NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY
Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. It’s increasingly common to see postural issues arise considering modern technology causes most people to sit and stare at screens for hours of the day. On the other hand, those that labor often repeatedly stress and strain themselves leading to other chronic problems. Be it from lack of proper use, overuse, or a traumatic injury, specialized massage therapy can be an effective solution to treat pain and issues with alignment and mobility.
What is it?
Neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT) is a treatment that works to relieve pain by loosening areas of tight muscle, applying sustained pressure in specific ways. Unlike deep tissue or other types of massage, this technique focuses on trigger points that inhibit blood flow and affect surrounding and even non-adjacent areas of the body. The therapist learns where the patient is experiencing pain, then uses their knowledge of these sensitive nerve centers to apply intentional force at the corresponding spot to soften and relax the tissue. This restores blood flow and function, relieving the problem areas while helping the body to heal itself and rejuvenating movement.
NMT is also sometimes called myofascial trigger point therapy because of the focus on these important spots. Trigger points are areas in the muscle that become tight and tender due to trauma or repeated strain. They restrict movement and can be painful, but also trigger rapid nerve impulses that can inhibit blood flow and cause issues in other areas. The lack of blood flow can cause a condition in soft tissues called ischemia, which results in improper function, accumulation of waste products, and pain in the affected area. The trigger point may not always be the spot where the pain is felt, but it can be the point that is causing it.
How it Works
How it works is the massage therapist locates the problem area or trigger point and applies consistent static pressure with their hands or elbows. They will hold firmly in each spot for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, to soften the muscle fibers and loosen up the tight tissues, encouraging blood flow to the area. A necessary part of this process is that triggering these points will elicit pain, but it should subside quickly after the pressure is released.
Benefits
NMT offers a range of benefits, including pain relief, improved muscle function, increased flexibility, and enhanced circulation. By targeting and releasing trigger points, this therapy helps alleviate muscle tension, reduce chronic pain, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
It is particularly effective for treating conditions such as:
chronic back and neck pain
tension headaches
Sciatica
Plantar fasciitis
Fibromyalgia
Migraines
Whiplash
Tennis/Golf elbow
Runner’s knee
Tendonitis
Nerve compression
Postural distortion
repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
Additionally, neuromuscular therapy can improve posture, decrease muscle stiffness, and support recovery from injuries by addressing both the muscular and neurological components of pain. By releasing tight, stuck areas of muscle, it also improves circulation and lowers toxin levels within the body. Whether used to treat acute pain or manage long-term discomfort, it helps restore balance and mobility, leading to better overall quality of life.
Our Treatment
When getting a neuromuscular massage at New Leaf, patients will discuss their pain and problem areas with the therapist, then be placed on a table as with any traditional massage. The massage therapist will locate the trigger points causing issue and apply appropriate pressure to those areas, communicating with the patient about their comfortability and level of pain. The patient may need to move in certain ways to extend muscles and allow deeper access during this process.
After a session, the patient should feel relief as blood flow is restored and the body works to heal itself, but may also experience some pain and soreness. Some points may regress over time, and typically patients will need multiple treatments to fully work through their issues, depending on their type and severity. We would be happy to have you come for an evaluation and learn more about this wonderful, restorative treatment.