MASSAGE THERAPY

WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage Therapy is a term used to define various techniques and types of massages. It is designed to help relieve pain or manage certain health conditions.

Massage therapists apply pressure on the muscles to loosen built-up tension and alleviate pain, is not just for relaxation.

Most healthcare providers recognize as a legitimate aid for back pain and an effective adjunct to lower back treatments. About 54% of healthcare providers say they will support their patients seeking massage therapy to supplement their medical treatment.

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Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Technique

The most effective type of massage for back pain is Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, also known as Trigger Point Myotherapy. It comprises of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the affected area. The pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow in intervals of ten to thirty seconds.

Neuromuscular Massage is acknowledged as an effective treatment for back pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain).

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How does Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Technique works?

The Problem

Muscle spasms will be painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue. Ischemia means that the muscle is lacking proper blood flow. This, in turn, creates the following undesirable process:

Since blood flow is constricted, the muscle will not be receiving enough oxygen.

The lack of oxygen prompts the muscle to produce lactic acid.

The lactic acid build-up causes muscle spasms, cramps, and muscular fatigue.

The Solution

Disperse Lactic Acid Build-up

Massaging the affected area would help disperse the lactic acid build-up. It might feel painful at first, but the pressure applied will help alleviate muscle spasm. It is important to communicate with the massage therapist about the pressure — whether the pressure is too much, too little, getting better, getting worse. A professional massage therapist would listen and respond accordingly. Although a bit painful, most people describe the pressure as “good pain”.

Consult a Doctor

In certain cases, the muscle might not relax in response to the pressure applied. This usually means that there is an inflammation present. Massage is not the best treatment option for inflamed muscles. It is advisable that patients should consult their doctors on how to treat inflammation.

For Optimal Results

Most muscle spasms require several massage treatments, usually over the course of six weeks, to achieve the best effect. If muscle spasms do not respond to massage therapy within two massages, then it may not be the best treatment option.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

According to research done by the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy provides several important health benefits, which includes:

Improving blood circulation, which aids in the recovery of muscle soreness from physical activity.
Relaxes muscles for an improved range of motion. Muscle relaxation also helps with insomnia.
Increased endorphin levels. The increase in endorphin levels is actually one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy. Endorphins are the chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress and pain.

Combining Massage with Other Treatments

Massage therapy produces the best results when combined with medical and non-medical treatments such as chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, physician care, and others. Many massage professionals will work as part of an interdisciplinary health care team for overall patient evaluation and treatment.

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