Conditions We Treat
Chronic Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain
Chronic spinal and shoulder pain often develops from a combination of soft-tissue dysfunction, postural imbalance, joint restriction, and repetitive strain. Over time, shortened muscle groups, fascial adhesions, and protective muscular guarding limit normal movement mechanics, leading to persistent discomfort and compensatory patterns throughout the upper body. Patients frequently experience tightness, burning sensations, radiating discomfort, or tension that worsens with stress, prolonged sitting, or physical activity.
At Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy, treatment begins with a structural and neuromuscular assessment to identify primary tension patterns, joint restrictions, and dysfunctional movement habits. We use targeted techniques—including myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point work, and soft tissue mobilization—to address restrictions in the cervical spine, thoracic region, scapular stabilizers, and rotator cuff. These methods reduce hypertonicity, improve circulation, and restore elasticity to deep soft tissues.
For chronic or long-standing symptoms, we incorporate advanced modalities such as CO₂ cryotherapy, red light therapy, and ultrasound to decrease inflammation, accelerate tissue healing, and improve neuromuscular communication. Treatment plans may also include postural re-education and corrective exercises to reinforce functional alignment and prevent recurrence. Our approach is both clinical and holistic—focused on reducing pain while restoring full, pain-free movement.
Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines are often linked to dysfunction within the cervical spine, upper back, jaw, and surrounding soft tissues. Common contributing factors include sustained postural strain, myofascial trigger points, TMJ tension, restricted cervical joints, and hypersensitivity of the trigeminal and cervical nerve pathways. Patients may experience throbbing, aching, or pressure-like sensations, often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, or hypersensitivity to light and sound.
Our migraine-specific treatment approach emphasizes precision soft-tissue evaluation of the suboccipitals, SCM, scalenes, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and deep cervical fascia. Techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular therapy help decrease muscular compression on the cervical nerves and improve blood flow to the head and neck. Releasing restrictions around the upper cervical spine can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity.
For patients with chronic or stubborn migraines, we may incorporate red light therapy to promote cellular regeneration and decrease inflammation, or targeted cryotherapy to reduce neural irritation. We also provide education on ergonomic positioning, sleep posture, hydration, and stress-related tension patterns. Many patients experience relief after the first few sessions, with continued improvements as neuromuscular balance is restored.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD)
TMJ dysfunction is a complex condition involving the jaw joint, chewing muscles, cervical spine, and surrounding fascial structures. TMD may result from stress-induced clenching, bite imbalance, neck misalignment, myofascial tension, or trauma such as whiplash. Symptoms commonly include jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, clicking or popping, ear pressure, headaches, and radiating facial discomfort.
Our TMJ treatment protocol focuses on releasing tension within the masseter, temporalis, pterygoids (external and—if appropriate—internal), suprahyoid muscles, and deep cervical stabilizers. Myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and intra-oral techniques (if permitted and requested) help to reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint and restore smooth jaw movement. We also address contributing cervical dysfunction, as many TMJ symptoms are linked to instability and tension in the upper neck.
Ultrasound or red light therapy may be used to calm inflammation and improve tissue healing around the jaw and cervical region. Gentle corrective exercises and postural retraining help reinforce neuromuscular alignment and reduce bruxism-related strain. Our approach is clinically grounded and designed to reduce pain, restore jaw mobility, and support long-term TMJ stability.
Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, often due to muscular tightness, disc issues, or pelvic misalignment. Piriformis syndrome specifically involves entrapment of the sciatic nerve by a tight or inflamed piriformis muscle. Symptoms can include sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or radiating discomfort that travels down the glute, hamstring, or calf. Sitting, driving, and bending may worsen the condition.
Our clinical protocol begins with assessing pelvic alignment, glute activation, lumbar mobility, and deep hip rotator tension. Treatment often includes myofascial release of the piriformis, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, deep rotators, hamstrings, and quadratus lumborum. Neuromuscular therapy is used to improve muscle firing patterns and reduce compensatory guarding around the pelvis and low back.
Localized cryotherapy and ultrasound can be used to reduce inflammation and neural irritation, while red light therapy supports cellular recovery. Many sciatica cases respond well to clinical massage when the underlying tissue and biomechanical dysfunctions are addressed directly. We also incorporate corrective movement strategies to prevent recurrence and improve overall hip stability.
