Frequently asked questions.

  • Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique offered by Owen Ryan, Neuromuscular Pain Relief Therapist, Doon, Co. Limerick.

    Deep tissue massage offers a multitude of advantages for individuals seeking relief from various physical and emotional ailments. This specialised form of massage therapy targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues in the body, providing numerous benefits including pain relief, improved posture, increased mobility, stress reduction, injury recovery, improved circulation, release of toxins, better athletic performance, mental clarity, better sleep and pain management.

    Whether you're seeking relief from a specific ailment or simply looking to enhance your overall well-being, deep tissue massage can be a valuable addition to your self-care routine. Be sure to consult with a qualified massage therapist to determine if this technique is suitable for your individual needs.

  • Dry needling is a therapy offered by Owen Ryan, Neuromuscular Pain Relief Therapist, Doon, Co. Limerick.

    Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin, solid needles into specific trigger points or tight knots within muscles and connective tissues. It is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It can help with muscle pain and tension such as muscle knots, muscle spasms and tightness. It is also recommended as a therapy for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and pain management.

    It can also be used to treat Myofascial Pain Syndrome which is a chronic pain disorder characterized by trigger points in muscles and the surrounding connective tissues. Dry needling can release these trigger points and alleviate pain.

    Dry needling can help with Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow. Dry needling can be used to treat conditions like lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), which involve pain and inflammation in the forearm muscles and tendons.

    Some types of headaches, particularly tension headaches, may be alleviated through dry needling. The treatment can target trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles that contribute to headache pain.

    Dry needling can be incorporated into the treatment of chronic lower back pain, particularly when it is associated with muscle tension and trigger points.

    Neck pain, often caused by muscle tension and trigger points, can be relieved with dry needling techniques applied to the affected muscles.

    While dry needling primarily targets muscles, it can indirectly alleviate joint pain by reducing muscle tension and improving joint mobility.

    Dry needling may help alleviate the pain associated with sciatica by targeting muscles that contribute to the compression of the sciatic nerve.

    Individuals with postural problems that lead to muscle imbalances and pain can benefit from dry needling. It can help release tight muscles and promote better alignment.

    Athletes often use dry needling as part of their rehabilitation process for sports-related injuries, such as muscle strains or tendonitis.

    Some neuromuscular conditions, like muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis, may experience symptom relief and improved muscle function with dry needling.

    It's important to note that dry needling should only be performed by a qualified and trained healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or chiropractor, who has undergone specific training in this technique.

  • Massage can be beneficial in relieving back strain in several ways. Massage therapy helps relax tense and tight muscles. When you experience back strain, your muscles often contract and become tense, contributing to discomfort and pain. Massage techniques such as kneading, gliding, and friction can help relax these muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation to the affected area.

    Massage increases blood circulation to the muscles and soft tissues in the back. Improved blood flow can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured area and facilitate the removal of waste products and toxins, which can aid in the healing process.

    Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. This can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with back strain.

    Back strain often leads to limited mobility and stiffness. Massage can help improve joint flexibility and range of motion by breaking down adhesions and scar tissue that may have formed in the muscles and connective tissues.

    Stress can exacerbate back pain and strain. Massage therapy promotes relaxation and can reduce stress and anxiety, which may indirectly help alleviate back strain by reducing tension in the muscles.

    Massage can release trigger points which are small, localized knots in the muscles that can refer pain to other areas of the body, including the back. Massage therapists can identify and apply targeted pressure to these trigger points to release them, providing relief from pain and discomfort.

    Massage can stimulate the body's natural healing processes by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid, which carries immune cells and helps remove waste products. This can aid in the recovery process for back strain injuries.

    Contact Owen to make an appointment for a massage.

  • A rotator cuff massage can be a helpful technique for relieving tension, reducing pain, and improving mobility in the shoulder area. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, and it is susceptible to injuries and overuse.

    A rotator cuff massage can be beneficial for certain types of rotator cuff issues, especially when used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments. However, it's important to understand that the effectiveness of a massage for healing a rotator cuff injury depends on the nature and severity of the injury.

    A massage can help relax the muscles around the shoulder, which may be tense due to injury or overuse. This can provide temporary relief from pain and improve range of motion.

    Massage can increase blood circulation to the affected area, which can promote healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues.

    Massaging the rotator cuff can help manage pain and discomfort associated with injuries or conditions like tendonitis or muscle strains.

    Some massage techniques may help reduce localised inflammation by increasing lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling.

    Massage can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can indirectly aid in the healing process.