depends on the individual but it can also depend on how long you have had the issue. It also depends on how your body responds to treatments – and – how well you are aware of the daily movements you do that can exasperate the situation. This topic is a discussion we can have to increase your awareness of how you can help yourself.  Contact me anytime: https://tompettengill.com/#Contact

The Soft Tissue Therapy I Do

Since 2005, I have been working with clients who mostly need s.t.therapy because they know what I provide. I do a style of therapeutic bodywork called Orthopedic Massage. This system has a way to find out what’s out of balance in the body – then, there are methods to directly address those issues. S.T. therapy is 1 of those approaches – using fascia release and a special technique called M.E.T.

MET stands for Muscle Energy Technique. It’s a fascinating procedure that gets the brain to relax muscles . . . you know, those tight, stressed muscles! The technique is easy to do and works really well!  Here’s a blog I wrote about it: MET   https://tompettengill.com/met-massage-what-is-this-special-technique-and-how-it-can-benefit-you/

Feel free to contact me – and remember, you always get a free consultation for your 1st contact.

Woman using a small therapy ball on her back for trigger point therapy

Trigger Point Therapy – What Is It and How Can It Benefit Your Wellbeing

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Trigger Point Therapy is a type of massage used in specific areas of the body to deal with “knots” otherwise known as trigger points. They are usually located in muscle tissue and can cause pain when they become irritated or inflamed. This pain is sometimes felt in other parts of the body due to the way that the nervous system is all interconnected.

History of Trigger Point Therapy

In the late 1950s, while working in a hospital, Dr. Janet Travell was struck by how common pain was in her patients. She was astonished to discover that the most common complaint was ordinary back, shoulder, or neck discomfort. During physical exams, Dr. Travell discovered that virtually all patients had isolated painful areas in their skeletal muscles.

Dr. Travell started a lifetime study of these sensitivity sites, which she dubbed “trigger points.” Thus, Trigger Point Therapy came out of all her studies. Nowadays, a skilled massage therapist usually performs trigger point therapy and uses their hands or elbows to apply pressure to the affected areas. Sometimes, heat packs and cold compresses are tools that can be used as well.

This treatment aims to release the muscle’s tension and reduce the pain that is being felt. It can be a helpful way to manage pain and improve your quality of life. If you are dealing with chronic pain, please contact me and we can chat about your situation. tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com   

How Trigger Point Therapy Works

It all starts with tight muscles . . . but why and how are muscles tight? Fascia is the ubiquitous substance that surrounds all muscles and their cells. But when muscles are overused or otherwise become tight, some of the muscle cells shorten and end up pulling on its neighbor cells. This can create a trigger point.

So, how does trigger point therapy work? Tension in the individual muscle cells can be released by applying pressure on the muscle knots. This allows the muscle to return to its normal length. As the muscle cells return to their normal length, the pressure on the fascia [also known as a collagen sheath] is released. Then, the neighboring muscle cells are no longer being pulled. This can provide pain relief.

One very fascinating massage technique to release tension from muscles is called MET [Muscle Energy Technique.]. It involves the brain which then sends a message to the tight muscle and turns off certain neurons in that muscle to allow it to lengthen. It’s a compelling technique! Here’s a blog I wrote about MET and why it’s so effective:  MET    

Different Ways to Get The Effect of Trigger Point Therapy

To have it done to you, there are a few ways: the best and most reliable is to get bodywork from an experienced therapist who knows how to loosen fascia! Fascia is THE best way to get relief! But also: use a foam roller and a tennis ball in the right places; have a person/partner rub the affected area.     

Trigger point injections work by interrupting the flow of electrical impulses between the muscle and the brain. When that happens, the muscle relaxes, and the pain disappears. Your healthcare provider should discuss this treatment with you. Dr. Travell [see above – under “History”] created the Spray and Stretch trigger point release technique. It entails spraying an anesthetic on the surface while stretching the muscle.

