Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy
by Return to Play Institute

Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy
to Support Active People at Every Level

Are you striving to push just a little further, maybe gain a competitive edge, or perhaps be better at the the activities you already love? Clinical manual soft tissue therapy (MSTT) can help. Our therapy isn’t magic—it’s smart, evidence-based support for your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and overall structure. Basically, it helps you optimize how your body moves, recovers, and performs!

Most likely, you have had a massage before, and it left you feeling hurt and bruised for the next few days. Or maybe you experienced a massage and wondered why there was so much oil with little or no focus on your primary issue? Pain is not gain, and lack of focus is not therapy. While there are hundreds of methods for manipulating muscles and soft tissue, it really comes down to what works consistently, and what doesn’t.

Clinical manual soft tissue therapy can achieve results such as performance enhancement, surgical recovery, prenatal and postpartum comfort, scar tissue reduction, muscle tension relief, and, of course, injury recovery. Exploring these results, it’s easy to see how RTPI differs from “regular” massage therapy treatments.

Our therapists focus on your soft tissue needs. Clinical manual soft tissue therapy promotes circulation, releases tension, and aids in faster, smoother healing, helping you regain mobility and feel more in tune with your body’s recovery process. Whether you’re a new mom, a weekend warrior, or someone recovering from surgery, our approach is tailored to help you move forward with confidence and comfort.

For young athletes aiming for college athletics, imagine being able to train harder with fewer setbacks. For the busy professional squeezing in a workout before or after a full day, wouldn’t it be a relief to know your body will be able to handle the intensity without aches hours later? Clinical manual soft tissue therapy helps keep the body balanced, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

A Shot? Maybe not so Fast?

You have pains. Your doc suggests a shot or maybe surgery. You’re not so sure. We get it—you’re open to exploring options beyond medications or surgery. Clinical manual soft tissue therapy is designed for people like you: people who prefer to explore a more natural healing process, personalized care, and understanding the body, when treated with the right methods, could heal and perform without aggressive interventions.

Imagine you’re in the middle of an intense volleyball season or just finished your third marathon. You feel it almost everyday – nagging pain, pinching in the hip or knee, low back ache. Instead of relying on drugs alone, you choose a more natural, hands-on approach – MSTT. You choose manual manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues to restore function and improve use. After a few sessions you notice the aches and pinching disappearing. Tension and compensation in other muscles sees less. You’re feeling better and more prepared to continue on, stronger than before.

Invest in Wellness

If you spend more on your equipment than your body, why? Your equipment is not going to win the race for you – your body does, with the help of your equipment. So, we all should invest in what matters – invest in your wellbeing.

Clinical manual soft tissue therapy is perfect for those who value proactive self-care. Prioritize your wellness by choosing a therapy which improves how you move and feel. Don’t mask the pain with drugs. Go on the offensive and attack the pain. Every MSTT session is an opportunity to get stronger, more aligned, and better prepared for tomorrow. Plus, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you have those benefits.

Invest in what matters — your body. Without it, you would not be able to do what you love!

For Parents of Young Athletes: A Competitive Advantage for the Future

As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially if they’re seriously pursuing sports. Clinical manual soft tissue therapy for teens and young adults supports your young athlete’s health and wellness. Who doesn’t want to help prevent injuries, reduce pain, or improve flexibility and endurance? There! That’s your child stepping onto the field better prepared to compete safely.

Along with the demands of sports, young athletes have growing pains, the stress of academics, and developing bodies – all factors increasing chances of strains or injuries while training or competing. Improve your child’s opportunity for success by introducing them to clinical manual soft tissue therapy. Whether they’re competing now or just training to stay active, this therapy is a necessity for young athletes looking to reach the next level.

Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy for Lasting Relief

One of the most common frustrations we hear from our orthopedic clients is, “My doctor said they don’t see anything wrong, so it must be a soft tissue issue.” Clients have often gone through several rounds of tests only to be left with unanswered questions and lingering pain. That’s where we come in.

At Return to Play Institute, we understand how muscles, fascia, and connective tissues affect how you feel and move. There’s no such thing as a “Muscle Doc,” but we think we are as close as it gets. When traditional approaches don’t provide answers or relief, our comprehensive knowledge of soft tissue can uncover the underlying causes and provide the support you need to restore comfort and function.

What’s the RTPI Difference?

At Return to Play Institute, we approach your muscles with a coach’s mindset, guiding them to recover and perform optimally—no “forced relaxation” or “just power through it” here. Our clinical manual soft tissue therapy is targeted so you get exactly what you need without the extras.

