Neuromuscular Therapy
The most effective type of massage 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 therapy consists of alternating levels
of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm.
The 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.
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:
- Because the muscle is not receiving enough blood,
the muscle is also not receiving enough oxygen
- The lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce
lactic acid
- The lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore
following physical activity.
After the muscle is relaxed, 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 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 pressure should never be overly
painful. In fact, most people describe the pressure as
"good pain".
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.
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