5377 Manhattan Circle, Unit 100

Boulder, CO

303-604-4358

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Massage Therapy

Mike Mueller

Michael Mueller, LMT, BCTMB

Mike works with a wide variety of clients, treating conditions ranging from tension headaches and neck pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia, stress as well as many other muscle related aches and pain. He utilizes a complementary set of modalities, including deep tissue massage, Thai massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, structural integration, and passive stretching to assist clients in relieving stress related tension, reducing chronic pain and correcting musculoskeletal dysfunction. Mike combines deeper techniques with subtler gentle techniques, that allow the body to relax and move closer to homeostasis.

Myofascial Release:

Myofascial release is a therapeutic technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure on the connective tissue (fascia) to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. When the fascia becomes tight, restricted, or damaged, it can lead to pain, limited range of motion, and various other issues. Massage therapy, especially when specifically targeted for myofascial release, offers several benefits:

1) Pain relief: By releasing fascial restrictions, massage can help alleviate pain in muscles, joints, and other soft tissues. This helps to reduce chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and tension headaches.

2) Improved flexibility and range of motion: Myofascial release can improve mobility by breaking up adhesions and restrictions in the fascia, which may have been limiting your range of motion. This can lead to better overall physical performance and reduced risk of injuries.

3) Enhanced muscle function: Releasing tight and restricted fascia can help muscles function more efficiently, improving muscle strength and performance.

4) Better posture and alignment: Myofascial release can help correct postural imbalances and misalignments by addressing the root cause of the problem, which often lies within the fascial system.

5) Increased blood and lymphatic circulation: The gentle pressure applied during myofascial release can help stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which aids in the removal of metabolic waste, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.

6) Stress reduction and relaxation: Massage therapy can be deeply relaxing, helping to relieve stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being. This can have a positive effect on your mental and emotional health as well.

7) Improved sleep quality: As myofascial release helps to reduce pain and stress, it may contribute to better sleep quality by promoting relaxation and physical comfort.

8) Faster recovery from injuries: By promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, and releasing tension in the muscles and fascia, myofascial release can help speed up the healing process for various injuries.

9) Complementary treatment: Myofascial release can be an effective complementary treatment to other therapies, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and exercise, to help address musculoskeletal issues and enhance overall health.

It's important to note that myofascial release techniques should be performed by a qualified and experienced massage therapist or healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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Sports Massage: 

Sports massage is a specialized form of massage therapy that's tailored to athletes, both professional and amateur. It is designed to prepare the athlete for peak performance, reduce fatigue, relieve muscle swelling and tension, improve flexibility, and prevent injuries. Here are some specific benefits of sports massage:

1) Preparation for Peak Performance: Sports massage can help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, reduce fatigue, and decrease the likelihood of injury. This is achieved by improving muscle flexibility, increasing range of motion, and enhancing blood circulation, which prepares the muscles for the physical activity ahead.

2) Recovery and Rehabilitation: Following a sports event or intense physical activity, sports massage can help accelerate recovery time by improving circulation, which enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles, and by facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products.

3) Injury Prevention: Regular sports massages can help identify and address any imbalances in soft tissues that could lead to injury. They can also help improve flexibility and mobility, both of which can reduce the risk of injuries.

4) Pain Reduction: Sports massage can help alleviate pain by reducing muscle tension and inflammation. It can also stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, thereby contributing to pain management.

5) Psychological Benefits: The relaxation and sense of well-being provided by a sports massage can help reduce anxiety and improve focus. This can be particularly beneficial before a sports event, where pre-event jitters can affect performance.

6) Improved Posture and Body Awareness: Sports massage can help improve posture by addressing any muscular imbalances. Increased body awareness can help an athlete notice and address any unusual stiffness or pain before it becomes a significant problem.

7) Enhanced Athletic Performance: Regular sports massage can lead to improvements in performance by maintaining better condition of the muscles, increasing range of motion and flexibility, and improving power and performance.

8) Chronic Conditions Management: For athletes who deal with chronic conditions such as arthritis or asthma, sports massage can help manage these conditions by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension.

As with any form of therapy, sports massage should be performed by a trained and licensed professional to ensure proper technique and avoid potential injury. Also, it's important for the individual receiving the massage to communicate openly with the massage therapist about their comfort level and any pain they might experience during the massage.

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Orthopedic Massage:

Deep orthopedic massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on treating painful conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system of the body. It combines methods from various massage and bodywork techniques to treat soft-tissue pain and injury. The benefits of deep orthopedic massage include:

1) Pain Relief: Orthopedic massage can provide significant relief from pain caused by injuries or conditions such as chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and more. It can address both acute and chronic conditions.

2) Improved Mobility and Flexibility: By working on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, orthopedic massage can help improve range of motion and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for those recovering from injuries or surgeries, as well as athletes wanting to improve their performance.

3) Injury Rehabilitation: Deep orthopedic massage plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process after injuries. It can help speed up recovery, reduce pain and inflammation, break down scar tissue, and improve the function of affected areas.

4) Prevent Injuries: By identifying and addressing imbalances in the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic massage can help prevent future injuries.

5) Improved Posture: Chronic muscle tension and imbalances can lead to poor posture. Orthopedic massage can help improve posture by addressing these issues.

6) Enhanced Athletic Performance: For athletes, deep orthopedic massage can aid in enhancing performance by maintaining better condition of the muscles, increasing range of motion and flexibility, and improving power and performance.

