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Neuromuscular Therapy

Our posture tells a story… it is a window into our past, present and future.

Feel the difference with clinical neuromuscular therapy​

Welcome to PositivePostureNZ

Posture is necessary in everyday life. When the body’s posture is out of alignment it begins to compensate for the imbalance causing muscle tightness, decreased flexibility, and eventually the onset of pain. If left untreated this can also lead to injury, poor function and reduced performance.

While many treatments target symptomatic pain relief, these modalities tend to be temporary fixes to the underlying problems. Posture therapy seeks to get to the root of the pain or issue. By treating posture and its dysfunctional habits you can eliminate the reason why pain occurs, prevent common wear and tear injuries and even increase daily performance.

Physical Therapy at Positive Posture NZ, Levin

Physical Therapy

Positive Posture NZ, Levin

Pain Relief

Sleep Better

Achieve Balance with Positive Posture NZ, Levin

Back in Balance

Get in Touch

021 757871

 

Open Hours

Mon – Fri — 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday — Closed
Sunday — Closed

What is Neuromuscular Therapy

We use Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), a very specialized form of massage therapy where the therapist becomes a detective to find out what is causing your pain, discomfort and/or restrictions. Special techniques are used to address ischemia, trigger points, nerve compression/entrapment, postural distortion and biomechanical dysfunction. 

First we assess posture alignment and see what range of motion is present. From this we discuss with you  what treatment is needed.  Homework will often be given through stretching, exercise or drinking water.  If there are chronic symptoms then it may take a plan of treatment to make change possible.

We Are One of the Top Neuromuscular Therapists in your area.

“After seeing Karen for a chronic sore back, I am now pain free!”

GL, Levin

“I thought my body was in reasonable shape when I first visited Karen for a tune up. Turned out I’d just got used to some restricted movement. Karen was fantastic, found knots in my muscles that I wasn’t aware of. I now walk more freely and feel healthier. That’s just after one session. I have now taken my teenage daughter to see her and she has had great results too. I would recommend a once over from Karen to anyone.”

Susan Handiside, Raumati South, www.sea-change.co.nz

“I have been having regular one hour massages for the past three years. Karen is incredibly knowledgeable, intuitive and experienced. I love that Karen offers relaxing full body massage as well as corrective work for problem areas. Karen never fails to make me feel better. I have sent my whole family!

Lisa O’Neill, Levin

“My fingers aren’t tingly and numb anymore, thanks Karen”

BB, Levin

“I am so grateful to Karen at Positive Posture. She has such indepth knowledge and her intensive nursing background also adds to her superb service. She tunes in to her clients, asks for feedback and has methods of individualising her care. She encourages her clients to have an active part in their own treatment by giving them stretches and moves which can be done at home. Karen ‘mended’ my injuries, which meant I could stop the painkillers and I now keep regular appointments with her to keep myself in good order, which I look forward to immensely. In fact my whole family have been to Karen, my son regularly asks when is it his turn and my daughter is currently having eye massage which is proving to be really beneficial. Karen, I can’t extol your gentle yet firm touch and what you have done for me enough. You are amazing!”

R Bentham, Levin

“I have been seeing Karen for the last 2 years on a weekly basis. Karen is able to straighten out my neck and shoulder muscles after sitting tending to office duties, sometimes for long periods of time. I also have recovered from hip surgery under Karen’s support and treatments. She always cares and listens to my problems and tries to find a remedy for the problem in any way possible to her. I trust her completely and have had relieve from so many sore areas in my body thanks to her professional knowledge.”

TS, Levin

“Originally the Chiropractor sent me along to Karen at PositivePosture for something called Piriformis Syndrome, which effected my whole leg. I rely on driving for my job and needed to get it sorted plus the pain medication was not working.
Karen explained what was happening to the muscles and how to go about dealing with it. I have total confidence in Karen knowing what to do.
Previously I went to chiropractors frequently, but now I pay Karen a monthly visit for maintenance massage treatment. In the past I have played rugby union (front rower) and now in my early fifties, I feel those ‘niggly bits’ from previous injuries. Over the past  year Karen has been able to relieve the pressure points and straighten me out.
I find her service excellent and I recommend to anyone, she also has a nursing background and this is advantageous to the cause.”

J. Fulton, Levin

Hi Karen, once again thank you for your good work prior to this year’s Coast To Coast, for endurance racing it is vital that we have our regular massages, it is so beneficial for reducing the risk of injuries and for recovery, especially after our very long training. Your hands seem to work magic, I always feel so much better after my weekly massage.  I know that it was a key ingredient  to my performance in this year’s Coast to Coast race.

Mark Beesley, Levin

“After seeing Karen for a chronic sore back, I have been pain free!” 

GM, Levin

“My breathing capacity is half what it should be at my age.

