Modalities

NeuroMuscular Reprogramming

Jocelyn Olivier, a Master Bodyworker with over 40 years of professional experience, created NMR. Based on years of research and observation, Jocelyn noticed that a primary shortcoming of traditional Physical Therapy is that it tries to strengthen a muscle that has been damaged by injury, surgery or misuse. The most common complaint of PT patients is that they cannot do the exercises, at least not without substantial pain. That is because the brain cannot find that muscle and must compensate by recruiting other muscles. This creates an improper and unbalanced system that is bound to fail. NMR teaches an inhibited muscle to work independently by removing the obstructions that currently prevent it from working. I love to work in coordination with your Physical Therapist. The PT can use modalities that Massage Therapists cannot like electro stimulation and Dry Needling. I supplement the work the PT does and enhance it by adding NMR, Deep Tissue and PNF stretching to increase both the strength and range of motion of any group of muscles or joints.

When the body endures trauma, there is damage to both the soft tissues and the neuromuscular programs that govern alignment, movement and postural support. Dysfunctional movement patterns impressed onto the motor control center at the time of injury do not change simply because the tissue heals. This also occurs with slower forms of trauma like repetitive use injuries and atrophies due to inactivity. NMR is a kinesthetic conversation with the motor control center of the brain that facilitates new learning, in effect, reprogramming damaged or inefficient muscle use patterns. Simply stated, NMR teaches the body to work properly by showing it how!

MR uses specific muscle testing. This is the Therapist’s way of asking the body “Does this muscle work or not?” This conscious connection to the muscles reveals how the interrelated parts move and feel coordinated with each other. Even those with an underdeveloped “mind/bodNy connection” can feel the immediate improvement in neuromuscular connectivity because they actively participate in the corrections and connections being made. Once “turned on,” NMR locks in positive use patterns, when properly used post treatment.

NMR also addresses the phenomena of “expected pain,” where a client expects to feel pain even if none truly exists because they have experienced pain in that area before. Once released, the NMR Therapist teaches the brain the new, fuller range of motion by repeatedly moving through that range of motion. Once the brain recognizes the new pattern, it allows and enjoys the new movement.

Much of Jocelyn’s work is founded on the science of Neuroplasticity, which states that the brain is malleable and adaptable. We can learn bad habits so, by definition, we can also learn good habits. We can explore pain patterns and determine if they are still legitimate or if it is an old, incorrect signal. The primary muscle I work on in a session is the Brain!
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NMR

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Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deeper pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia. This can help break up and eliminate scar tissue. Muscles that are overly stressed or hypertonic block oxygen and nutrients from flowing freely through the body. This can lead to inflammation and pain. A good deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues and allows blood and oxygen to circulate properly. Because Deep Tissue massage focuses on specific areas, it may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. Forthright communication between client and therapist helps reduce any discomfort. When done correctly, it is both corrective and therapeutic. I do not believe in the adage of “no pain, no gain” when it relates to Massage Therapy. I prefer to focus on the difference between “good pain” and “bad pain”. Good Deep Tissue work should not be excruciating.
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Trigger Point
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), sometimes known as Trigger Point Therapy is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) with the structure and form of musculoskeletal system (skeleton and muscles of the body). Neuromuscular Therapy can help individuals experiencing structural distortion, which is biomechanical dysfunction and accompanying pain that is often a symptom of underlying problems. It is used to locate and release spasms and hyper contraction in the tissues, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility to the tissues, rebuild the strength of injured tissues and assist venous and lymphatic flow. Neuromuscular Therapy is an effective way to enhance range or motion and flexibility, improve circulation, improve posture, increase energy and generate a sense of well-being. The treatments can be intense but should never be painful. It is crucial that the client and therapist have open communication about pain levels so that the therapist can stay within the client’s tolerance. As with Deep Tissue, TRP can cause soreness, but it should not cause pain.
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Sports
Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the body for peak performance, reduce fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility and prevent future injuries. The function of Sports Massage Therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. This can help prevent those nagging injuries that hinder performance and achievement, whether a person is a competitive athlete, a once a week jogger or weekend warrior.
Sports Massage reduces muscle fatigue and recovery time by encouraging oxygen and blood flow to muscle fibers. This increases range of motion and enhances muscle endurance, both of which aid in preventing injury. As a final bonus, Sports Massage helps the athlete work out those kinks and soreness from training which simply feels good! Sports Massage is not just for competitive athletes, though. Regardless of whether the person is a competitive athlete or a couch potato, Sports Massage can help alleviate common muscular injuries and pain, and increase Range of Motion.