Targeted Therapy: We use minimal hypoallergenic cream (or none at all), and you won’t find any oil baths here.
Transparent Pricing: Our pricing is all-inclusive—no upselling or add-ons based on incentives.
Highly Trained Therapists: Every therapist completes continuing education each year, so your care is always informed by the latest in clinical practice.
Professional Standards: Just like any healthcare provider, we do not accept gratuities.
HSA/FSA Accepted: As a clinic, we accept HSA/FSA payments without requiring a doctor’s note.
Auto Insurance Accepted (MN Only): We can work with auto insurance for rehabilitation and recovery after accidents (but only in Minnesota). In Florida, we can give you a detailed receipt but Florida law prevents us from billing auto insurance. Check with your personal injury attorney for more information.
Your Safety and Comfort: You’re in control of your session at all times, and your safety and comfort on our table are our top priorities.

Choose Return to Play Institute for true, focused bodywork that puts your health goals at the forefront.

Soft Tissue Therapy Services We Offer

Injury Recovery

Imagine this: you’re sidelined from the activity you love because of a strain, sprain, or soft tissue injury. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? But what if there was a way to speed up your recovery and get back to feeling strong and capable again? That’s where our injury recovery therapy comes in.

We know how important it is for you to heal—not just quickly but properly. Our personalized techniques, like scar tissue manipulation and myofascial techniques, help your body recover better and alleviate pain. This isn’t just about short-term relief; it’s about improving your movement and flexibility so you can return to your workouts, games, or hikes with confidence.

And the best part? We don’t just help you heal, we help your body perform better so you don’t get injured again. Injury and dysfunction lead to more injuries and further dysfunction. Getting you back to proper movement and strength gives your body the tools it needs to stay resilient. So, let’s work together to get you back on track—stronger, healthier, and ready to go.

Post-Surgical Massage

Recovering from surgery can be challenging. You’re dealing with swelling, scar tissue, stiffness, and the nagging thought of whether you’ll ever feel “normal” again. That’s why we offer post-surgical massage therapy—to make your healing journey a little easier and a lot more effective.

Our non-invasive, client-focused approach is gentle and helps you understand your body’s recovery process. By addressing the soft tissue directly, we work to relieve scarring, improve mobility, and support optimal healing—all with treatments which empower you to feel better faster.

Our gentle techniques help your body rebuild itself, one careful step at a time. With improved circulation and increasing flexibility, you’ll find it easier to regain mobility—whether you’re recovering from a joint replacement or a mommy-makeover.

But this isn’t just about physical healing. It’s about the brain’s ability to help you heal, too. When you’re recovering, the last thing you need is to feel overwhelmed or confused about the process. Let us help you get back to doing what you love—without the pain but with an understanding of the process and a renewed sense of freedom.

Orthopedic Soft Tissue Therapy

Living with chronic joint, tendon, or muscle pain can feel like a constant battle. Every move reminds you of what hurts and your limitations. But it doesn’t have to be that way. While opioids and other painkillers can mask the symptoms, orthopedic soft tissue therapy may give you relief so you can reduce or eliminate the drugs.

We use techniques like deep tissue massage and myofascial release to tackle the root of the problem—whether it’s from an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition. This isn’t about masking pain; it’s about teaching your tissues and brain how to move with reduced pain, restoring your range of motion and function so you can get back to living the way you want.

If you’re dealing with piriformis syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, labral tears, patellofemoral dysfunction, low back pain, or other chronic issues, imagine what it would feel like to finally loosen up, move more freely, and stop thinking about the pain. This therapy is tailored to you, your needs, and your goals. Let’s help you feel better and possibly avoid more intrusive interventions.

Manual Soft Tissue Therapy for Pain Relief

Pain can take over your life in ways you didn’t expect. Whether it’s sharp and sudden or dull and constant, it affects how you move, sleep, and even think. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live like this.

Our approach targets the tension and inflammation that causes discomfort. We use techniques like trigger point therapy and myofascial release to mitigate your issues. Whether it’s your neck, back, shoulders, hips, thighs, or legs, we work to ease the pain so you can move without the nagging ache holding you back.

Most acute pains come from postural imbalances or muscle overuse. Picture yourself waking up without stiffness, bending and stretching with ease, and feeling truly free in your body again. It’s possible, and we’re here to help you get there. Every ache, strain, or injury tells a story. Schedule a session with RTPI and tell us your story!