The spray is applied to the area of the skin where trigger points cause discomfort. It also momentarily blocks (or distracts) the neurological system’s sense of pain. But, the actual loosening of the trigger point is accomplished by stretching the muscle. Moreover, the spray’s ability to inhibit the pain reaction allows the stretch to relax the trigger point. Spray and Stretch is a very powerful technique for relieving trigger points.

Dry needling is an incredibly effective way to release trigger points and tension in muscles. It’s a form of acupuncture that uses very thin needles to penetrate the skin and stimulate the underlying muscles. Micro-stripping Release Technique is another technique that entails applying a brief stripping stroke over the trigger point. This approach is quite successful in releasing the trigger point’s constricted fibers.

Benefits of Trigger Point Treatment

Trigger point treatment has several advantages, making it an excellent alternative to conventional pain management approaches. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

1] Better Circulation: When muscles are tight, they might impede blood circulation. This may result in various issues, including tiredness, headaches, and vertigo.

2] Reduced Stress and Tension: T.P. therapy can help alleviate this problem by releasing knots in the muscles. This can result in an overall sense of relaxation. 3] Increased Mobility and Flexibility: If your muscles are stiff, it’s usually difficult to move freely. This can reduce your range of motion and make it challenging to perform daily tasks.

Trigger point treatment may assist in relaxing tense muscles and enhancing mobility. Additionally, tight muscles might make it challenging to accomplish a complete range of motion. This might make some tasks difficult. Trigger point treatment may assist in releasing contracted muscles and thus increasing your flexibility.

More Benefits

4] Higher Energy Levels: When your muscles are tense, it can drain your vitality. This is because the body must compensate for the tightness. Trigger point therapy may assist in releasing contracted muscles and boosting energy levels.

5] Better Sleep: Tight muscles can make sleeping difficult because they might induce pain and discomfort, making falling and maintaining sleep hard.

6] Pain Relief From A Headache: The head and neck are one of the most typical locations for tense muscles. This can cause a lot of strain and stress, leading to headaches. Trigger point treatment may assist in the relaxation of tense muscles in the head and neck, hence alleviating headache discomfort.

You can always contact me for a free consultation by just using 1 of these methods: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com  831.818.6916    https://tompettengill.com/#Services  

Rehabilitation massage for recovery from an injury

Rehabilitation Massage – What Is It and How It Compares To Other Styles

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Rehabilitation massage is a therapeutic massage technique that manipulates soft tissue to aid in recovery and healing. It’s particularly effective in assisting post-surgery patients with joint replacements and recovering from sports injuries. However, it’s also useful in the massage industry to help people recover from traumatic or complicated conditions that require very specific treatments.

Rehabilitation massage involves the use of various techniques including deep tissue manipulation and specific treatment focused on affected areas that are not functioning well. Also, the role of self-massage and tools like foam rollers for self-therapy are a very important part of the process of getting better. I emphasize this aspect because you are the one who can rehab yourself along with a therapist.

Further info about that topic – if you take a proactive role in getting better, you will positively affect the whole process of your recovery – if it’s from surgery, an injury, or just chronic pain. You are welcome to have a free initial consultation with me anytime: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com or Contact me via my website

The Benefits of Rehabilitation Massage

The key benefits of rehabilitation massage include:
1] quicker recovery from chronic conditions, surgery, injury, etc
2] quicker relief from pain and discomfort
3] return to normal [or enhanced] movement
4] a decrease in stress and tension in your body
5] improved blood and lymphatic flow

These benefits are particularly significant in postoperative care, helping to decrease pain and reduce stress and anxiety

More benefits:
6] decrease the high doses of painkillers you may be taking
7] reduce inflammation
8] decrease scar tissue if the practitioner you are using has the skills to be able to do that
9] help to regain full range of motion without discomfort
10] aid in the re-alignment of muscles and joints so the body will function more efficiently and feel better.

Body Alignment

Another major benefit is to help your body re-align itself. You’ve probably heard how the body will get out of alignment due to “compensation.” That means when an injury occurs [even a minor one], the body has to adjust itself in order to continue to function. This usually means that some body parts work more or have to do a job it’s not used to doing.

