Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but relief is possible. As a physical therapist, I’ve seen how holistic approaches can transform lives by addressing pain from multiple angles. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tension, joint pain, or inflammation, integrating these proven strategies into your routine can help you move toward a pain-free life.
Note that these are general modalities and I plan to have specific blog posts for specific areas of pain with exercises and stretches, in the near future!
Disclaimer: The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Pain Relief by Releaseology - The Difference
I evaluate pain and symptoms at the brain and nervous system level to enhance the coordination of your muscle activity. My assessment includes areas often overlooked by other clinicians: the jaw, eyes, diaphragm, pelvic floor, muscles without pain, scar tissue, nervous system, emotions, and trauma. It expertly combines western and traditional Chinese medicine all backed up by anatomy and physiology to achieve remarkable results and unlock your body's healing potential.
My physical therapy approach includes physical therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, joint distractions and cross-friction massage. I have certifications in Integrative Dry Needling, Mulligan (mobilizations with movement), Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury, Dizziness and Vestibular Disorders, Gary Gray, PNF, Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) Level 3 plus masters courses, Neocranials, Art of Bodywork, Acupressure, Dolphin Neurostim MPS, Vagus Nerve - Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System, Vagus Nerve Mojo, and Heart Math.
When you book a Releaseology session, it includes evaluation, assessment and any of my treatment techniques.
Acupuncture or Acupressure for Pain Relief
Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient techniques rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that provide natural, effective pain relief. Both methods work by stimulating specific points along energy pathways called meridians, helping to restore balance and promote healing in the body. Both therapies are safe, drug-free solutions that can complement conventional treatments, offering a holistic way to manage pain and support overall well-being. At Releaseology, I am certified in acupressure points and utilize this knowledge and these points in your treatment along with the dolphin neurostim MPS (see below)
Aquatic Therapy for Pain Relief
Aquatic therapy is ideal for anyone looking to ease joint pain, improve mobility, or recover from surgery without stressing their body. The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on joints, making it possible to move freely while building strength. If your doctor has put you on weightbearing restrictions, you can walk in a pool and still follow those weightbearing restrictions as you are unweighted from the buoyancy. Although I do not offer Aquatic Therapy, I did work in aquatics for a few years and can always offer up suggestions as part of your treatment plan.
Cold Plunging for Pain Relief
Cold plunging, or immersing the body in cold water, is a powerful tool for managing pain. The sudden drop in temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and swelling in tissues. This can help alleviate soreness, especially after intense physical activity or injury. Additionally, cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—offering temporary relief from chronic pain conditions.
On a deeper level, cold plunging can activate the vagus nerve, promoting nervous system regulation and increasing resilience to stress, which is often linked to pain. The practice also improves circulation by stimulating blood flow once the body rewarms, aiding in tissue recovery. Incorporating regular cold plunges into your routine can be a refreshing and effective way to support pain relief and overall well-being.
Pain Relief with Cupping Therapy Treatment
Cupping Therapy Treatment uses suction to lift soft tissue, encouraging better blood flow and breaking up fascial adhesions that can restrict movement. It’s excellent for addressing tissues that feel adhered or stuck to your bones or other muscles. Cupping is included in all Releaseology sessions at no extra cost!
Dolphin Neurostim MPS for Pain Relief
The Dolphin Neurostim MPS uses microstimulation with DC current, which is the current that your heart and nervous system use. For pain relief, it is used stimulate acupressure points to decrease pain, decrease anxiety, decrease digestive pain, break up scar tissue and improve vagus nerve function. The results have been quite amazing, thus far! Read more about the Dolphin Neurostim MPS on my page here. The dolphin is included in any of my Releaseology sessions. If you don't live in Arizona, find a Dolphin MPS practitioner here
Disclaimer: The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Dry Needling for Pain Relief
Dry needling is based on the theory that trigger points (areas of muscle tension) can cause pain and other problems in the body. The insertion of the needle into the muscle works to break up the restrictions found in the muscle and relieve them. The act of insertion of the dry needle into the body, also signals healing factors into the affected area and promotes balance in the body. The overall aim of dry needling is to relieve pain and improve function, but many patients see not only improvements in muscle tension, pain and range of motion but also improved circulation and reduction in inflammation. Read more about it on my blog about dry needling. Dry needling is included in any of my Releaseology sessions, but can also be booked as a stand alone modality.
If you're not close to Tempe, find a dry needling practitioner near you here
Relieve Pain with Heat Therapy
Applying heat to sore areas is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease muscle tension and stiffness. Heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces pain signals. Apply a moist heating pad for 15–20 minutes. Avoid excessive heat to prevent burns. NOTE that moist heating pads are the most effective. My favorite brands are Thermophore and Thermipaq
Please Note: Some links on my site are affiliate links, which means that I collect a small portion of your sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps with the cost of running a website, providing services, etc.
