| Neuromuscular massage is applied to a | | | | imbalanced, and are not moving correctly |
| specific point in the body. It is usually | | | | |
| used in order to relieve tension and pain in | | | | Biomechanical Dysfunction: the entire |
| the patient. Results are accomplished by | | | | musculoskeletal system gets off balance due |
| focusing on one muscle group, so that the | | | | to improper use of the muscles. |
| massage therapist can find the tension point | | | | |
| and relieve stress in your body. This in turn | | | | Techniques used in neuromuscular massage: |
| will reduce pain. | | | | |
| | | | The therapist will give alternating levels of |
| This type of therapy is applied to individual | | | | pressure on the area where the patient is |
| muscles, and is a form of deep tissue | | | | experiencing muscle spasm. The fingers, |
| massage. It is often used after trauma to | | | | knuckles and elbow are usually used. The |
| muscles and soft tissue. It helps to release | | | | pressure should only be done for ten to |
| pressure on the nerves, which can be caused | | | | thirty seconds. |
| by injury. This massage therapy will also | | | | |
| increase the blood flow, which further | | | | When muscle is in spasm, (tightened in a |
| reduces pain. | | | | knot) it will be very painful to the touch. |
| | | | This is primarily caused by lack of blood |
| Neuromuscular massage works on intense knots | | | | flow. This sets off a chain of events; due to |
| of tense muscle that are radiating pain to | | | | lack of blood flow the muscles are not |
| other parts of the body. The massage releases | | | | receiving enough oxygen. Lactic acid is |
| these trigger points and eases the pain in | | | | produced due to oxygen deficiency. The lactic |
| various parts of the body. This type of | | | | acid will cause pain in the muscle after |
| massage therapy is often very helpful for | | | | activity. |
| lower back pain, especially when it is caused | | | | |
| by muscle strain. | | | | When the muscle is relaxed by massage |
| | | | therapy, the lactic acid will be released, |
| There are 5 elements that cause pain. | | | | and the blood and oxygen start to flow to the |
| Neuromuscular massage addresses the | | | | muscle. This in turn will give relief to the |
| following: | | | | patient. At first, the pressure of the |
| | | | massage will be a little painful, but as the |
| Ischemia: when blood is not flowing to soft | | | | treatment continues, the symptoms will be |
| tissues, they become very sensitive to the | | | | relieved. It is important to drink adequate |
| touch | | | | amounts of water to aid this process. |
| | | | |
| Trigger Points: when muscles become irritated | | | | After about 24-36 hours, the pain and |
| and pain starts radiating out to other parts | | | | soreness should subside. The patient should |
| of the body. | | | | experience relief for at least 7-14 days, as |
| | | | the muscles should remain relaxed for that |
| Nerve Compression or Entrapment: There is | | | | period. This is a very useful form of massage |
| pressure on the nerve caused by soft tissue, | | | | therapy and can be used for athletes or |
| bone or cartilage. | | | | anyone suffering from the after affects of |
| | | | trauma or muscle strain. |
| Postural Distortion: the muscles get | | | | |