7) Stress Relief: Like other forms of massage, orthopedic massage can also reduce stress and promote relaxation. The release of endorphins during a massage session can promote a sense of well-being.

8) Better Sleep: The reduction in pain and promotion of relaxation can contribute to better sleep quality.

It's important to note that deep orthopedic massage should be performed by a trained and certified professional to ensure proper technique and avoid potential injury. It's also crucial for the individual receiving the massage to communicate openly with the massage therapist about their comfort level and any pain they might experience during the massage.

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Deep Tissue Massage:

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue (fascia). It's particularly beneficial for chronic aches and pains, contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, lower back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders. Here are some of the benefits of deep tissue massage:

1) Pain Relief: Deep tissue massage can help alleviate chronic pain by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected areas. It can be particularly effective for conditions such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, tennis elbow, or injuries resulting from sports or accidents.

2) Improved Mobility and Flexibility: By working on muscles, tendons, and ligaments, deep tissue massage can improve range of motion and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or those recovering from injuries.

3) Muscle Rehabilitation: Deep tissue massage can aid in the breakdown of scar tissue and adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

4) Stress Relief: By stimulating the body's production of serotonin (the happiness hormone) and oxytocin (the bonding hormone), deep tissue massage can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

5) Improved Posture: By addressing chronic muscle tension and imbalances, deep tissue massage can help improve posture over time.

6) Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Some studies have shown that deep tissue massage can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

7) Better Sleep: By reducing pain and promoting relaxation, deep tissue massage may contribute to better sleep quality, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.

8) Reduced Arthritis Symptoms: Deep tissue massage can help manage arthritis symptoms by reducing pain and stiffness, improving joint mobility, and increasing range of motion.

9) Detoxification: By improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage can help the body remove toxins more effectively.

While deep tissue massage offers numerous benefits, it's important to note that it can be intense due to the pressure used. It's crucial to communicate with your massage therapist about your comfort level during the massage. Also, deep tissue massage isn't suitable for everyone. People with certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, should avoid this type of massage. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you're unsure whether deep tissue massage is right for you.

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Trigger Point Therapy:

Trigger point therapy, also known as neuromuscular therapy, focuses on detecting and releasing trigger points. These are specific "knots" or areas of tightness within the muscle tissue that cause pain and discomfort. They can also refer pain to other parts of the body, meaning that a trigger point in the back, for example, could cause pain in the neck. 

The benefits of trigger point therapy include:

1) Pain Relief: By applying pressure to trigger points, this therapy can relieve pain both at the site of the trigger point and in areas of the body where pain is referred.

2) Increased Mobility: Trigger points can cause stiffness and limit the range of motion. Releasing these points can help improve flexibility and mobility.

3) Improved Posture: Trigger points in muscles can pull your body out of alignment. Releasing these points can help correct postural imbalances.

4) Headache Relief: Trigger points in the neck and shoulders can cause tension headaches or migraines. Trigger point therapy can help reduce the frequency and severity of these headaches.

5) Relaxation: Like other forms of massage therapy, trigger point therapy can promote relaxation and stress relief.

6) Injury Rehabilitation: Trigger point therapy can aid in the recovery from injuries and enhance the results of other rehabilitative therapies by addressing specific sources of pain.

7) Improved Muscle Function: Trigger points can inhibit the proper functioning of muscles. By releasing these points, muscle function can be improved.

8) Chronic Pain Management: For individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions, trigger point therapy can be a useful tool for managing and reducing pain.

9) Improved Circulation: The pressure applied during trigger point therapy can help improve blood flow to the muscles, which can speed up recovery and enhance muscle function.

It's important to note that trigger point therapy should be performed by a trained professional to ensure proper technique and avoid potential injury. It's also crucial to communicate with your therapist about your comfort level and any pain you might experience during the session. As with any therapy, individual experiences and results can vary.

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Structural Integration:

Structural Integration, also known as Rolfing after its founder, Dr. Ida Rolf, is a type of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body. The goal is to align and balance the body's structure in the field of gravity. This is typically done in a series of sessions that systematically address different areas of the body. Here are some benefits of Structural Integration:

1) Improved Posture and Alignment: The primary goal of Structural Integration is to align the body in relation to gravity. This can lead to significant improvements in posture and overall body alignment.

2) Pain Reduction: By addressing tension and restrictions in the fascia, Structural Integration can help alleviate pain, including chronic pain conditions like back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

3) Increased Flexibility and Mobility: Structural Integration can improve range of motion and flexibility by releasing restrictions in the fascia that limit movement. 

4) Enhanced Body Awareness: The process of Structural Integration often leads to increased awareness of posture, movement patterns, and areas of tension or restriction in the body. This heightened body awareness can be a tool for ongoing self-care and injury prevention.

5) Improved Athletic Performance: Athletes may find that Structural Integration enhances their performance by improving alignment, flexibility, and efficiency of movement.

6) Stress Reduction: Like other forms of bodywork, Structural Integration can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. The process can also lead to improved breathing, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

7) Injury Recovery: Structural Integration can be beneficial in the recovery process after an injury by addressing compensatory patterns that may have developed and by improving alignment and movement efficiency.

8) Improved Energy: By improving alignment and efficiency of movement, Structural Integration can lead to an overall sense of greater energy and less fatigue.

It's important to note that Structural Integration is a process that typically involves a series of sessions, often ten, and each session builds upon the last. It should be performed by a trained practitioner. As with any bodywork, it's also important to communicate with your practitioner about your comfort level and any concerns you may have during the process.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed