Neuromuscular Therapy

If you are experiencing lower back pain, muscle spasms, or general muscle pain or discomfort that you can’t find an answer for, then you may want to consider neuromuscular therapy. This therapy is a type of massage, meaning it’s non-invasive and feels good, but it’s not just like any other type of massage. Instead, it involves using specialized pressure techniques on the areas where pain or discomfort are being experienced. The practitioner will generally use his or her fingers, knuckles, or elbows to exert the pressure technique continuously for up to half a minute. For most clients, instant relief is achieved.

You’ll know you have a good neuromuscular therapy practitioner when he or she first takes the time to determine what is causing your pain. Generally, the cause of the pain will affect the technique necessary to remedy it. Most people experience these types of pain due to a lack of blood flow and thus oxygen to the muscle, excess lactic acid production by the muscle, or a buildup of lactic acid during exertion which causes soreness.

Good communication with your masseuse is vital at all times. As mentioned above, you’ll want to talk with your practitioner beforehand so that he or she can better assist you in alleviating your pain. You’ll also want to talk with your practitioner throughout the procedure, letting him or her know how the pressure feels and the effect it is having upon the pain you are experiencing. It is important to note that some discomfort may occur during the therapy; this is normal and is often a sign that the procedure is working. Other people, however, report greatly enjoying the massage. Soreness after the procedure is complete may also occur but, if the procedure was performed correctly, will be temporary.

As with any other alternative medical practice, it is vital that you choose your practitioner carefully. Not everyone has the training and expertise necessary to perform such techniques properly, and improperly administering these and other alternative medical procedures can result in injury, pan, and worsening of the initial problem.