Prenatal and Postpartum Soft Tissue Therapy

For moms who are pregnant or have just delivered, recovery and resilience are essential. Pregnancy and postpartum recovery bring unique physical and emotional demands, from carrying extra weight to adapting to life with a newborn. Clinical manual soft tissue therapy provides gentle, effective support to help moms manage physical discomfort, improve mobility, reduce swelling, and relieve muscle tension.

During pregnancy, moms-to-be often deal with swollen legs and ankles, pain in the hips from carrying the extra weight, lower back pain, and mobility issues. Postpartum is no treat either – an instant change in weight from delivery causes hips to ache, breasts to become tender, pelvic alignment is out of whack, and fatigue sets in. Imagine being able to care for yourself so you can keep up with the demands of motherhood, feeling more balanced and energized.

At RTPI, our perinatal massage therapy helps address many of these issues both before and after a baby is born. Our techniques are focused on your issues and concerns—both lymphatic and orthopedic. And, if you had a C-section, we can help your scar heal better, with less pinching and tightness. You brought a life into this world; now, let us help you get your body back to active so you can enjoy time with your family!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy, and How Does It Work?

Clinical manual soft tissue therapy is a form of hands-on therapy focused on treating muscles, fascia, and connective tissues. It targets areas of tension, misalignment, or dysfunction in the soft tissue, aiming to restore mobility, improve circulation, and relieve pain. Unlike general massage, this therapy is tailored to address specific physical needs, whether for recovery, performance enhancement, or relief from chronic discomfort.

Who Can Benefit From Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy?

Those who can benefit from clinical manual soft tissue therapy are people with chronic pain or soft tissue issues, athletes looking to improve performance or reduce injury risk, individuals recovering from surgery or injury, and pregnant or postpartum moms needing support can benefit from clinical manual soft tissue therapy. It’s ideal for those who are active, health-conscious, and interested in complementary therapies for long-term wellness.

Is Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy Painful?

Generally, clinical manual soft tissue therapy is not painful, but there is discomfort. The therapist will work within your comfort level, and the techniques used are often gentle and focused on relieving tension rather than creating discomfort. Many clients describe the therapy as relieving and educational, as it helps them understand their bodies better.

How Is Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy Different From a Regular Massage?

Clinical manual soft tissue therapy is more focused on identifying and treating specific soft tissue dysfunctions. It’s designed to target particular issues, such as restricted movement, chronic tension, or post-surgical recovery, rather than general relaxation. This therapy uses a clinical approach tailored to support and enhance the body’s function and recovery.

How Many Sessions of Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy Are Recommended?

The recommended number of sessions of clinical manual soft tissue therapy varies depending on your goals and needs. For those recovering from an injury or surgery, 8-12 sessions may be recommended to support healing and restore mobility. For athletes or active individuals seeking performance enhancement, periodic sessions can be beneficial for maintaining balance and preventing injury.

Can Students or Young Adults Receive Clinical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy?

Absolutely! We treat students as young as 13 years old; they can benefit from these sessions—academically and for sports. Studies have shown that clinical massage therapy can relieve growing pains, reduce the stress of academic studies, improve muscle and structural development, and aid in preventing injuries unique to this age group. In addition, students who receive regular clinical massage therapy treatments often feel more confident and knowledgeable about maintaining their own health and wellness when they get out on their own.

Feel Better, Move Better, Be Better

It’s a simple truth: when you feel better, you move better. And when you move better, you live better. Our clinical manual soft tissue therapy is designed with you in mind, from the weekend warrior who wants to hit the trails without pain to the dedicated gym-goer who wants that extra range of motion to perform each rep better.

Clinical massage therapy gives your body the freedom to move as it’s meant to, without the restrictions of tension, soreness, or restrictions. Imagine a world where each morning feels like a fresh start, where activities that once seemed exhausting begin to feel effortless.

Ready to experience a smarter way to feel and move better? Take the first step to a stronger tomorrow. With regular, focused manual soft tissue therapy, you can optimize how your body performs—not through luck or shortcuts, but with the knowledge and skills of a team that’s committed to helping you succeed.

Schedule your first session with the Return to Play Institute and discover how clinical manual soft tissue therapy can help you achieve the balance, strength, and confidence you deserve.

Your Journey to a Better Tomorrow Begins Today

Call Return to Play Institute Today!

Return to Play Institute, LLC (Miami)
4675 Ponce de Leon #204, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
(305) 990-1350

Coral Gables, FL
Coconut Grove, FL
Edina, MN
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