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Neuromuscular massage therapy
The most effective type of massage therapy for lower back
pain is neuromuscular therapy. Neuromuscular therapy is also
called trigger point myotherapy. 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 massage therapy technique
Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of
concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The
massage therapy 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.
Massage therapy can reduce muscle pain
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:
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Because the
muscle is not receiving enough blood, the muscle is also
not receiving enough oxygen
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The lack of
oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid
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The lactic
acid makes the muscle feel sore following physical
activity.
After the muscle
is relaxed through massage therapy, 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 of the massage 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 massage therapy pressure should never be overly painful.
In fact, most people describe the pressure as “good pain”.
What to expect
after massage therapy
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.
Neurological
physiotherapy
Treatment in neurological conditions is typically based upon
exercises to restore motor function through attempting to
overcome motor deficits and improve motor patterns. To
achieve this aim various theoretical frameworks have been
promoted, each based upon inferences drawn from basic and
clinical science research. Whilst some of these have
remained static, others are designed to take into account
new developments, perhaps the most notable example being the
"movement science" framework. The various philosophies often
generate considerable debate.
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The above Information
was obtained from
www.Spine-Health.com
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