The number one cause of disability in the world is something many people suffer through every day: Back pain. Almost everybody will feel some type of back weakness or pain at some point, whether it’s due to stress, over-exertion, a spinal condition, or an athletic injury. Cumulatively, back pain causes Americans to miss a stunning 264 million workdays per year. Neuromuscular massage is a holistic treatment that can help to not just assuage symptoms of back pain but assist with the healing process of muscles and tendons.
What Exactly Is Neuromuscular Massage?
The name sounds intimidating, but neuromuscular massage therapy is simply another form of soft tissue massage specifically targeted towards alleviating chronic muscle and nervous system problems and disorders. This type of therapy is used to fix trigger points, nerve compression, circulation, repetitive movement injuries, and postural problems. Neuromuscular massage was developed by Stanley Lief and Boris Chaitow in Europe during the 1930s. The technique emphasizes palpation in order to gain access to injured, sensitive soft tissues. By the 1940s and 1950s, neuromuscular massage therapy had made its way to the U.S., and was even utilized by Dr. Janet Travell – the first female personal physician to a sitting U.S. president – on President John F. Kennedy to relieve stress-induced spinal cramps. Since then, neuromuscular massage therapy has continued to evolve and is recognized by the American Academy of Pain Management as an effective treatment for soft tissue injuries, particularly those of the lower back.
Neuromuscular Massage Vs. Deep Tissue Massage
While both neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage dive deep into affected areas and help to reduce back pain, neuromuscular massage aims to hit the nerve through palpation while deep tissue massage is more focused on stiff muscles, tendons, and tissues within the skin. Neuromuscular therapy is applied as a continuous medical treatment until the patient is completely recovered, while deep tissue massage is more of an occasional therapy to relieve tension. Neuromuscular therapy is also used to treat a wider range of ailments, and neuromuscular massage therapists such as those at Flex Spine & Sport spend years honing their skills, compared to people who focus on deep tissue massages. Since this type of therapy targets the main source of pain, therapists have to understand where the muscles are, the way the fivers flow, how the muscles work together, and understand stress and posture.
How Neuromuscular Massage Can Help You
Neuromuscular massage can address a wide range of problems, including:
- Back pain and other types of muscle pain
- Sciatica symptoms
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
- Headaches
- Hip, knee, and jaw pain
- Iliotibial band friction syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ disorders)
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
Neuromuscular massage therapy also comes with many benefits, such as reducing muscle pain. It can also release pain caused by muscle weakness from excessive use. Other benefits include:
- Increased flexibility: Specific neuromuscular massage techniques break up tense muscles and allow blood and oxygen to circulate properly
- Increased energy levels
- Balanced musculoskeletal and nervous systems
- Improving posture
Contact Us Today
Neuromuscular massage is a medical treatment that can alleviate back pain, improve posture, and increase circulation. Our highly experienced and certified medical practitioners at Flex Spine & Sport have helped many patients conquer pain, regain mobility and lead healthy, full lives. Call Flex Spine & Sport to schedule an appointment today!