Massage Therapy
Myofascial Release
At Align Physical Therapy & Chiropractic, we view the body as an interconnected system — and the fascia plays a key role in that connection. Fascia is a web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every muscle, joint, and organ. When it becomes tight or restricted from injury, stress, or poor movement patterns, it can lead to stiffness, pain, and limited mobility.
Myofascial release is a gentle, hands-on technique that restores movement and elasticity to these tissues. By releasing tension and improving circulation, this therapy helps reduce pain, enhance flexibility, and restore natural movement patterns. At Align, our massage therapists use myofascial release to help release tissues and break myofascial adhesions.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is specialized manual therapy that addresses chronic pain and dysfunction by targeting specific tender knots called trigger points in muscles, aiming to relieve nerve compression, poor posture, and circulatory issues, restoring proper nerve-muscle communication and function. It involves applying firm, sustained pressure to these tight bands and surrounding tissues to release tension, improve blood flow, and recalibrate the neuromuscular system for lasting relief, differing from general deep tissue massage by focusing specifically on nerve pathways and deep tissue imbalances.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage uses slow, firm strokes and deep pressure to target the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues, breaking up chronic tension, knots (adhesions), and scar tissue to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce stiffness, making it ideal for chronic aches, injuries, and postural issues rather than just light relaxation. Therapists use fingers, thumbs, and elbows with sustained pressure to work across muscle grain, promoting healing, increasing circulation, and restoring normal movement.
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms.
Cupping Therapy
We incorporate cupping therapy into many of our massage treatments to enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and accelerate recovery. This therapeutic method uses gentle suction created by specialized cups placed on the skin to lift and decompress the underlying tissue, helping to release tightness and improve mobility.
Cupping is especially effective for addressing stiffness, muscle soreness, and postural tension in areas such as the back, shoulders, and neck. The increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage it promotes helps to reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing response. The result is a restorative treatment that not only eases discomfort but also promotes long-term balance, flexibility, and overall movement health.