Posted on December 10, 2007 in Massage Techniques
Neuromuscular therapy is a process of soft tissue massage techniques which was developed in England. Neuromuscular therapy aims to stabilize the central nervous system and rectify any disorders brought about as a result of any imbalances among the two. Neuromuscular therapy enhances the role of joints and muscles, and speeds curing by facilitating the release of endorphins.
Functions of Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy has a holistic move toward towards curing as it lays stress on stimulating the body to heal itself. Once this healing has begun, neuromuscular therapy techniques are used to arouse soft-tissue repair in the affected areas.
During a characteristic sitting of neuromuscular therapy, the massage therapist will first look at the patient and his or her medical history to know the cause of prolonging pain. Once the problem areas have been acknowledged, alternating levels of intense pressure are applied on the areas of muscle spasm with the fingers, knuckles or elbow.
Normally, painful muscle spasms occur when your muscles lack adequate blood flow.
Experiences during the Massage
During your first neuromuscular therapy session, you may feel some discomfort and pain.
This is normal at first, but slowly the massage therapist adds more pressure and the muscle spasm melts away.
After a few sessions, you will start feeling at ease.
Neuromuscular therapy works by addressing the following six physiological factors which can intensify pain patterns. They are:
- Trigger points – trigger points are highly irritable points in the nervous system.
Nerve entrapment/compression – when a nerve gets pressed constantly between the adjoining structures, it can lead to a sharp kind of constant pain.
- Postural distortions – Postural distortions result in underdevelopment of the supporting muscles and thereby lead to their weakening.
- Nutrition – Lack of sufficient nutrition to the cells leads to an over all declining of the entire system.
- Ischemia – In a condition such as Ischemia, the cells and tissues get a reduced blood supply and as a result are under-nourished.
- Stress – Stress plays havoc with the functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal system.
Session of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy:
- No oils are used and you may be allowed to wear comfortable clothing during the treatment.
- The session of Neuromuscular Therapy usually lasts for 1 hour.
- The massage therapist may start with discussions relating to your physiological and emotional factors. The professional can also do a postural analysis.
- The therapist will use Swedish massage techniques in order to warm up the muscle area and get it ready for deeper work.
- The session is usually completed with some gentle relaxing massage.
- Then, the massage therapist will apply pressure on the trigger points for several seconds.
- The professional may give you some instructions to do some exercises to strengthen weak areas at home.
Benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy:
Neuromuscular therapy is used to treat conditions such as
- Sciatica
- Chronic pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff dysfunction
- Lower back pain.
- Chronic pain resulting from occupational, sports and/or automobile injuries
- Migraines.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Muscle and jaw tightness
- Knee, foot and ankle discomfort
- Frozen shoulder
- It is also used in the treatment of some physical and sexual abuse-related traumas.
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