See the client testimonials for personal experiences from the athletes I have worked with over the years."
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Swedish
Swedish Massage is commonly known as the "traditional" or spa massage. This style of massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and shaking motions. The main purpose of Swedish Massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release stored tension. It is usually used to warm up the tissues before deeper or more specific modalities like Deep Tissue and Trigger Point. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons which keeps them supple and pliable and thus less prone to injury. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.
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Myofascial Release
I had the tremendous fortune to study Myofascial Release with the legendary Wolfgang Luckman, a pioneer in the field of massage & bodywork and a master instructor for over 35 years.
Myofascial Release Therapy is an extremely effective hands-on technique that works by applying gentle, sustained pressure to eliminate pain and restore flexibility and motion to the fascia. This is a densely woven sheath of connective tissue that interpenetrates and “houses” every muscle, bone, vein, nerve and internal organ including the spinal cord. A good visualization is a spider web that in effect holds everything together in a neat package connecting every part of the body to every other part of the body. Another commonly used analogy is panty hose. When you stretch one end or part, the entire fabric stretches.
In its natural, healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and has the flexibility to stretch and move without undue restriction. If there has been physical trauma to the body or scarring, the normally pliable fascia becomes tight and restricted, causing tension throughout the rest of the body. Sustained poor posture and improper body mechanics can also damage both muscle and fascia. This condition is sometimes referred to as Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Many people who suffer from pain or reduced range of motion may be having fascial problems. These cases often go undiagnosed because many of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, cat scans, electromyography, etc. do not show the fascial restrictions. Treatment by traditional western medicine is often ineffective. There is a large body of scholarly research supporting the efficacy of complimentary medicine such as massage and acupuncture in treating myofascial pain. 
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Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is the use of controlled graded forces to move a joint in a desired direction. It is NOT Chiropractic adjustment! Any joint that lacks sufficient motion may be mobilized. The most common areas for Joint Mobilization are the joints of the extremities such as the shoulder, wrist, knee, foot and ankle. 
When a joint’s mobility is impaired, structure and function of the region change in several ways. Cartilage nutrition starts to decrease within the joint, and adjacent joints begin to move excessively to compensate for the stiff (hypomobile) joint. These adjacent joints begin to break down due to excessive use. Muscles surrounding a stiff joint lose their ability to contract and relax sufficiently and become hypertonic. Soon the whole region is involved in the dysfunction surrounding the stiff joint.
A locked joint may also cause adjacent joints to suffer similarly reduced movement. If the knee joint is damaged and does not allow for full flexion/extension, then both the hip and ankle in that chain will be impacted and will not be able to fully flex and extend, either. This is a fairly serious situation because one injury causes other problems that create further imbalances and painful movements.
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PNF or Active-Engagement Stretching
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is widely regarded as the best method to increase overall flexibility in target muscle groups. The technique was originally developed by physiotherapists during the 1940s to assist in the rehabilitation of paralytic patients and encompasses a variety of methods. Probably the most useful is the partner-assisted hold/relax method. In simple terms, this involves the target muscle group being stretched to its maximum, but NOT painful, range of movement (ROM), at which stage the muscle is contracted gently for 3 to 8 seconds. At this point the muscle is relaxed by a reflex triggered by the Golgi tendon organs and deliberately relieved by the muscle being stretched. Once the stretch is reapplied, it should be possible to extend the muscle group slightly further than on the previous attempt, eventually reaching the maximum ROM. With work, the ROM should increase, resulting in improved flexibility. PNF re-educates the neuromuscular response, thereby creating a reduction in muscle spasms, an increase in range of motion and flexibility, as well as developing strength, endurance and coordination.
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Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on the client’s skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. I am diligent about not causing pain during a cupping session. I use it as an adjunct to my other techniques. I do NOT use fire or draw blood during cupping sessions. I feel these are needlessly dangerous and unsafe.
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Kinesio Taping
KT Tape is a powerful adjunct to NMR because it also helps re-educate the brain in learning new patterns. Unlike traditional athletic tape, KT Tape was created with a proprietary blend of cotton and nylon. It’s designed to mimic the skin’s elasticity so the client can use their full range of motion. The tape’s medical-grade adhesive is also water-resistant and strong enough to stay on for three to five days, even while you work out or take showers. I have taken 4 of the classes offered by the Kinesio Taping Association International and believe it can play a significant role in relieving pain, reducing swelling and bruising, and enhance muscular re-education. All our tissues — skin, connective, fascia, muscles — contain sensory receptors that feel pain, temperature, and touch. Those receptors all contribute to proprioception—the brain’s sense of where the body is in space and what it’s doing. Kinesio Taping creates a lift that unloads the underlying tissues. Decompressing those tissues can change the signals going to the brain. When the brain receives a different signal, it’s going to respond differently. I use the original Kinesio Tape because that is what I trained with. I am happy to use your preferred brand.
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Infant
Infant massage is one of the greatest gifts a new parent can give their baby. Not only is Infant Massage medically beneficial, but it is a tremendous opportunity for the parents or caregivers to physically bond with the child. When administered correctly, Infant Massage has been shown to relax the Central Nervous System, increase appetite, speed elimination, and encourage deeper sleep. All of these put the baby in the best possible position to gain weight, have a healthy digestive system, and sleep better. It even can reduce colic symptoms. It sure helped my daughter sleep great and was a wonderful part of our evening ritual. I encourage new Dads to learn it as an important part of physically bonding with their new baby.
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Self-Care Tools
I have sold and used The Back Medic for 15+ years and can attest to its effectiveness. It is 2 rubber balls in a neoprene sleeve that I teach my clients to use to work out muscular tension and reduce pain between sessions.
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