On a recent visit to Karen for a massage, I mentioned that I had had a chest infection and it was taking a long time to get my breathing stable.  During the massage Karen worked on my chest.  At that stage my peak flow measurement was under 250 – on reaching home I again tested the measurement and it had improved to 320.

I have regular massages with Karen and this is helping improve my breathing and therefore extending my lung capacity.” 

Heather B, Levin

“The Chiropractor suggested some maintenance clinical massage to help manage my MS. Karen has great understanding. I now look forward to my fortnightly massage” 

PL, Levin

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits from massage?

It is generally understood that these are the top five health benefits of adding regular massage therapy to your health and wellness strategy. Massage therapy from a registered practitioner can:

  • Lower stress
    Stress is a silent killer. Sometimes we don’t know we are stressed, or we ignore the body trying to tell us there is something out of balance. The long-term effects of stress can take emotional and physical tolls. Massage therapy may relieve stress and conditions associated with it, such as tension headaches.
  • Increased Immune Function
    Medical research indicates that massage therapy can help boost immune system strength by increasing the activity level of the body’s natural “killer T cells,” which fight off viruses.
  • Boost Mental Health and Wellness
    Research suggests that symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (all associated with mental health) may be directly affected by massage therapy.
  • Pain Management and Improved Range of Motion
    Pain can negatively affect a person’s quality of life and impede recovery from illness or injury. Many of our clients use massage in their pain management.
  • Improved Physical Fitness
    Elite and recreational athletes alike can benefit from massage therapy – massage can reduce muscle tension, improve exercise performance, and prevent injuries and get you back in the game faster.
What to expect for your first appointment?

We will ask you to fill out a health history form. We will discuss what you would like to address and what the treatment will be for the appointment. It is important to list all health concerns and medication so we can adapt your session to your specific needs without causing any harm. A postural assessment including range of motion will be taken as a baseline so a plan of treatment can be made.

Do I have to get undressed for the massage? What to wear for the appointment?

You may undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others choose to be nude. Your massage therapist will leave the room so you can undress and lie on the massage table under a top sheet or towel. If you choose to maintain some clothing or not, your massage therapist will always ensure that you are always properly covered.

Wear comfortable clothing after your appointment.

Will the massage hurt?

In general, massages should not hurt. In fact, if you are in pain during a massage let us know and we will adjust accordingly. Certain techniques may result in soreness during the days following a massage, like that of a great workout, but in general, you should not have pain during or after your massage. You can always give us a call to discuss what you are feeling after the appointment. Occasionally some people bruise and it is a good idea to talk with us.

How often should I get a massage?

This is an individual choice and preference varies, so for most it depends on your pain, physical needs, emotional needs or if you are training for an event etc.  Please don’t hesitate to talk to us about what is needed for you.

Should I talk during the massage?

Some people enjoy having a conversation during their massage and some don’t. Regardless of your choice, be sure to speak up during the massage if there is anything you’d like adjusted (temperature, pressure, music, etc). Because this is a treatment massage we may ask questions while working on the body.

What if I fall asleep and snore?

It is very common for clients to fall asleep during their massage. And yes snoring happens too! And yes that’s ok.

When not to have a massage.

In general, there are a few conditions that would prevent you from getting a massage.

Of course, do not book an appointment if you are feeling unwell, have a fever, cold, a skin condition that is contagious or waiting for a covid test and have symptoms. The first trimester of pregnancy is generally considered off-limits for massage, as are active chemotherapy or other intensive medical treatments. If you have a serious medical condition and you are unsure if a massage would be safe for you, talk to us, we may suggest that you speak with your general doctor to get the ok.

Can I claim ACC or insurance?

Unfortunately, massage therapy no matter how good, is not currently able to come under the ACC system.  On the other hand, some policies with Southern Cross can be claimed.

Are we a physio?

Technically no.  Many of our clients feel we are and that is because we know our anatomy and physiology and work with the biomechanical systems of the body.

 

Why do I get a headache after massage?

While uncommon, massage does affect vascular circulation which for some could a initiate a headache. Also, being face down brings pressure on the sinus cavity which may bring on a headache.  A common reason for headaches post massage is not drinking after the appointment. A good drink of water will help flush out what has been released during the massage.

 

Should I have a massage before a race or event?

Usually, an athlete will have a training calendar and maintenance and rehabilitative massage has been scheduled in. Most receive pre-race massage three days before race day and post-race two days after.  Two to three days beforehand allows an athlete’s body to receive moderate massage therapy which should not inhibit performance, and hopefully increase performance. All athletes’ bodies are different, so knowing your body will help you determine how close to race day you should receive bodywork.

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Resources

We have a wealth of knowledge between us and have previously published newsletter and articles that can be accessed here…

Get in Touch

021 757871

[email protected]

Open Hours

Mon - Fri — 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday — Closed
Sunday — Closed

Positive Posture, Levin

633 Queen Street East
Levin 5510  Horowhenua