Restorative massage therapy creates harmony and balance in our muscular structure by reducing the stress hormones and detoxifying the body. The Touch Research Institute at the University of South Florida has conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions. They have studied the effects of massage therapy at all stages of life, from newborns to senior citizens. The Touch Research Institute article was published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology the massage therapy subjects reported that their pain was diminished, and they had less stiffness, less fatigue, and improved sleep. Tests showed lower stress hormones which translated to lower stress, anxiety, and depression. Many muscle pain problems respond positively to restorative massage including post-surgery knee and hip replacements, trigger points, shoulder referral pain, and neck, and back pain and spasms. Patients with hypersensitive responses do well to the lighter touch therapy of Craniosacral therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage. Although fibromyalgia is a neurologic body inflammation problem that generally affects the entire body. Trigger points can refer to pain in a pattern some distance from the real problem.

Neuromuscular therapy is very effective in treating TP’S. The illustration shows a typical headache trigger point that responds to treatment. I find techniques that work vary with each patient, some respond with very light manual lymph drainage while others get significant relief from deeper neuromuscular therapy. As we age it is important to take care of ourselves so that we can stay active and feel good.