Neuromuscular Therapy Massage

Also called NMT or Trigger Point Therapy. NMT is a system of soft tissue manipulation techniques that seek to balance the nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. This is one of the methods I use to help clients experiencing pain, and is very effective. Stated in simplest terms, I release trigger points in muscles, helping to correct muscular imbalances that can cause pain and discomfort. NMT also addresses nerve pain caused by pressue from soft tissues including muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. NMT is effective in helping with conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD), Back pain, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia (FMS), Migraines, and even Scoliosis.

The most effective type of massage for lower back pain is neuromuscular therapy. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of massage therapy as an effective treatment for back pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain).

Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds.Muscles that are in spasm will be painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue. Ischemia means the muscle is lacking proper blood flow, usually due to the muscle spasm. This in turn creates the following undesirable process: Because the muscle is not receiving enough blood, the muscle is also not receiving enough oxygen.
The lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid, and this lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore following physical activity.

After the muscle is relaxed, the lactic acid will be released from the muscle, and the muscle should start receiving enough blood and oxygen. Neuromuscular therapy will feel painful at first, but the pressure should alleviate the muscle spasm. At this point, it is extremely important to communicate with the massage therapist regarding the pressure - whether the pressure is too much, too little, getting better, getting worse. The therapist should listen and respond accordingly. The pressure should never be overly painful. In fact, most people describe the pressure as “good pain”. Following a neuromuscular therapy massage, any soreness that presents itself should fade after twenty-four to thirty-six hours. The muscles that were tight should remain noticeably more relaxed for four to fourteen days, depending on stress, activity level, and severity of back pain prior to beginning massage therapy.