Sore muscles are unfortunately a common occurrence in most peoples’ lives. This happens whenever we overuse muscles that we normally don’t use in our day-to-day life. An example of this is when someone who works a desk job spends the weekend helping their friend move into their new house. The following morning is usually accompanied by stiff and aching muscles in the back, legs, shoulders, and arms.
For most cases of sore muscles, a deep tissue massage is the ideal solution to help alleviate the pain and restore flexibility. But what happens when deep tissue massage can’t relieve the pain? In cases where the pain is severe and ongoing, neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT) may be required.
What is Neuromuscular Massage Therapy?
The word “neuromuscular” is made up of the words “neuro,” which means nerve-related, and the word “muscular” which pertains to muscles. This type of specialty massage incorporates stimulating and massaging both the nervous system and the muscular system to help bring about pain relief.
Neuromuscular therapy is also known as Trigger Point Myotherapy because it involves applying pressure to release areas of strain in a muscle, which are also called trigger points. The pressure can be applied either digitally or with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow.
Neuromuscular therapy also differs from other types of massage in that long-lasting results are achieved over a number of sessions. Treatment is ongoing until the pain is suitably diminished or eliminated.
Who Needs Neuromuscular Massage Therapy?
According to The American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM), neuromuscular massage therapy is an effective treatment method that has been shown to help a wide range of conditions, including:
Upper and lower back pain
Carpal tunnel-like symptoms
Sciatica-like symptoms
Calf cramps
Plantar fasciitis
Tendonitis
Knee pain
Jaw pain
Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ disorders)
Hip pain
Headaches
Iliotibial band friction syndrome
Post-surgery recovery
While the above are common conditions treated by NMT, the truth is that any soft tissue that needs relief from strain or pressure will be improved with this technique. Neuromuscular therapy can even help those with painful scar tissue due to an injury or surgery as well as facial adhesions or restrictions as this massage technique is especially effective at breaking up and lengthening the scar tissues, thus increasing mobility and relieving the tension.
Neuromuscular massage has even been used to help patients suffering from poor posture, gait problems, allergies, and a variety of other ailments pertaining to the muscular and nervous systems. And, after receiving treatment, many patients report more positive mindsets thanks to the pain relief.
Is Neuromuscular Therapy Painful?
Unlike other types of massage, neuromuscular massage therapy isn’t relaxing and in some cases, it can even be slightly uncomfortable simply due to the severity of the individual’s pain. However, most people who undergo this type of massage report the experience as a “good” type of pain.
Still, communication with your therapist is important. If the pain reaches an intolerable level, then you should notify your therapist immediately, so they can adjust their approach.
In most cases, the pain fades shortly after the pressure is released, however; it is not uncommon for mild soreness to be felt in the treated area for a few hours after treatment has ended. This soreness may be alleviated with a topical pain medication or by applying an ice pack to the area.
Schedule a Neuromuscular Therapy Session Today
If you have enduring pain that deep tissue massage has been unable to alleviate or a health condition that is causing you to experience chronic pain, then scheduling a neuromuscular massage therapy session will help you get started on a journey to less pain. Neuromuscular massage therapists are specially trained to provide NMT, so they know the safest and most effective ways to massage the trigger points that are causing your pain. To learn more about the neuromuscular therapy available at Birmingham Massage Couple or to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, just give us a call today at 205-529-1516 or 205-381-1645, or book your neuromuscular massage therapy session online.
