Acute Pain & Injury: Targeted Relief, Safe Pacing
A sudden tweak, spasm, or sprain can stop everything. We focus on calm, precise care that reduces guarding and helps you move again—without overdoing it. Pressure is always calibrated to what your body can truly receive. If you’re working with a clinician, we’re glad to complement their plan.
How We Help
Acute pain often has two layers: inflammation/swelling and protective muscle guarding. To address this, we use a variety of techniques, such as Lymphatic Massage, MyoZen, Reiki, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Hot Stones, and Reflexology to get you through. You can book Lymphatic Massage to support fluid movement and reduce puffiness, and MyoZen Trigger Release to address the mechanical drivers of pain once your tissue is ready. In the meantime, Reiki can down‑regulate your nervous system so your body stops bracing.
Your Care Plan Recommendation
1. RESET
In the first 24-72 hours, we suggest prioritizing gentle care with 30 or 60 minutes of gentle, rhythmic work to support recovery. No deep pressure on the affected area.
2. PROGRESS
When the pain is localized without significant swelling, you can move into 2-3 sessions of targeted therapeutic work to ease spasm and restore mobility (weeks 1-2). Then, in weeks 2-4, we suggest coming weekly while expanding MyoZen as tolerated.
3. MAINTENANCE
Come in for tune ups around activity spikes, travel, or a return to strength training, if that's you're thing.
4. DEEPEN
At any point while you're healing, you can downshift your stress response with Reiki. After the acute phase only, add in cupping massage for stubborn adhesions and/or deep tissue massage to surrounding compensations once tissue tolerates it, reflexology for whole-body ease and circulation, or hot stone for general relaxation (avoid direct heat on inflamed areas.)
Simple, At-Home Care Recommendations
Gentle range‑of‑motion as tolerated; avoid painful end‑ranges
Cold or heat for 10–15 minutes based on what feels best (cold often suits fresh swelling; heat for stiffness later)
Compression & elevation for puffy limbs (follow your provider’s guidance)
Hydration + minerals (consider magnesium bath/topical balm or spray)
Sleep & pacing: small, frequent movement beats long, intense sessions early on
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get massage right after an injury?
Skip deep pressure in the first 24–72 hours. Gentle Lymphatic or Reiki may be appropriate. When in doubt, get a medical check first.
Will cupping help acute pain?
Not in the immediate acute phase. We may add cupping later if it suits your tissue and goals.
How sore will I be after?
Mild, short‑lived soreness can happen. We pace sessions to minimize this and give you simple post‑care steps.
Should I keep working out?
Light, pain‑free movement helps recovery; avoid aggravating actions. Follow guidance from your medical provider if you have one.
Do you coordinate with PT or chiropractic?
Yes. Many clients blend these approaches. We’re happy to stagger sessions so they complement each other.
WHEN TO SEEK CLINICAL SUPPORT FIRST
If you have visible deformity; inability to bear weight; severe or worsening pain; new numbness, tingling, weakness; significant or spreading swelling, redness, heat; fever with pain; suspected fracture; head/neck injury; chest pain; or calf pain or swelling, please seek prompt medical evaluation.
Intuitive Bodywork TN provides complementary wellness services and does not diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. Please consult your licensed provider for clinical care.
