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Experiencing a Neuromuscular Massage Benefits of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Scheduling A Neuromuscular Massage Session | ||
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NMT is a clinical form of massage designed to release trigger points and reduce chronic pain, tension, and stress. When you are in pain, your body is out of balance and the natural tendency is to compensate for the pain in one area of the body by overusing other muscles that are not in pain. A primary goal of NMT is to locate then treat the specific sources of pain, and help restore the proper balance. By restoring normal physical functioning between the nervous system and the muscles a general harmony is regained. This restoration of body harmony is accomplished by locating and treating trigger points. These points are tender, sensitive areas in the muscles that are painful to the touch and trigger pain in other pains of the body. The successful release of trigger points can bring lasting relief from many long-standing chronic pain syndromes. | ||
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Trigger points are small hypersensitive knots that can be found in body tissues, including the muscles, the fascia, the cutaneous section of the skin, ligaments, the tissue surrounding the bone, and even in scars. Trigger points generally become active due to the chronic overwork of a muscle. The term trigger point was coined by Janet Travell, M.D., whose life work was the study and application of the impact of the body’s chemistry on muscle pain. Her careful observations of her patients’ pain complaints led her to investigate trigger points and how they function. She was a pioneer in this new field of medicine. Trigger points are caused in part by reduced blood flow to an area that reduces the available oxygen. As a result, certain muscle waste builds up. Over time, this area can become very sensitive. An area is considered ischemic if less than 5 pounds of pressure causes tenderness. There are different kinds of trigger points. Active trigger points hurt almost all the time. Latent trigger points hurt when they are pressed. Satellite trigger points are additional points that are fired off with pain when the original pain area is aggravated. Secondary trigger points can develop in a healthy muscle that is overworked by compensating for a painful area. What does a Trigger Point Feel Like? As you recall, trigger points are hyperirritable when compressed and often refer pain into other areas of the body. For example, you may have been standing in line at a store and a friend comes up behind you and innocently squeezes your shoulder, which happens to contain a trigger point. At the instant of the squeeze, you experience a sudden, sharp pain intense enough to cause you to flinch. If the point is particularly ischemic (restricted in blood flow) you may also feel a sharp pain triggered in another area such as the area behind the ear at the same time. | ||
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Experiencing a Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Session Assessment During your first session, several assessment tools will be used. A history of the problem and any related physiological and psychological factors may also be discussed. A postural analysis will be conducted that may offer clues as to how you may have created or compensated for your pain. A gentle pressure will be applied to the uncomfortable areas to check for levels of sensitivity and range of motion may also be explored. Therapy A session will begin with Swedish massage or myofacial techniques to warm up the muscle area and get it ready for deeper work. Communication with the practitioner is important. You will be asked during a session if an area is tender. Is the discomfort lessening? What is the level of discomfort on a scale of 1 to 10? Pressure will be skillfully applied to the trigger point for several seconds and often repeated to release the knot. These short repeated compressions help break up the pain pattern by interrupting the pathological reflex circuits. As the session continues the muscle tone becomes normalized. Each session is completed with a period of gentle relaxing massage.
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Benefits of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy NMT can free us from chronic pain and stress that eludes many other techniques. Clients have reported the following benefits from NMT sessions:
Clients have reported relief from these conditions:
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Joseph received a comprehensive training through the Saint John’s Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars. He is a licensed massage therapist in the state of Virginia with over fifteen years of experienced as a sensitive and skilled bodyworker.
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Scheduling a Neuromuscular Therapy Massage Session
How Long Does a Session Last? The first session lasts for ninety minutes to allow for the initial assessment. Follow up sessions last for sixty minutes. The majority of clients experience noticeable improvement after six sessions or less.
How Do I Schedule a Sesson? All initial sessions are pre-scheduled by phone at (757) 460-4477.
How Much Does a Session Cost? The fee is $120 for the initial session and $80 for each additional session. (Credit cards are not accepted.)
In Virginia Beach, VA, sessions are conducted at: Neuromuscular Pain Relief & Postural Improvement Studio Dove Landing Professional Building 700 Baker Road Suite 108 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (Specific directions from your home can be acquired at www.mapquest.com)
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©Copyright
2003 Joseph R. Lee
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