From the age of 5, Tabatha Peterson, owner of Naples Massage & Neuromuscular, knew for certain what she wanted to do when she grew up. “I wanted to work in massage therapy,” says the former resident of Ontario, Canada. “Today, it gives me joy to be doing what I love. I get a great deal of satisfaction from listening attentively to clients who tell me about their pain and in providing them with quick resolution which helps them to move forward in life,” says Petersen.

Using her 10 years of experience in active release techniques (ART), and 22 years of experience in medical and sports massage, Peterson is living out her childhood vision. The graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy completed a two-year, in-depth, 2,500-hour program focused on medical and sports injury therapies, closely following European guidelines. Additionally, Peterson has motor vehicle accident rehabilitation expertise, as well as proficiency in pre- and post-surgical massage therapy, sports injury massage, and a Selective Functional Movement Assessment certification.

A multi-modality clinic without a clinical feel, Naples Massage & Neuromuscular offers a wide array of massage therapy services, including Thai massage, migraine treatment, myofascial release, Swedish massage, pregnancy massage and more. The facility also offers two floatation chambers, known as sensory deprivation tanks.

Active release technique (ART) is a type of soft tissue therapy that helps relieve tight muscles and nerve trigger points, greatly reducing joint stress or muscular pains. “I’ve visited ART practitioners for years to help me overcome a number of muscle- and joint-related injuries,” says Peterson.

ART, similar to deep tissue massage techniques and myofascial release, works by manipulating soft tissue, thereby reducing stress placed on joints and nerves. It is much more targeted than massage, breaks up adhesions or restores proper tissue function, and is custom-tailored to the patient. Lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tennis elbow, sciatic nerve pain, shoulder pain (including frozen shoulder), shin splints and plantar fasciitis are generally relieved by ART treatments.

“Most are these conditions are the result of overused muscles, which contribute to scar tissue formation, tears, pulls, strains and inflammation. The goal of active release technique is to restore normal mobility and ‘glide’ between muscular tissue and nerves. It can also help push joint fluid throughout the body and stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps lower inflammation,” says Peterson.

Flotation therapy is recognized for releasing hormones, undoing the effects of stress, and increasing blood flow. An hour in a sensory deprivation tank can improve myriad conditions, including stress, chronic pain, jet lag, anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure, headaches, pre-menstrual tension, postnatal depression and insomnia. “In addition, the effects of flotation have also enabled many individuals to benefit from increased fertility, flexibility, agility and sports performance. We often have clients combine it with one of our specialized massage services for an unparalleled therapeutic and relaxing experience,” explains Peterson.

Naples Massage & Neuromuscular is located at 5926 Premier Way, Ste. 134, in Naples. For more information, call 239-325-9410 or visit NaplesMassage.net.