An example of body compensation is when you hurt your foot, and you have to limp. That makes the other foot, leg and even the hip lean slightly to make you walk. And your muscles work harder – and you usually feel tightness, discomfort, and pain as the other leg works harder.

Body re-alignment is a VERY important aspect of massage for rehabilitation. If an injury or even chronic tension in the body is not corrected, the body stays in a position of less-than-normal function. For competitive athletics, that is very important!! My therapeutic bodywork business deals directly with clients with those issues. Get in touch for a free consult: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com 831.818.6916

Phases of Rehabilitation

1] release tight muscles: in order to start the recovery process, muscles must become relaxed so the body can relax – sounds obvious but without relaxation, the body cannot release tension and go back to its normal ”self.”
2] improve flexibility: during this phase of rehabilitation, the body begins to repair the damaged tissue – however, the resiliency of the new tissue is low.
3] correct biomechanics: the third phase of rehabilitation is restoring the range of motion. At this phase, the body can begin to remodel correct positioning and to strengthen
4] increase strength: this is where a PT [physical therapist] can really help you focus intensely on the prevention of re-injury.
5] complete functional recovery: this is where you and the therapist keep in touch to monitor your progress to prevent re-injury.

Rehabilitation Massage For You

If you need rehabilitation massage due to your body being misaligned, tension, decreased range of motion, or inflammation, please contact me and we can talk about how to remedy your situation. I have been doing therapeutic bodywork since 2005 and have treated many clients who had difficult conditions. Below are 2 clients who greatly benefited from my work – they knew how important it was to see the process through!

Watch the 2 videos below but know that you always get a free consult when you contact me initially: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com https://tompettengill.com/#About https://tompettengill.com/#Contact Rebecca’s Pain and Right Leg Dysfunction This next vid is when I used to work in Berkeley. Suzanne’s Mysterious Low Back Pain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOS3hPJlOk

Conclusion

Rehabilitation massage has emerged as a valuable therapeutic approach to getting back to wellness. It offers significant benefits for recovery and healing. But rehab takes time to get good results. If you are dedicated to going through the process, get in touch with me. And, even if you’re not sure, contact me and we can talk about your situation.

A person in a massage, deep tissue massage

Myofascial Release – What Is It and Why Is It So Important To Massage?

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Let’s start by understanding what myofascial release is. Myofascia, more commonly just called fascia, is the multi-layered connective tissue in the body that holds, stabilizes, and connects everything. Yes, it DOES literally connect everything! Without myofascia, our bodies would actually just collapse onto the floor! We used to think it was bones that kept us upright – it’s not. It’s myofascia! How does fascia do that?

There’s a term in geometry and engineering called tensegrity – this word combines ‘tension’ and ‘integrity’. The integrity of a structure depends on the balance of the tension members [everything inside the body]. Our body is just such a structure – the structural and movement stability of the body depends on the balance of the soft tissues and the fascia that surrounds it!

Myofascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports everything inside us – like muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves and organs. It is composed of collagen and other proteins. It’s the flexible, thin coating around everything that allows our bodies to move, retract, bend, stretch, etc. And when the body can’t do those movements well and feels tight, myofascia release is a really good option!

Knowing What Myofascia Is – is Crucial to Effective Bodywork?

Modern day information about fascia tell us HOW IMPORTANT it is. The “common day” person may not kn ow what it is but if you are considering therapeutic bodywork to help resolve your body problems, your practitioner HAS TO KNOW what myofascia is! Hands down – or the long term solutions will not be achieved. Since fascia is throughout the body, affecting 1 part will affect the rest of the body – hands down!

The kind of therapeutic bodywork I do works with myofascia all the time. Why? I’m trying to make long lasting changes for all my clients. I’ll list some videos of the people I’ve worked on a bit further down the page but take a look at this explanation of what fascia is:  Spider Web

In Depth Details About What Myofascia Is

Fascia actually holds all our muscles, organs, bones, etc in place. Remember in the “old days,” it was thought that the skeleton of the body provided the structure? We now know that fascia does that – not our bones. How? And, when fascia gets out of alignment, myofascial release is the method to ease it!

