New York Muscle Release Therapy

07/29/2026

One of the more common things I hear, especially from new clients, is that they can't believe how much of a difference such a light touch can make.

Many of us have been conditioned to believe in a "No pain, no gain" mentality. Not just when it comes to exercise, but even when it comes to recovery and healing.

The reality is that with MRTh, a lighter touch isn't simply something I can use. It's an important part of why the technique works.

When the body perceives too much force, especially if it's painful, it naturally responds by guarding and increasing muscle tension. That protective response can make it harder to restore normal movement.

Instead, the goal is to work with the body's protective systems rather than against them. By using the appropriate amount of pressure, it's often possible to create lasting changes in movement without relying on pain.

Remember, pain, and then temporary relief from that pain, isn't the goal. Restoring normal movement is. For many people, as normal movement is restored, pain begins to decrease naturally as well.

07/25/2026

Low back pain doesn't always come from the low back.

One important element I look at when analyzing your body's posture and movement is how the pelvis is positioned and why it's positioned that way.

As we say in MRTh:

Function = movement
Structure determines movement
Movement reveals structure.

Although the movement of the SI joints is small, it can still be significant. Because the pelvis is such a central structure, its position and movement can provide valuable clues about what's happening elsewhere in the body.

That's why it's important to assess movement throughout the body rather than focusing only on the area that hurts

Not all “low back pain” is coming from your spine. If you can point to the pain with one finger, just below and to the side of your spine near your pelvic dimples, and it flares when you stand up, roll over, or climb stairs - that’s likely your SI joint, not your back. My newest Substack article breaks down how to tell the difference: where each type of pain lives, what triggers it, and the exact tests clinicians use to sort one from the other.

Read the full article here:
https://ladyspinedoc.substack.com/p/is-it-back-pain-or-si-joint-pain

07/20/2026

Remember, there's a lot that can be done to improve things, even with a chronic issue that's gotten to a bad point. You don't want to cut out movement/exercise altogether, you just want to be cautious, rest when you need it, and to make sure you move properly.

Additionally, in many cases "bone on bone" is a bit of a misnomer or an oversimplification. But that's another discussion.

🦴 “Bone on Bone!” 🦴
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Probably one of the most common things I hear from people. And while everyone’s focused on the imaging, no one bothered to look a little deeper…
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You might be amazed with what some diversified movement can do for you!
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Finding out you have arthritis or “bone on bone” does NOT mean you pull back. If anything, it means it’s time to do MORE.
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Get to moving and watch how the pain changes!
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07/14/2026

People often ask me why Muscle Release Therapy focuses on restoring movement instead of simply treating the spot that hurts.

One reason is that pain and dysfunction don't always originate in the same place.

Our bodies are remarkably good at compensating. Sometimes those compensations become so familiar that the nervous system continues protecting an area long after the original problem has changed.

This short video provides a thoughtful introduction to modern pain science and why understanding the body's protective responses matters.

Whether you're dealing with neck pain, back pain, shoulder problems, or recurring muscle tightness, it's well worth the watch.

Pain scientists starting to think differently about persistent (chr...

06/29/2026

Beach season is here! A reminder that even if you live in the city, the LIRR comes directly out to Long Beach, and it’s a great opportunity to get a MRTh session, enjoy the beach, and eat at some of the great restaurants nearby!

05/10/2026

It’s been brought to my attention that there are negotiations attempting to eliminate medical massage therapy coverage from the NYSHIP/EMPIRE plan and/or restrict it to only being performed by Physical Therapists.

Licensed Massage Therapists, particularly in New York, are highly trained and actually specialize in massage itself. Physical therapists are wonderful, but massage therapy is a much smaller part of what they do, and their focus is generally on other elements of your recovery that work synergistically with massage.

Additionally, in regards to Muscle Release Therapy, there are no physical therapists who are also practitioners of MRTh in New York, meaning this change would eliminate this very beneficial practice from being covered altogether.

When you get a moment, please review and sign the petition below, and if possible share this post with as many people as possible.

Protect medical massage therapy coverage for NYSHIP patients

11/30/2025

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I wanted to share some holiday gift news:

I’m currently working with the local Costco on a promotion for discounted Muscle Release Therapy sessions in Long Beach. The paperwork is taking a little longer than expected, so in the meantime I’m extending the same offer directly here on Facebook.

You can get a 1-hour session for $120 (regularly $150).
Each person can redeem up to three sessions. You can combine them however you’d like, so for example, three hours can be used as two 90-minute sessions. You’re also welcome to purchase them as gifts, but each recipient can redeem up to three total.

The offer is good until the end of the year, or until the Costco vouchers become available. Whichever comes first.

If anyone is interested or has questions, feel free to contact me via the info below, or the contact form on the site!

Justin Chu, LMT, Founder
New York Muscle Release Therapy
[email protected]
516-888-6159
https://musclereleasetherapyny.com/appointments/

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