Introduction: A Different Way to Create Change
Many forms of manual therapy, including deep tissue massage and myofascial release, focus on working directly with muscles or fascia, often using deep pressure to release tension. But what if lasting change could happen in a way that’s gentler, easier, and just as effective?
Dermoneuromodulation (DNM), developed by Diane Jacobs, is a manual therapy approach that works with the nervous system by applying light, sustained shearing and stretch to the skin. Instead of forcing muscles to release, DNM stimulates Ruffini endings, mechanoreceptors that respond to slow, sustained pressure, signaling the nervous system to reduce tension and pain.
How DNM Works with the Nervous System
Rather than targeting muscle tightness as something to “fix” with pressure, DNM acknowledges that pain and tension are nervous system outputs, not just mechanical problems. Ruffini endings, which are sensitive to long-duration stretch, help modulate muscle tone when properly engaged. By using gentle shearing and slackening techniques, DNM sends signals that encourage relaxation and ease without excessive force.
This approach challenges the assumption that more pressure always leads to better results. In many cases, the nervous system responds faster and with less resistance when given the right input—without needing deep or intense work.
How It Connects to Rolfing® Structural Integration
Ida Rolf often worked deeply, but not because deep pressure was the goal—it was what she believed the body needed to remodel fascia. She was clear that Rolfing is not just a technique, but a framework for helping the body reorganize. If we can get the desired changes through gentler means, it is still Rolfing. This flexibility aligns with the principles of DNM, which prioritizes working with the nervous system rather than forcing change.
Rolfing® Structural Integration isn’t just about fascia—it’s about how the whole body organizes itself in response to input. While DNM is often described as a more indirect method, both share a similar goal: helping the nervous system reorganize for greater ease and adaptability.
Both Rolfing and DNM recognize that the body is adaptable and interconnected. They don’t chase isolated symptoms but instead address how the system as a whole is functioning.
DNM provides another tool for working with sensitivity and persistent pain—particularly for those who don’t respond well to deep pressure techniques like deep tissue massage.
Rolfing emphasizes adaptability and movement efficiency, and DNM complements this by giving the nervous system new, gentle inputs that encourage ease.
Direct vs. Indirect: Why Both Have a Place
Some manual therapies work into tension and restriction, while others guide the body toward change by working in the direction of ease. Neither is superior—there's an art to it, and the most effective approach depends on what each person’s system responds to best. Indirect techniques are often a good place to start, as they tend to be easier on the system, but if the desired changes aren’t happening, a more direct approach can be useful.
Direct techniques (like deep tissue massage and myofascial release) apply force into an area of restriction, helping tissues change under pressure.
Indirect techniques (like DNM) use gentle inputs to create change by working in the direction of ease, allowing the nervous system to reorganize without resistance.
Different people respond to different approaches. Some bodies need deeper input to create change, while others need a more subtle touch to engage their nervous system effectively.
What This Means for Clients
In my practice, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Some clients respond best to deeper, more direct work, like deep tissue massage or myofascial release, while others benefit from a gentler, nervous-system-focused approach like DNM. Neither approach is inherently better—it’s about what creates the best results for you.
If you’ve struggled with persistent pain or sensitivity to deep pressure, working with the nervous system rather than against it might provide a new avenue for relief. Whether through direct or indirect techniques, the goal is the same: helping your body move with greater ease and less discomfort.
Finding the right manual therapy approach can be a journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re interested in exploring what works best for your body, schedule a session or reach out with any questions.
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