5 Benefits of a Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is a type of specialized massage with origins dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. It was developed over the course of more than 30 years by Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simons as a treatment for chronic pain. Dr. Travell and Dr. Simons identified trigger points for that pain, located in the myofascial tissue surrounding muscles, and developed neuromuscular massage as a way of relieving that pain.
Let’s explore the key benefits of neuromuscular massage, as well as what to expect from one.
1. Chronic Pain Relief
Because chronic pain is a constant companion, it can sometimes be difficult for people to articulate or identify where that pain lives in their body. While we may describe our pain in general terms—a sharpness in our lower back or a dull ache in our thigh—that pain is often the result of tightness and irritation in the fascia surrounding our muscles.
Neuromuscular massage is informed by a deep understanding of the trigger points that cause chronic muscle tension and pain. By alleviating pain, even temporarily, neuromuscular massage enables people to live healthy, active lives.
2. Improved Strength and Range of Motion
Several techniques used in neuromuscular massage are designed to restore strength and range of motion to muscles. By treating myofascial tissue and muscles holistically, neuromuscular massage can provide enhanced elasticity in tight muscles, improving muscle performance and range of motion. Neuromuscular massage is commonly used by athletes as a way to reduce the likelihood of injury and recover more quickly from muscle strain.
3. Stress Reduction
We carry our stress with us. When we’re feeling overwhelmed at work or dealing with issues at home, our body responds by producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, build-up of stress can cause a broad array of symptoms—including migraines, muscle tension, disrupted sleep patterns, and more.
Like any massage, neuromuscular massage can be a relaxing, meditative experience. As a result, many of the symptoms associated with the build-up of stress can be alleviated via neuromuscular massage.
4. Improved Blood Flow
Often, chronic pain and muscle tightness is linked to poor circulation and blood flow throughout the body. Neuromuscular massage supercharges the body’s natural healing process by instigating blood flow to damaged tissue and sore muscles. As a result, neuromuscular massage not assists with recovery from injury, but also provides improvement in health overall.
5. Improved Posture
Our bodies adapt to our environment. Many people who work long hours at a desk or engaged in repetitive, high-stress motions develop issues with posture. Unfortunately, those issues with posture can compound over time, leading to long-term muscle tightness and imbalance in muscle groups.
By assisting with the repair of those muscles, neuromuscular massage allows for improvement of posture. By disrupting that feedback loop, we can prevent future injuries and reduce damage over time.
What to Expect
The goal of neuromuscular massage is to provide a non-invasive, pharmacologically safe form of healing. Neuromuscular massage encourages the natural healing processes of the body via a variety of techniques. Sustained pressure to trigger points, deep tissue massage, and stretching are all used to relief pain and improve muscle function. In some cases, neuromuscular massage may take advantage of hot and cold compresses, heating pads, and so forth. These techniques help address inflammation, promote circulation, and relax muscles.
Schedule an Appointment
At HeartSeed, we are keenly aware of the intimate relationship between our emotional and physical health. Accordingly, we offer an individualized, whole-body approach to healing that addresses both body and mind. Once we understand your pain, we can create a plan to tackle it together. To learn more about Neuromuscular massage please reach out to schedule a consultation.