Pain from Herniated or Bulging Discs
Disc injuries—whether herniations, protrusions, or bulges—can create intense pain and neurological symptoms due to compression or irritation of the spinal nerves. Patients commonly experience sharp or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or restricted mobility in the neck, mid-back, or low back region. Disc conditions often develop from long-term postural strain, repetitive lifting, degenerative changes, or acute trauma.
At Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy, treatment for disc-related pain focuses on reducing muscular guarding, improving mobility of surrounding tissues, and decreasing compression forces on the spine. We assess mobility restrictions in the paraspinals, quadratus lumborum, glutes, hip flexors, rotator cuff of the hip, and deep core stabilizers. Myofascial release and neuromuscular techniques help relax overactive muscles that may be pulling the spine into dysfunctional patterns.
Advanced modalities such as CO₂ cryotherapy and ultrasound can help reduce inflammation around irritated nerve roots and improve local circulation to support tissue healing. Red light therapy is also used to decrease cellular inflammation and promote recovery of soft tissues impacted by disc injury. Our clinical approach works best when integrated with patient education on proper movement mechanics, lifting strategies, and posture correction to prevent flare-ups and long-term recurrence.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations in the thumb and first three fingers. Contributing factors include repetitive strain, forearm tension, shortness of the flexor muscles, poor ergonomic positioning, and shoulder or cervical dysfunction that affects nerve gliding.
Our treatment focuses on restoring mobility throughout the entire upper extremity—not just the wrist. We assess the cervical spine, shoulder girdle, pectorals, forearm flexors/extensors, and the carpal tunnel itself. Myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and targeted soft tissue mobilization help relieve pressure on the median nerve and improve mobility of the tendons and surrounding fascia.
Ultrasound is often beneficial for reducing inflammation in the wrist and forearm compartments, while red light therapy supports cellular healing and nerve recovery. For chronic or work-related cases, we incorporate ergonomic recommendations and corrective exercises to reinforce proper alignment of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. This comprehensive approach helps restore strength, reduce symptoms, and prevent flare-ups.
Tendonitis and Bursitis
Tendonitis and bursitis are inflammatory conditions affecting the tendons and bursae, commonly caused by overuse, repetitive movements, or muscular imbalance. These conditions often present with localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion around the affected joint. Common areas include the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles.
We begin by identifying the mechanical and soft-tissue imbalances contributing to tendon overload. Treatment may include myofascial release, deep tissue mobilization, trigger point reduction, and lymphatic drainage to decrease inflammation. Neuromuscular therapy helps restore proper muscle recruitment and movement efficiency, reducing stress on the irritated tendon or bursa.
Cryotherapy can be applied to reduce swelling and pain, while therapeutic ultrasound helps stimulate tissue repair and accelerate healing. Red light therapy supports collagen production and reduces cellular inflammation, making it an excellent adjunct to soft-tissue treatment. Our clinical protocol not only reduces pain and swelling but also works to restore optimal biomechanics and prevent recurrence.
Rotator Cuff Injuries and Frozen Shoulder
Rotator cuff injuries and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) involve significant soft-tissue restriction and decreased mobility of the shoulder joint. Patients may experience sharp pain with lifting, difficulty reaching overhead, pain during sleep, or severe stiffness that limits daily activities. These conditions often develop from repetitive overhead movements, postural dysfunction, muscle imbalances, or post-surgical complications.
Our treatment approach begins with a detailed assessment of scapular mechanics, glenohumeral mobility, postural alignment, and compensatory muscle patterns. Clinical techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and targeted soft tissue mobilization help restore elasticity to the rotator cuff, deltoids, pecs, subscapularis, and surrounding structures. Neuromuscular re-education is used to improve scapular stability and correct dysfunctional shoulder mechanics.
For frozen shoulder or significant inflammation, CO₂ cryotherapy and ultrasound can help reduce pain and swelling, while red light therapy supports tissue repair and capsular mobility. Progressive soft tissue work combined with home exercises helps improve range of motion and restore proper shoulder function. Many patients see measurable improvements in mobility and pain levels within a few sessions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the thick band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that supports the arch of the foot. Patients typically report sharp, stabbing pain near the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged standing. Contributing factors include calf tightness, restricted ankle mobility, overpronation, prolonged standing, sudden increases in activity, and fascial adhesions through the foot and lower leg.
At Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy, treatment begins with a structural assessment of the foot, ankle, and lower kinetic chain. We address tension through the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, and intrinsic foot muscles using myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue mobilization. These techniques help decrease fascial restrictions, improve circulation, and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
CO₂ cryotherapy and ultrasound are especially effective for reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair in chronic plantar fasciitis cases. Red light therapy may also be used to increase cellular healing and reduce pain levels. We incorporate gait analysis, footwear recommendations, and corrective strategies to address biomechanical contributors. Most patients experience a reduction in morning pain and improved walking tolerance with consistent, targeted care.
Post-Surgical Scar Tissue and Adhesions
After surgery, scar tissue and adhesions can form as part of the natural healing process. However, excessive or disorganized scar tissue may restrict movement, cause pain, alter biomechanics, and contribute to nerve entrapment or swelling. Common areas of concern include shoulder surgeries, knee surgeries, abdominal procedures, spinal surgeries, and orthopedic repairs.
We use myofascial release, cross-fiber friction, targeted soft-tissue mobilization, and manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling, improve fluid movement, and prevent excessive scar buildup. Ultrasound and red light therapy support collagen remodeling and improve tissue flexibility.
MLD significantly shortens healing time, reduces postoperative swelling, and improves the appearance and function of surgical areas.
Ultrasound is often used to soften dense scar tissue and enhance tissue remodeling, while red light therapy supports cellular recovery and reduces inflammation. For postoperative swelling or lymphedema, gentle lymphatic drainage techniques can help reduce fluid buildup. Our approach helps restore mobility, decrease pain, and improve long-term function for patients recovering from orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.
Whiplash and Cervical Strain
Whiplash injuries occur when the neck is rapidly accelerated and decelerated, typically from motor vehicle collisions, falls, or sports impacts. This sudden movement can damage muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves in the cervical region. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, jaw tension, dizziness, and radiating discomfort into the shoulders or arms.
Evaluation begins with assessing active and passive cervical range of motion, soft-tissue tenderness, muscular guarding, and postural compensations. Treatment includes targeted myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point reduction, and gentle mobilization of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM, scalenes, and deep cervical stabilizers. These techniques help decrease inflammation, improve mobility, and restore neuromuscular control.
Red light therapy and localized cryotherapy can help reduce irritation and support tissue healing in the acute or subacute stages. As symptoms improve, corrective exercises and postural stabilization strategies are introduced to support long-term recovery. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore full cervical mobility, and prevent chronic post-whiplash complications.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Repetitive strain injuries involve overuse and cumulative microtrauma to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Common forms include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendonitis, rotator cuff irritation, wrist overuse, and occupational strain from computer work or manual labor. Symptoms often include aching, sharp pain with movement, weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility in the affected region.
Our clinical approach identifies the movement patterns and muscular imbalances contributing to the strain. Treatment includes myofascial release, deep tissue mobilization, neuromuscular therapy, and trigger point reduction to restore soft-tissue mobility and decrease pain. Lymphatic techniques may also be used to reduce swelling in acute irritation phases.
Therapeutic ultrasound and cryotherapy can reduce inflammation and support tissue healing, while red light therapy enhances cellular repair and recovery. To prevent recurrence, we integrate ergonomic recommendations, movement corrections, and strengthening strategies tailored to the patient’s occupational or athletic demands. This targeted approach helps restore function and prevent long-term overuse injuries.
Sports-Related Injuries
Sports-related injuries often occur due to overuse, high-impact forces, muscular imbalances, or sudden directional changes. Common issues include strains, sprains, tendonitis, joint irritation, muscle tears, and limited mobility resulting from repetitive training. Athletes may experience pain, stiffness, reduced performance, or compensation patterns that increase risk for further injury.
At Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy, we perform a biomechanical and functional assessment to determine which structures are overloaded or dysfunctional. Treatment may include myofascial release, deep tissue mobilization, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point treatment, and sports-specific soft-tissue techniques. These methods help restore optimal tissue elasticity, improve circulation, and shorten recovery time between training sessions.
