I use “neuromuscular therapeutic massage” and “sports massage” to describe the same service at OC Massage Therapy. If you’ve seen both names and wondered which to book, you don’t need to choose between them. What matters to me is what brought you in and how you’d like me to approach the session.
What I mean by neuromuscular massage
I offer prenatal massage, trigger point therapy, and sports or neuromuscular therapeutic massage. My sports massage page explains how your activities can help shape an appointment. A long run, time in the surf, or a return to the gym may leave you with different concerns. I start by asking which concern matters most to you.
You might want attention on one tight area, or you might prefer a broader massage. Tell me when you notice the discomfort, what you’ve been doing, and what pressure feels comfortable. You don’t need to identify a muscle or arrive with a diagnosis. If you’re pregnant or have medical restrictions, let me know before we book.
My training and the limits of massage
I trained at the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy (W.I.N.) and have been practicing massage since 2010. You can read more about my background on my About page. My CAMTC certificate number is 67052.
The word “neuromuscular” doesn’t mean I diagnose nerve conditions or provide physical therapy. If you’re having new numbness, weakness, severe pain or worsening symptoms, get medical advice before booking. I can work within your provider’s guidance, but a massage appointment can’t tell you what’s causing those symptoms.
The NCCIH overview of massage research explains that evidence varies by condition and that benefits for neck and shoulder discomfort may be short-lived. I keep that distinction clear: we can plan a massage around comfort and muscle tension without promising to heal an injury.
What to tell me when you book
“My upper back feels tight after longer runs” gives me a useful place to start. So does “I’d like attention on one tender spot” or “I want a quieter, less intense appointment.” I’ll ask about your main concern and the approach you prefer. We can decide whether sports massage or trigger point work best describes what you’re looking for.
To request an appointment, Text or call Javier. Include your preferred day, whether you’d like 60 or 90 minutes, and any provider restrictions I need to know about. I’ll confirm the time with you personally.