Scientists have long assumed that the skeleton was a strong ‘frame’ on its own, and that the muscles ‘hang off” the framework of the skeleton. The reality is that the bones ‘float’ in the soft-tissues, with their position determined by the tensional balance in the fascia. It’s actually fascia that holds everything together – kinda like when you make jello and put fruit into it, so the fruit gets suspended in the “matrix.”

But How Does Fascia Support Everything in The Body?

Since fascia is everywhere inside the body, think of it as being similar to a spider web. A web can support many things – the spider, flies that get caught, the spider’s “eggs”, etc. Fascia does a similar thing – it supports all of our internal structures.  But how?

Fascia is a “web” because it’s all connected to itself – just like a spider web. So, in a spider web, a fly lands on the outer edges of the web but the spider, in distant part of the web, is able to feel the disruption “in the force.” That exact concept happens within our bodies – when fascia is disturbed, the rest of the body knows it and has to compensate!  Spider Web

Myofascial Release – How Do You Feel?

Does your body always feel tight or sore? Are your neck, shoulders, back and even your head asking for relief? Tight hips?  Yoga can help with some of that but it can’t always stretch the fascia in the correct way. If you’ve been looking for ways to ease your pain, you should try myofascial release.

The keys for a practitioner to perform myofascial release are 3 fold:

1] have an extensive knowledge of anatomy

2] have years of experience with clients to know how to correctly adjust fascia

3] know how to loosen myofascia without damaging it. This is crucial – fascia can be damaged if stretched too far!

Please contact me if you’d like more advice. Email me at tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com or use my contact form

Symptoms of tight fascia are similar to other painful conditions – but here are a few: dull, achy muscles, tension in a muscle, pain that doesn’t go away, tiredness, etc. Because fascia in ubiquitous in the body, the actual symptoms can be hard to distinguish from other causes. A skilled massage practitioner will be able to find tight fascia. Contact me anytime and we can discuss your situation.

Benefits of Myofascial Release

When an experienced bodyworker can actually help to loosen your tight fascia, you will know it! You’ll feel lighter, will move more easily and usually have a darn good day!! And, here are some additional benefits: reduced soreness, assist your body to feel more relaxed overall, improve your range of motion [arms, legs especially], improved circulation and increased tissue recovery.

Myofascial Release – What Happens If Fascia Is Injured?

Since fascia is so prevalent throughout the body, it plays a critical role of integrating the body as well as how we move. And since it’s all connected to itself, when part of it is injured or isn’t as elastic as it should be, it naturally puts a “drag” on the rest of the body. That means that if we get injured and the fascia in a certain area isn’t functioning well, other areas will also feel the restriction and become inhibited. Working with fascia as a practitioner, I’ve learned the best ways to release the tension. Sometimes the fascial restriction is minor so myofascial release is easier to do. But other times, after surgery [like a knee or hip replacement], the fascia separation is rather major and complicated. You are welcome to get in touch to talk about this.

Getting a massage, neuromuscluar massage

Neuromuscular Therapy – What It Is and How Effective It Can Be

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Neuromuscular therapy is just what you think it is – working with the body’s muscles AND the nerves. Neuromuscular techniques involve the manual application of specialized pressure and strokes, typically using the fingers or thumb to make contact. Furthermore, the aim is to assess and treat soft tissue dysfunction, including myofascial trigger points, to alleviate pain and restore normal function.

Neuromuscular therapy is very specialized and is designed to correct pain and movement dysfunction. It treats trigger points, muscle adhesions, and dysfunctional connective tissue patterns. Specific injury/trauma can cause these problems, or even repetitive movements and bad posture. Repetitive movements are doing the same body movement over and over – this can create pain and dysfunction.