Advanced modalities such as localized CO₂ cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and red light therapy assist in reducing inflammation and accelerating tissue healing. For athletes in endurance, strength, or agility-based sports, we also incorporate corrective strategies to improve movement efficiency, joint alignment, and muscular activation patterns. Our goal is not only to relieve pain but to enhance performance and reduce injury recurrence.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is characterized by the presence of chronic trigger points, fascial adhesions, and referred pain patterns that may radiate to other areas of the body. Patients often describe deep aching, burning, or sharp discomfort that worsens with stress, repetitive activity, or prolonged postures. Left untreated, MPS can contribute to chronic pain cycles and functional limitations.
Our clinical approach involves identifying active and latent trigger points, restricted fascial layers, and related muscular imbalances. Treatment includes sustained myofascial release, trigger point compression, stretching of shortened tissues, and neuromuscular therapy to rebalance muscle groups. These techniques work together to normalize muscle tone, reduce pain, and improve functional mobility.
Red light therapy can help reduce localized inflammation and neural sensitivity, while cryotherapy and ultrasound may be used to support tissue healing. Because myofascial pain syndrome often has both physical and stress-related components, we incorporate education on posture, breathing patterns, and body mechanics. With consistent treatment, many patients experience substantial reductions in chronic pain and improved overall movement quality.
Trigger Point–Related Discomfort
Trigger points are hyperirritable bands of muscle fibers that create localized tenderness and referred pain patterns. They may develop from repetitive strain, trauma, postural dysfunction, emotional stress, or chronic muscular overload. Trigger points can restrict range of motion, contribute to nerve irritation, and produce pain that radiates to distant regions—such as headaches originating from neck trigger points or leg pain from gluteal trigger points.
During treatment, we perform a detailed palpatory assessment to locate active trigger points and identify associated referral patterns. Techniques such as ischemic compression, myofascial release, cross-fiber friction, and neuromuscular re-education help deactivate trigger points and restore normal muscle function. We also address surrounding structures that may be contributing to the formation of trigger points, including fascia, tendons, and neighboring muscle groups.
Adjunctive therapies such as localized cryotherapy and red light therapy may be used to reduce inflammation, calm irritated tissues, and enhance the body’s natural healing response. Corrective exercises and postural adjustments help maintain long-term improvements and reduce recurrence. This comprehensive approach is especially effective for chronic tension patterns and muscular
Autoimmune Disorders (Lupus, RA, Fibromyalgia & Chronic Inflammation Support)
Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy provides specialized soft-tissue and lymphatic care for patients living with autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Hashimoto’s, and other systemic inflammatory conditions. Autoimmune illnesses often lead to chronic inflammation, fluid retention, muscular hypersensitivity, and impaired lymphatic flow — all of which contribute to pain, fatigue, and reduced functional mobility.
Our treatment approach is intentionally gentle, precise, and clinically informed. We combine manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and red light therapy to reduce inflammatory load, improve tissue hydration, calm the nervous system, and support immune regulation. These techniques help decrease the frequency and intensity of flare-ups, reduce widespread pain, and improve overall energy levels.
Because autoimmune conditions affect the entire body, our protocols are tailored to support the lymphatic, muscular, and nervous systems simultaneously. This whole-body approach improves comfort, resilience, and quality of life while helping patients manage long-term symptoms with greater stability.
Postural Imbalances
Postural imbalances develop when certain muscles become chronically shortened, overactive, or inhibited, leading to altered alignment of the spine and joints. Common patterns include forward-head posture, rounded shoulders, anterior pelvic tilt, uneven hips, and thoracic kyphosis. These imbalances increase stress on joints, reduce movement efficiency, and contribute to neck pain, back pain, shoulder dysfunction, and repetitive strain injuries.
At Restore Motion Clinical Massage Therapy, postural evaluation is a core component of our clinical approach. We assess muscular tension, fascial restrictions, compensatory patterns, and structural deviations contributing to dysfunctional posture. Treatment includes targeted myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point reduction, and soft tissue mobilization to rebalance tension across the kinetic chain.
