Questions About Our Neuromuscular Therapy
Considering neuromuscular therapy but not sure what to expect? Here are answers to some of the most common questions clients have before their first appointment with Lisa Faure.
What is neuromuscular therapy?
Neuromuscular therapy is a specialized form of therapeutic massage that focuses on identifying and addressing areas of muscular tension, imbalance, and dysfunction that may contribute to pain or restricted movement.
Rather than providing a general full-body massage, treatment is focused on the areas and patterns that may be contributing to your specific symptoms.
What does neuromuscular therapy help with?
Neuromuscular therapy may be helpful for a variety of pain and movement concerns, including:
Neck and shoulder pain
Back pain
Sciatica
Hip pain
TMJ and jaw tension
Headaches
Muscle tension
Postural imbalances
Chronic or recurring muscular pain
Limited range of motion
Pain associated with repetitive movement or physical activity
Every person is different, so treatment is based on your individual symptoms and physical presentation.
Is neuromuscular therapy the same as a regular massage?
No.
While both involve hands-on work with muscles and soft tissue, neuromuscular therapy is more targeted and therapeutic. Treatment focuses on identifying specific areas of tension and dysfunction rather than providing relaxation.
Your session may involve focused work on particular muscles, trigger points, movement patterns, and areas that may be contributing to your discomfort.
Will neuromuscular therapy hurt?
Some techniques may feel intense, particularly when working with areas of significant muscular tension. However, treatment should remain within a tolerable range.
Communication is an important part of every session. Pressure and techniques can be adjusted based on your comfort level and how your body responds.
The goal is therapeutic treatment, not simply to work as deeply as possible.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first appointment begins with a conversation about what you are experiencing.
Lisa will want to understand where you are experiencing pain or discomfort, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your movement and daily activities.
Treatment is then tailored to your needs. Depending on your symptoms, Lisa may work with the muscles directly related to the area of discomfort as well as surrounding areas that may be contributing to the problem.
Do I need to know exactly what is causing my pain?
No.
You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or know exactly which muscle is causing your symptoms.
One of the benefits of working with an experienced neuromuscular therapist is having someone assess your muscular patterns and determine where focused treatment may be appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some people may notice changes after one session, while longstanding or recurring issues may require multiple appointments. Most people need 1-3 sessions. Your response can depend on the nature and duration of your symptoms, your daily activities, movement patterns, and how your body responds to treatment.
The goal is to develop an approach that makes sense for your individual situation rather than automatically scheduling an unnecessary number of sessions.
Can neuromuscular therapy help with sciatica?
Neuromuscular therapy may help address muscular tension and movement patterns associated with sciatic symptoms.
Treatment may include muscles around the lower back, hips, glutes, pelvis, and legs depending on your individual presentation.
Can neuromuscular therapy help with TMJ and jaw pain?
Yes, it may. Jaw tension can occur alongside tension in the face, neck, shoulders, and upper body. A neuromuscular approach can focus on areas of muscular tension that may be contributing to jaw discomfort.
Treatment is personalized and may include work around the jaw, face, neck, and surrounding muscles.
Can massage help with headaches?
Some headaches may occur alongside muscular tension in the neck, shoulders, jaw, or upper back.
Neuromuscular therapy can address muscular tension that may be contributing to discomfort. Headaches have many possible causes, and massage is not appropriate for every type of headache.
New, severe, sudden, or unusual headaches should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
A doctor's referral is not required to schedule a massage therapy appointment.
Should I see a massage therapist or a physical therapist?
It depends on what you need.
Physical therapy can be appropriate when you need rehabilitation, strengthening, mobility training, or recovery following an injury or surgery.
Neuromuscular therapy focuses primarily on hands-on work with muscles and soft tissue and may be appropriate for people experiencing muscular pain, tension, or movement-related discomfort. If you're not sure, feel free to give Lisa a call to discuss your symptoms prior to booking.
In some situations, massage therapy and physical therapy can complement one another.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear clothing that allows you to be comfortable and move easily.
For table-based massage therapy, you will be appropriately draped throughout the session. Only the area being treated is exposed, and your comfort and privacy are important throughout your appointment.
Should I eat before my appointment?
A light meal or snack before your appointment is generally fine.
Avoid arriving overly full, especially if you will be lying on your stomach or back for an extended period. Staying hydrated before and after your session is also a good idea.
What should I do after neuromuscular therapy?
Your body may need some time to respond to treatment.
Depending on the work performed, you may experience temporary tenderness or feel different in the treated areas. Follow any specific aftercare recommendations provided during your appointment.
Gentle movement, normal daily activity, hydration, and any recommended exercises may help support your recovery.
Can I exercise after my appointment?
Gentle movement may be appropriate, while intense exercise immediately following deeper therapeutic work may not be ideal for everyone. Your aftercare recommendations can be adjusted based on your treatment and individual response.
How long does it take to feel better?
Everyone responds differently.
Some clients notice changes in pain, tension, or mobility shortly after treatment. For others, improvement may take several sessions, particularly when symptoms have been present for a long time.
Neuromuscular therapy is not about promising an instant fix. The goal is to identify areas that may be contributing to your symptoms and work with them progressively.
Why choose Lisa Faure?
Lisa Faure is a nationally licensed massage therapist and experienced neuromuscular therapist serving clients in the Phoenix area.
With nearly four decades of experience, Lisa has developed a focused approach to working with pain, muscular tension, posture, and movement. Her training includes neuromuscular therapy and specialized techniques designed to address more complex muscular issues.
Each session is personalized rather than following a standard massage routine. Read more about Lisa's expertise here.
Where do you provide neuromuscular therapy?
Lisa serves clients in the Phoenix area, including Scottsdale and surrounding communities.
If you are searching for neuromuscular therapy in Phoenix, neuromuscular therapy in Scottsdale, or help with a specific concern such as sciatica, TMJ pain, neck pain, or chronic muscular tension, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your needs.
Still have questions?
You do not need to know exactly what treatment you need before scheduling.
If you are dealing with persistent muscular pain, tension, or movement limitations and are looking for a more targeted approach than a traditional massage, neuromuscular therapy may be worth exploring.
Schedule an appointment with Lisa Faure to discuss your symptoms and determine whether neuromuscular therapy may be appropriate for you.
Neuromuscular therapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, significant weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical care.