Pain Relief with Lymphatic Drainage
A healthy lymphatic system helps reduce inflammation and remove toxins, making it essential for managing pain. Boost lymph flow with manual lymphatic drainage, lymphatic massage, rebounding on a mini trampoline, lymphatic vibration, staying hydrated and eating anti-inflammatory foods.
For a local manual lymphatic drainage expert, I recommend Elvia in Scottsdale at On the Mend Bodywork. Book with her here. You can also do your own lymphatic massage with the video below and carry it over even more by using a lymphatic vibrator. Flowvibrate has 2 vibrators, both of which you can get $10 off with my code RELEASEOLOGY. I am not an expert in lymphatic drainage, but following Dr. Perry Nicholson from Stop Chasing Pain and Dr. Caitlin with Doc Talks Detox
Massage for Pain Relief
Massage therapy is a powerful tool for pain relief, offering both immediate and long-term benefits. By targeting muscles, fascia, and connective tissues, massage helps release tension, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. This promotes healing and alleviates discomfort caused by muscle knots, injuries, or chronic conditions like arthritis. Massage also triggers the nervous system to relax by activating the parasympathetic (rest and digest) response. This decreases stress hormones like cortisol while increasing endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. Techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neurokinetic therapy address the root causes of pain, providing lasting relief. My stretch therapy services offer a blend of PT techniques, stretch therapy and massage for pain relief
Relieving Pain with Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool for managing and relieving pain by tapping into the brain's ability to reframe how pain is perceived and processed. Regular meditation can reduce pain intensity by calming the nervous system, lowering stress, and releasing tension in the body. It shifts attention away from discomfort and trains the brain to react to pain with less distress.
Mindfulness meditation, for instance, encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, promoting acceptance of sensations without judgment. This helps to reduce the emotional and mental amplification of pain. Research also shows that meditation increases activity in regions of the brain associated with pain regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex, while dampening activity in pain-processing areas.
Over time, meditation can become a complementary practice to improve pain tolerance, reduce reliance on medication, and enhance overall well-being. Even a few minutes daily can make a significant difference!
Nervous System Regulation and Vagus Nerve Activation for Pain Relief
Chronic pain often involves an overactive nervous system that is constantly living in fight-or-flight. Calming the nervous system can reduce pain intensity and promote healing. Society today is terrible to our nervous systems and the vagus nerve. It was not programmed to handle the frequency and intensity of the stressors of today’s world. It has a hand in gut health, autoimmune disorders, heart and lung function, kidney function and more. Improving vagus nerve dysfunction teaches your system to be flexible when faced with a stressor or “trigger” and how to accurately “read” them and respond appropriately. Best of all, most of it feels like a head and neck massage to you.
I have many free resources for vagus nerve activation on my site at www.releaseology.com/vagus plus book with me with my services below. I ALWAYS recommend the NKT Vagus Nerve Combo to assess where the pain is coming from and then relieve you, but if you want full vagus nerve time, book the Vagus Nerve Harmony Massage. If you don't live locally, I also offer vagus nerve services virtually.
Relieving Pain with Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT)
The most effective tool to find the primary cause of your pain and dysfunction. Often times it will be found in muscles, ligaments, and structures that you never even realized (jaw, eyes, diaphragm, scar tissue and more). Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) finds your dysfunction at the neurological level, to create lasting change. You can read more about it on my NKT blog or find an NKT practitioner near you here (NKT is international). NKT is included in my 60 and 90-minute Releaseology Sessions and my NKT/Vagus Combo. Book your appointment at www.releaseology.com/booknow
Stretch Therapy to Relieve Pain
Assisted stretching is a hands-on technique where a trained professional guides your body through specific stretches, targeting tight or restricted areas. This approach helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and increase circulation, all of which contribute to pain relief.
By addressing imbalances in the muscles and fascia, assisted stretching can alleviate stress on joints, reduce nerve compression, and improve overall movement patterns. It’s particularly effective for chronic pain, post-injury recovery, and even stress-related tension.
The personalized nature of assisted stretching ensures that problem areas are specifically targeted, providing immediate relief while supporting long-term improvements in mobility and function.
How Can You Book Your Pain Relief Session with Me?
These are my three services that include an assessment and evaluation of your pain. If you have specific questions for your care, you can always e-mail me at sara@releaseology.com or text 480.712.0699 or book a free virtual consult
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Essential Oils for Pain Relief
More from Releaseology
Don't forget to check out other resources on my site! You can book a session with me here, find a list of conditions I treat here, find more about me here, learn how to regulate your own vagus nerve and nervous system here and read more on my blog here. Lastly, follow me on my social channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
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