Finding Health by Defining Balance...
A variety of treatments and modalities are available to customize an individual experience.
Treatment Modalities
Each treatment session is tailored to the patient’s needs and goals. Not all modalities are offered by every NOM therapist. Please see bios. Not every modality will be used in every session, however please feel free to inquire further about any treatment you feel may benefit your needs.
Structural
Integration
A series of 10 sessions, (SI) is a system of manual therapy and sensorimotor education that aims to improve human biomechanical functioning as a whole rather than to treat particular symptoms. It was developed and propagated by the biochemist Ida Pauline Rolf (1896–1979) in the mid- and late 20th century. Methods of SI are both manipulative and educational. Manual force is applied to the soft tissues in a manner that is generally more gradual and prolonged than is typical of chiropractic, yet with more pressure than is typical of massage. The client most often lies on a cushioned treatment table, but may also be seated or standing. The practitioner makes contact with fingertips, knuckles, elbows, a closed fist or the flat of the ulna, sustaining pressure until the tissue is felt to “give,” which is taken as an indication that its pliability has increased and thereby joint mobility. In order to increase the area over which soft tissue change occurs, as well as affect the neurology of the joint movement, the client is often asked to perform slow, directed movements as pressure is applied. - Journal of Alt. And Complementary Medicine, 2011
Connective Tissue massage
Connective tissue manipulation or connective tissue massage (Bindegewebs massage) is a manual reflex therapy. The assessment of the patient and the clinical decision-making that directs treatment is based on a theoretical model that assumes a reflex effect on the autonomic nervous system which is induced by manipulating the fascial layers within and beneath the skin to stimulate cutaneo-visceral reflexes. CTM promotes relaxation, vitality and increases self-awareness. It benefits almost everyone but is popular amongst dancers and athletes as a natural means to enhance performance. It may also aid in preventing and rehabilitating several types of injuries. CTM can be adjusted to the needs and comfort of the patient, as well as expediting their recovery and minimising their susceptibility to future injuries. This form of manual therapy improves circulation and treats different conditions affecting the nerves and musculoskeletal system.
PNF Stretching
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a stretching technique utilized to improve muscle elasticity and has been shown to have a positive effect on active and passive range of motion. Currently, research has proven that PNF techniques do increase ROM (Funk et al., 2003; Lucas and Koslow, 1984; Wallin et al., 1985). Four theoretical physiological mechanisms for increasing ROM were identified: autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, stress relaxation, and the gate control theory (Sharman et al., 2006; Rowlands et al., 2003). Each of these theoretical mechanisms are reflexes that occur when the Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) in the tendons of the target muscle (TM), or in the antagonist muscle to the TM, detect harmful stimuli (such as a stretching sensation or during a contraction). PNF has also been found to increase muscular performance when performed in regard to exercise. If performed before exercise, it will actually decrease muscular performance; however, studies have shown that if PNF is performed either after or without exercise it increases muscular performance (Bradley et al., 2007; Marek et al., 2005; Mikolajec et al., 2012; Nelson et al., 1986). For further understanding of the proprioceptors visit https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=2801
Cupping
Cupping Therapy works using negative pressure, which draws circulation from capillaries in the deeper underlying surfaces, to the body surface, enabling the practitioner to affect the body even deeper than with Deep Tissue Massage. We use silicone cups, safer than traditional glass cups. Cupping may cause skin discoloration termed ecchymosis or petechiae, not technically bruising, in some clients, depending on the length of time the cups are left in one place. This is a temporary side effect, sometimes lasting 3-7 days, but something to consider. Different from how a practitioner presses down onto the body with other bodywork modalities, cupping enables the movement of tissue in the opposite direction, up and away from the body center, encouraging even more circulation of blood and lymph, while also lifting superficial fascia. Cupping can be used in conjunction with other modalities, or as a stand- alone treatment. Cupping is often used to treat pain conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and arthritis. Cupping can help with strains, sprains, and back injuries, and is often used as a post-performance treatment in athletes, to speed recovery time.
Table Thai Massage
Also known as "Lazy Man's Yoga," Table Thai Yoga Massage is a modern-day evolution and fusion of Traditional Northern-style Thai Massage and Yoga. These blended healing practices harmonize breath, movement, and intention to provide decreased stress, tension, and pain. At the heart of Table Thai Yoga Massage is the practice of loving kindness, or what the Thai call “Metta.” Table Thai Yoga Massage is a 3-dimensional experience, where the muscles, tendons, ligaments, as well as the joints receive the benefit of movement. Table Thai restores natural range of motion and joint health, enhances functional integration of the body, and clears fascial restrictions from previous injuries and repetitive stress patterns. The use of Acupressure and passive stretching to clear blockages along the Sen lines (i.e. energy meridians) powerfully relaxes the mind and calms the heart. During a session, the client will wear comfortable clothing for stretching, and work will be done on a massage table, rather than a mat on the floor, as is with traditional Thai massage. www.livingmetta.com
Visceral
Manipulation
A form of French Osteopathy created by Jean Pierre Barral, Doctor of Osteopathy and Physical Therapist. Barral's clinical work is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs, their environment, and the potential influence on many structural and physiological dysfunctions. The purpose of VM is to re-create, harmonize, and increase proprioceptive communication in the body to enhance its internal mechanism for better health, thereby revitalizing a person, and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture. Visceral Manipulation treats a person's functional and structural imbalances with an aim to affect their musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction. Jean-Pierre Barral's famous dictum, “Only the tissues know,” expresses that the tissues in the body have a deep and innate intelligence. Everything that has happened in our lives—injuries, diseases, stressors, etc.—is recorded in our tissues. At the core of Visceral Manipulation (VM) is 'listening' to the tissues with our hands. Through manual listening techniques, trained hands of a skilled practitioner feel where the tissues are pulling toward the areas of restriction, the areas where the body is not moving, and the areas of the greatest impact on the person's wellbeing from the manual therapy perspective. www.BarralInstitute.com
Precision Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular massage or trigger point therapy aims to relieve stress and release tension in the trigger point by placing firm pressure directly over the taut tissue for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The goal of applying sustained pressure is to manually “soften” the fibers and make them “loose.” After the fibers are loosened, blood flow is stimulated into the area (which was previously deprived of adequate blood and oxygen) to foster healing and eventually relieve pain. Massage therapists trained in neuromuscular massage can pinpoint trigger points by understanding the pain patterns of the patient. It is important to note that pressing a myofascial trigger point will elicit pain, and it’s essential for patients to effectively communicate with their therapists if the pain is tolerable or not. The pain should fade shortly after the pressure is released. Mild soreness may occur in the treated area for a few hours, which may be alleviated with topical pain medication or ice therapy.
Craniosacral Therapy
CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and circulatory. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety. By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to “dis-ease”.
Graston Technique
There are six core tools used in the Graston Technique, each made of stainless steel in both concave and convex shapes. The edges of the tools are rounded rather than sharp, as they are used to scan over the body and detect areas of injured fibrotic tissue. This both identifies problems as well as treating them. There are a wealth of studies related to the Graston Technique and its effectiveness. Through intense research, it has been found to be effective as much as 75% to 90% of the time in a range of conditions. This evidence has shown that the Graston Technique: • Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, splaying and stretching connective tissue and muscle fibers • Facilitates reflex changes in chronic muscle holding pattern • Alters/inhibits spinal reflex activity • Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to the impacted area • Increases cellular activity in the region • Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity
Acupressure
An ancient form of massage that is one of the treatment methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The goal of acupressure (as well as other Chinese Medicine treatments), is to encourage the movement of qi ("life energy") through the 14 channels (meridians) inside the body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. Chinese Medicine theory states that the constant flow of qi through these channels is essential for a person to keep their health. If this energy flow is blocked, the body can no longer maintain the balance that is needed to maintain high energy and deal with health issues.
Myoskeletal
Alignment Technique
A form of manual therapy that uses scientific evidence about the body and brain to inform the practitioner’s approach to musculoskeletal problems. MAT relies heavily on strategic deep tissue and muscle activation techniques for posture correction and pain relief. MAT uses contract-relax techniques to help the nervous system feel less threatened by what has been identified as a painful movement. Active pain-free therapy signals the brain that the previously painful movement is now safe. By doing this repeatedly, the nervous system will often start to disassociate the movement from the pain. In essence, the goal of MAT is to bring as much “good news” to the nervous system as possible. In every session, the goal is to address the client’s condition based on their immediate physical and emotional state, never pushing beyond where their bodies or minds want to go. The process is always fluid, creative and interactive. By offering assistance to the body’s natural healing process, massage therapists help the client’s brain correct the underlying causes of pain and discomfort. www.Freedomfrompain.com
Myofascial Trigger
Point Therapy
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid, through the non-pressurized system. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the system. The intention is to augment the rhythmic contractions and stimulate the lymph nodes to improve their activity in order to reroute stagnant lymphatic fluid. It is effective as a preventative and postoperative rehabilitation treatment.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha has also been known as "Scraping," "Spooning," or "Coining," indicating different everyday tools that have been used for this modality. It is a traditional East Asian healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool. The goal of gua sha is to promote healing and circulation by scraping areas of the body with inflammation or stagnant qi. Gua sha is often used to treat chronic pain, muscle and joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, migraines, neck pain, swelling, anxiety, and fatigue. Gua sha is not supposed to be painful, but it can cause bruising. The bruises are usually red or purple and appear as spots called petechiae or sha.
Acutonics
A form of sound therapy that places tuning forks and Traditional Tibetan Singing Bowls on the TCM meridians to balance the flow of Qi. Acutonics tuning forks are tuned to specific frequencies of the Cosmic bodies.... Earth, Moon, Sun, Planets. When applied to the patient, an entrainment of the nervous system promotes rest, relaxation and an overall sense of wellbeing...like having had a full night’s rest in an hour.
Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Structural Bodywork &
Connective Tissue Massage
$165 per 90 minute session
$125 per hour
Tips & Gratuity:
Just as you would not tip a medical provider, tipping & gratuity are not expected at Nashville Orthopedic Massage. We appreciate your trust and hope you consider us as valued members of your care team.
*Attire: Sports bra, loose athletic shorts & underwear are the preferred attire for optimal assessment and movement.
- Cancellation Policy -
Please note that once you have booked an appointment with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you.
If you cancel your appointment less than [24 hours] before it is scheduled to take place, you will be charged the full cost of your scheduled session.
To avoid a cancellation fee, please provide cancellation notice at least [24 hours] prior to your appointment.