We also incorporate corrective exercises, ergonomic coaching, and neuromuscular re-education to retrain proper alignment and movement patterns. Advanced modalities such as red light therapy may be used to reduce pain associated with chronic tension, while localized cryotherapy can help relieve inflammation caused by postural stress. Our goal is to restore balanced posture, decrease pain, and improve functional movement in daily activities.
Limited Range of Motion & Stiffness
Limited range of motion (ROM) can result from muscular tightness, fascial adhesions, joint restrictions, scar tissue, protective guarding, or inflammation. Patients often report stiffness upon waking, difficulty reaching overhead, reduced rotation, or restricted movement following injury or surgery. Without intervention, restricted ROM can progress into compensatory patterns and chronic pain.
Our treatment approach begins with identifying which tissues are limiting movement—whether muscular, fascial, or joint-related. We utilize a combination of myofascial release, deep tissue mobilization, passive stretching, and neuromuscular re-education to lengthen tight structures and restore mobility. Trigger point therapy is applied to improve tissue elasticity and reduce localized discomfort.
Ultrasound and red light therapy can help soften stiff tissues and accelerate healing in chronic cases. For inflammatory or protective guarding patterns, localized cryotherapy may help reduce irritation and increase tolerance to movement. We also provide mobility routines and home-care strategies to maintain gains and support long-term functional improvement.
Acute & Chronic Muscle Tension and Spasms
Muscle tension and spasms can arise from stress, overuse, dehydration, nerve irritation, postural dysfunction, or acute injury. Acute tension may cause sudden sharp pain or contractions, while chronic tension leads to persistent tightness, aching, and reduced mobility. If untreated, these patterns can contribute to headaches, limited motion, nerve compression, and compensatory dysfunction throughout the body.
During treatment, we use targeted myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular techniques to deactivate spasm patterns and restore normal muscle tone. Soft tissue mobilization increases circulation, reduces metabolic waste buildup, and enhances tissue relaxation. For severe spasms, gentle positional release and stretching techniques may be used to gradually restore mobility.
Advanced modalities such as cryotherapy help calm inflamed tissues and reduce acute spasms, while red light therapy supports tissue repair and reduces muscular sensitivity. Consistent treatment helps rebalance the neuromuscular system, reduce chronic tension cycles, and prevent future flare-ups.
Lymphedema & Postoperative Swelling
Lymphedema and postoperative swelling occur when lymphatic flow is disrupted due to surgery, trauma, or lymphatic insufficiency. Symptoms may include swelling, heaviness, restricted motion, skin tightness, and discomfort in the affected limb or region. Without proper management, chronic swelling can lead to fibrosis, decreased mobility, and increased risk of infection.
Our approach uses clinical lymphatic drainage to direct fluid away from congested areas, reduce pressure, and support lymphatic function. Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release help free restrictions that impede lymph flow. Cryotherapy may be used for inflammation control, while red light therapy aids in tissue healing.
This combination restores mobility, reduces discomfort, and accelerates recovery
Localized cryotherapy can help reduce acute inflammation, while red light therapy supports tissue regeneration and reduces cellular stress. We also provide guidance on home-care strategies, including positioning, compression use (if applicable), and gentle movement techniques. Our goal is to decrease swelling, restore mobility, and support optimal lymphatic health during recovery.
IBS/IBD/Colitis Digestive Disorders (Abdominal Myofascial Release)
Digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, and colitis can be influenced by fascial restrictions, visceral tension, and stress-related muscular tightness in the abdomen, diaphragm, and pelvic region. Patients may experience bloating, discomfort, impaired digestion, poor motility, or chronic abdominal pain. Fascial tightness in this region can also affect breathing mechanics and contribute to postural imbalances.
Our abdominal myofascial release techniques combined with lymphatic drainage help reduce inflammation, improve organ mobility, stimulate lymphatic movement, and support digestive function. Diaphragmatic release enhances vagal tone and regulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for gut health.
Red light therapy may be used over the abdominal region (when appropriate) to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation. We provide guidance on gentle breathing exercises, core relaxation techniques, and movement strategies that complement abdominal myofascial therapy. While not a cure for digestive disorders, this approach can significantly improve comfort and enhance overall digestive function for many patients.