My therapeutic bodywork business addresses and treats these exact problems: repetitive movement, muscle adhesions, fascia disruption and trigger points. Trigger points are muscle “knots” which are sore spots in muscles and soft tissue that cause deep aching. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder with too many trigger points. 

Neuromuscular Therapy Relief

A qualified, skillful massage practitioner can give relief by treating the body in a holistic way. This comprehensive approach is effective in the long run – as opposed to just working on the immediate area of pain. And how did the problem come about in the 1st place? And, how to prevent it from coming back?

I work with people who want long-term effects for their own personal problems – some people have chronic pain that has slowly built up for years. You are welcome to contact me for a free initial discussion: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com or Contact

Here are 2 videos of people I’ve worked with who had chronic pain and dysfunction. Note: Suzanne’s interview was when I was working in Berkeley.    Suzanne’s Pain Relief and Rebecca’s Burning Pain

More Info

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a highly specialized form of therapeutic massage that utilizes treatment protocols to find and release trigger points in muscle and tendon that are causing pain and dysfunction in the body. Neuromuscular therapy is a highly effective and efficient modality for pain relief, and is based on treatment for each individual –  NOT on depth of pressure.

NMT treatments work to re-educate contracted muscle tissue, release trigger points, loosen myofascial holding patterns, and decrease pain. Most of these patterns have either developed steadily over time or are a direct result of trauma and injury to the body. Because of this, I recommend you start with a series of sessions once per week.

In addition, the type of therapeutic bodywork I do does the same thing: release tension and stress from muscles that can hold chronic discomfort. And, even more impressive is a technique that re-educates the brain to tell muscles to relax. It’s a VERY awesome procedure. Read my blog about it here.

Contact me for more info: 831.818.6916   tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com

Benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy

Reduce or Eliminate Pain. One of the most common acute injuries in the world is a pulled muscle. This therapy works to correctly manipulate the nervous system to reduce pain in affected areas. 

Better Healing  Traditionally, treatments for muscle aches and pains are treated by alternating ice, heat, and rest. However, neuromuscular therapy will ensure that your muscle injury is healed correctly so that you can avoid repeat injuries.

Improve Posture. Stress and strain on the body can often cause poor posture is caused. For example, slumping forward to see your phone will cause tension in the spine, back, or shoulders. The trouble with poor posture is that it creates a cascading effect that affects the rest of the body. Neuromuscular treatments can improve posture by releasing tension in the muscles that contributes to incorrect spinal alignment.

Increase Ease of Movement  If you’ve ever severely pulled a muscle, then you’re likely no stranger to the concept of “babying” the injury. Neuromuscular therapy is designed to help your movements return to full range of motion.

Better Flexibility and Strength The human body is designed to be flexible and elastic, but sometimes muscle injuries can limit that. Neuromuscular therapy will help restore the flexibility.

More Benefits

Increased Circulation  When circulation is poor, it’s more difficult to feel healthy and to be active. With NMT, you can restore circulation throughout your body and increase blood flow to the injured areas of your body. The practitioner uses manual stimulation by the practitioner to increase circulation. One of the biggest boons of better circulation is to reduce the swelling in your body.

More Energy  It can be hard to feel spry and energetic when you are experiencing injuries in your body. In fact, constant pain can be exhausting, particularly if your pain increases with daily movement. Neuromuscular therapy will reduce your stress as well as the tension in your body. And when you feel better, your life is better!

Furthermore, modern pain research has demonstrated that part of chronic pain is the presence of areas of soft tissue dysfunction that create pain and distress in the human body. Chronic pain is the long-term pain we feel in our bodies that just won’t go away! So, for a discussion about your situation – and to see what your treatment possibilities are, please contact me: tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com

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Tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com
831-818-6916
Neuromuscular Therapy – What It Is and How Effective It Can Be
© Tompettengill 2025
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Neuromuscular Therapy – What It Is and How Effective It Can Be
© Tompettengill 2025
Tpett.ortho.massage@gmail.com
831-818-6916
Designed and Maintained by Attraction Unlimited Marketing Designed and Maintained by Attraction Unlimited Marketing