01/07/2026
Massage therapy is not just about sore muscles. It is about assessment, movement, and function.
Assess joints and muscles
Manual assessment of joint mobility and soft tissue tone helps identify movement restrictions, tissue sensitivity, and altered load tolerance that may contribute to pain and dysfunction.
Evaluate gait and posture
Research shows that altered gait and postural patterns are associated with increased joint stress, repetitive strain, and persistent musculoskeletal pain. Observing how the body moves provides insight into why certain tissues become overloaded.
Assess neuromuscular function
Pain science research demonstrates that muscle tone, protective guarding, and movement control are influenced by the neuromuscular system rather than tissue damage alone. Massage therapy may support improved neuromuscular efficiency and movement confidence.
Massage therapy works best when treatment is guided by assessment, not guesswork.
If pain, tension, or restricted movement keeps showing up in your life, an RMT assessment can help address why, not just where it hurts.
New here? Start with an RMT assessment.
⸻
Research references
Hengeveld E, Banks K. Maitland’s Vertebral Manipulation. Elsevier.
McGill SM. Low Back Disorders. Human Kinetics.
Sahrmann SA. Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes. Mosby.
Hodges PW, Tucker K. Moving differently in pain. Pain. 2011.
Nijs J et al. Pain neuroscience education. Physical Therapy. 2014.
