Neuromuscular massage therapy acts on points in the spine that release tension and relieve pain . Let’s find out better.

>   What is neuromuscular massage therapy

>   How it works

>   What ailments it treats

>   For whom is  neuromuscular massage therapy designed

>   The law in Italy and abroad

>   Associations and reference bodies

What is neuromuscular massage therapy

Neuromuscular massage therapy is a gentle manual massage technique that dissolves specific muscle tension. It is also often called “trigger points massage”, literally “massage of the trigger points” or of the myofascial area , the connective tissue that surrounds the muscle and allows it to move.

With neuromuscular massage therapy, practically almost static pressure is exerted on these soft points of the tissue to stimulate the striated skeletal muscles . The ‘trigger points’ are chosen as energetically reactive nodes, species of switches, extremely irritable localized areas, located within a taut band of muscle tissue.

If touched or crushed they can cause discomfort or pain; they are located all over the body, but the trigger point massage often involves only the spine, that is, from the head to the sacroiliac area, almost up to the buttock.

Those who practice neuromuscular massage therapy aim to rebalance the central nervous system (the brain, the spine and the nerves), settling it with the structure and shape of the musculoskeletal system.

How does it work?

After an initial interview that introduces the patient and his ailments, a delicate massage is performed with light palpation of the rachis , with a diagnostic touch to reveal the possible presence of trigger points that manifest themselves as nodules, clusters, rigid masses within the muscle area.

Then circular pressure movements are exercised with the fingertips on the head, neck, shoulder blades, shoulders, trapezius until reaching the sacroiliac area, also using a little massage oil. Then only on the neck, shoulder blades and arms.

The operator then concentrates on the paravertebral muscles, the muscles close to the spine, with different positions of the hands and then with the knuckles of the fingers with the hand closed, exerting small pressures to completely stretch the back. Starting again from the head, we proceed with deeper finger pressures. With your thumbs, you hold the trigger points and then let go, making circular motions and rubbing.

From the scapular area, continue towards the other muscles of the back and then descend to the gluteus maximus. This work, excellent for dissolving the heaps of tension, obviously insists on the trigger points present. The massage lasts about an hour and is practiced with the fingers, knuckles or elbows.

Once applied to the pain, the pressure should not change for 10 to 30 seconds. After the muscle is relaxed through the massage therapy , the lactic acid will be released and the muscle should start getting enough blood and oxygen and getting better.

Neuromuscular therapy is painful at first, but the pressure of the massage will gradually go away relieving the muscle spasm. At this point it is extremely important to communicate with the massage therapist the sensations received with the pressure, if the pressure is too much, too little, it makes you feel better or worsens the situation.

The therapist will listen and respond accordingly, bearing in mind that this type of massage should never cause excessive pain, but “beneficial pain”. One area that can be significantly painful is the low back, which is easily stiffened with active trigger points if you stand a lot or bend over all the time.

Discover also  the benefits of cervical massage therapy

What ailments  does neuromuscular massage therapy treat?

Through the applied knowledge of trigger points, neuromuscular therapy helps to fix distorted postures, biomechanical dysfunctions, nerve compression syndromes, back pain  and ischemia .

Neuromuscular massage, as well as other reflexogenic methods, is able, through various mechanisms, to directly influence an altered connective tissue, to set in motion general mechanisms of dynamic regulation of the blood circulation and to evoke nerve impulses and reactions even in organs very far from the area of ​​application of the massage.

After a few massage sessions, the tractions are loosened, the movements are looser and the pain disappears. therefore also in case of nerve blocks or compressions and wrong movements in everyday situations such as lifting objects, playing golf or tennis, using the computer keyboard.

Contraindications to treatment can be : acute inflammatory states, infectious diseases, malignant tumors, central neuro lesions, first months of pregnancy; to be avoided even in case of ongoing bleeding, including menstruation. Even in the case of significant dysfunctions such as scoliosis, hernias, discopathies or even simply inflammation of the spine, there are no prerequisites for massage.

Who is neuromuscular massage therapy designed for?

Neuromuscular massage is indicated for all situations in which tension, joint pain and less range of motion occur, accompanied by stiffness, hypersensitivity and muscle weakness .

The massage gives more flexibility to the body, with a consequent feeling of general well-being, helping to regain the correct posture and eliminating points of tension.

To obtain significant results you will have to undergo a cycle of at least ten sessions but already after the first massages you can see the first benefits in terms of mobility and agility. Along with the massage , however, certain bad habits must be reviewed and changed , such as postural ones, for example.

The law in Italy and abroad

The mass therapist who deals with neuromuscular massage therapy specializes in kinesiology, biomechanics, physiology of the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems and often works in a clinical setting.

In Italy the massage therapist, in terms of denomination, is a relatively recent figure, coming after many others, as a masseur, masseur and head lifeguard, physiotherapist, physiotherapist, rehabilitation therapist.

Having abrogated or fallen into disuse the old professional figures established through legislative acts of the State, the regions – to which professional training is delegated, with the exception of that relating to the health professions – have variously legislated on the subject, but in general they have limited the activity of the massage to the beauty and wellness area.

This profession is highly appreciated and recognized in other countries, especially the United States , but also France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria.

Associations and reference bodies

In Italy there are various bodies and associations that protect the profession of massage therapist, such as AIM (Italian Association of Massage Therapists) which reports the list of accredited schools and many other useful information. The American Academy of Pain Management   recognizes this form of massage as a full-fledged healing treatment for back pain caused by mild tissue trauma.