Neuromuscular Massage
Would you like to follow a simple process that identifies and releases the origin of your pain and restriction,and gives you control and freedom from it?
Too often after an accident, injury or the onset of pain it can begin to take control over your life. Before you know it, you are restricted from doing the activities you enjoy. No matter what you do or where you go you struggle to find the answers as to what is happening to you and how to find relief.
If this sounds familiar and you choose to change, then Neuromuscular Massage can help achieve the results you have been looking for.
- Ischemia: Lack of blood supply to soft tissues which causes hypersensitivity to touch
- Trigger Points: Highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body
- Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone
- Postural Distortion: Imbalance of the muscular system resulting from movement of the body off its functional level
- Biomechanical Dysfunction: Imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns
Relaxation
Many people consider massage therapy to be just about pampering, but it has important health benefits especially when included in a regular wellness routine. The most important is a reduction of stress and increase in relaxation leading to prevention of disease and longevity. It incorporates a variety of gliding, kneading and cross-fibre friction strokes to work the muscle tissue, releasing tension and improving circulation.
Deep Tissue
This type of massage is aimed at the deeper structures of the muscle. It can include many of the same movements and techniques as Relaxation massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as it works to release chronic muscle tension.
Sports Massage
Sports massage can be pre or post event, restorative, or rehabilitative and is designed to keep the tissue in peak condition by reducing adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increasing range of motion and flexibility. It helps athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.
Trigger Point Therapy
This type of treatment is used to treat painful points that can travel or refer to unassociated areas in other parts of the body. These points are often areas of chronic ‘holding’ and trigger point therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. The recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
Dry Needling
Dry needling uses fine needles applied to the musculoskeletal system in order to deactivate deeper layers of trigger points. Needles are inserted into and stimulate the points, desensitising or deactivating them depending on the need. The associated referred pain is relieved and stimulates healing, and the production of endorphins. Whilst acupuncture uses points that lie along the body’s meridians or energy channels, dry needling uses points that are defined by western based anatomy and physiology.
Myofascial Release
his gentle blend of stretching relieves pressure on the bones, muscles, joints and nerves to restore balance. It allows for more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures. Poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress can throw the body out of alignment and cause its intricate web of fascia to become tight and constricted. This technique releases tension and may also facilitate the emergence of negative or repetitive emotional patterns, which have interfered with the healing process.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Is a form of therapeutic touch that addresses imbalances in the membranes and fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. During the session, subtle restrictions are addressed that impede the free motion of the various body regions, tissues, organs, and subtle energy systems. Manual techniques using very light touch help release those restrictions.
Reflexology
In reflexology pressure is applied to “reflex points” on the feet which are related to specific organs and glands in the body. Stimulating these points promotes health via the body’s energetic pathways. It is a deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body. Various techniques are used that include holds, direct pressure, kneading, rotation and rubbing.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers and possess therapeutic properties. In aromatherapy massage, essential oils are mixed with carrier oil in order that their qualities further enhance a positive mood and alleviate pain.
Thermal (Hot) Stone Massage
This massage is similar to Swedish massage and incorporates the use of heated stones. Heat enhances the deeper effects of deep tissue massage by reducing muscle guarding and cramping, especially in the connective tissue. It increases detoxification, metabolism and a deeper level of relaxation.
Lymphatic Drainage
This treatment stimulates the lymph system with a series of pumping movements. It supports the body’s immune system and encourages lymph flow in the body, This aids detoxification, oedema, and helps the body heal by delivering nutrients to the cells as well as carrying away excess water, cellular waste, bacteria, viruses and toxins.
Other Modalities
A variety of supplementary techniques will be used during the treatment process depending on the needs required at the time. These mobilisation and stretching techniques are designed to increase range, flexibility and reset the neural receptors thereby alleviating pain and restriction. They may include:
- PNF (Proprio Neuro Facilitated stretching)
- MRT (Muscle Energy Techniques)
- Static and resisted stretches
- Movement orientated exercises
Post Treatment Care
The above stretching modalities may be given if relevant, in order that ongoing beneficial effects are gained from the treatment outside of the therapeutic environment, between treatments. Other suggestions may include the use of hot or cold therapies or contrast treatment (use of both hot and cold). Watsu treatment (water therapy) may also be recommended and explained by the therapist as a specific form of Neuromuscular Release.
Other Factors
There are also many other indicators that can affect neuromuscular conditions such as diet, use of stimulants such as sugar and caffeine, toxins such as alcohol, cigarettes, medications and chemical substances. These are also taken into consideration during assessment and treatment as they do affect the outcome.
Sports massage – Deep Tissue – Relaxation – Central Coast
