Neuromuscular therapy is a type of massage that focuses on relieving pain by putting pressure on myofascial points in the body. A neuromuscular therapist who is specialized and trained adequately about the nervous system and its impact on the muscles performs it. Neuromuscular massage therapy aims to alleviate muscle pain and is quite different from other types of massage because it pinpoints specific areas on your body that cause pain. It provides a solution to the problem at the source by targeting the trigger points. Muscular therapy is usually an ideal treatment if you have pain resulting from a bad posture, trauma, sporting injury or muscle sprains. This article discusses everything you need to know about neuromuscular therapy including its benefits.
How Does Neuromuscular Therapy Work?
Neuromuscular therapy uses the science of trigger points to improve performance and reduce pain. Neuromuscular massage therapist usually locates the origin of your pain before starting the massage by addressing five essential aspects of the body. First, they check for the presence of ischemia caused by the tightening of muscles due to the lack of enough blood supply to the soft tissues.
They also locate trigger points, which are sensitive areas in your muscles that are highly irritated. You can also participate actively in the diagnosis by pinpointing areas in your body where you feel pain as it gives your therapist a general idea of your source of pain. They identify any signs of nerve compression before checking for imbalances by assessing your overall posture.
The final aspect is to recognize the biomechanical dysfunction which are poor movements caused by daily joint activities and abnormal gait. Your neuromuscular therapist will have a general understanding of what causes your pain after examining all these factors. This helps them to develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your pain and discomfort.
What to Expect During Neuromuscular Massage Therapy?
After locating the sources of pain in your body, your therapist will target these trigger points by applying the science of neuromuscular therapy. It consists of alternating levels of pressure concentrated on the areas causing pain. A neuromuscular therapist applies pressure using their fingers, elbow, or knuckles without any variation for pressure applied. The techniques used in neuromuscular massage therapy helps to reduce ischemia by increasing blood circulation to specific parts of the body. It also helps to alleviate nerve compression by focusing on joint motion.
A neuromuscular massage therapist is well trained and fully equipped with proven techniques to solve your muscle pain. The techniques used help relieve pain in the soft tissues that are commonly associated with upper back pain, lower back pain, persistent neck pain and more. Any soreness that presents itself after a neuromuscular therapy massage should subside after a day or two. Tight and painful muscles should remain noticeably relaxed depending on the severity of your pain, activity level and stress before the therapy.
Benefits of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy
- Reduces Muscle Pain
Muscle pain is often caused by the tightening of muscles due to the lack of enough blood supply to the soft tissues. This means that your muscles are not receiving enough oxygen and essential nutrients for them to function properly. Your muscles may feel sore after physical activity because the production of lactic acid in large amounts causes the formation of small crystals known as muscle knots. Neuromuscular massage therapy reduces pain by releasing excess lactic acid from the muscle, which provides them with enough blood supply and oxygen.
- Improves Posture
Neuromuscular massage can help correct a bad posture by reinforcing healthy and natural movements. It loosens up sore muscles caused by bad posture, which relieves pressure points and improves your range of motion. Neuromuscular massage therapy allows your body to position itself in a natural posture by helping you avoid positions and movements that developed as a reaction to pain.
- Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
Neuromuscular massage therapy helps to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Stress can cause physical symptoms such as rapid breathing and increased heart rate that contribute to mental health issues. Neuromuscular massage therapy helps to restore a healthy flow of energy throughout the body. It also relaxes tightened muscles and facilitates the release of endorphins, which improve mental health and overall well-being.
Painful muscles can have a huge impact on your lifestyle as it interferes with your daily routine tasks. Neuromuscular massage therapy can help improve such pains by locating and addressing your sources of pain. Not only does it alleviate your painful muscles but it also prevents it from recurring in the future by reinforcing good posture.