More than just relaxation, neuromuscular Bradenton massage therapy (or trigger point massage) provides physiological benefits for problematic bands of muscle.
You’ve probably been there: A tight, sore area of muscle is limiting your movement and cramping your style. You may even know to describe these sore spots as “knots.” But do you know what they really are? And what happens when neuromuscular massage therapy is applied to solve them?
I hear it a lot from people who come to my Bradenton massage practice. People correctly assume that massage can help relieve this pain. Still, a trained professional will know that the best solution is not just any kind of massage, but one that has been specifically developed to address these issues.
Moreover, this relief isn’t just about walking away from our session feeling better. When left untreated, these taut, painful areas of muscle–also commonly known as “trigger points”–can cause chronic issues.
For people dealing with “knotted” muscle, neuromuscular massage can provide short-term relief as well as long-term benefits for your musculoskeletal system.
What are muscle “knots”?
When you describe yourself as having a knot in your muscle, you’re more than likely suffering from a combination of muscle and fascia that has undergone trauma, overuse, or even lack of use. That trauma can interrupt blood flow, which means your muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen.
The result is stiffness and limited range of motion due to pain, as well as a sensitivity to pressure in that area. (Ie it hurts when you press on it.)
Where do muscle knots occur?
Knotted muscles can happen wherever there are muscles. However, we most commonly see them in the neck, shoulders, back and hips.
Why are muscle knots bad?
Of course, we always want to mitigate any kind of pain. But the additional issue with these trigger points is that they can lead to more problems down the line.
As you might have guessed, if underused muscles are prone to knotting, then using them less (because they hurt) will only exacerbate the issue.
Additionally, when you have limited range of motion and/or when you’re favoring a muscle, you put your whole musculoskeletal system out of balance. This only makes you overuse other muscles while making you more prone to injury. It’s a vicious cycle.
What is neuromuscular massage therapy?
Neuromuscular massage, also called trigger point massage or myofascial release, is a distinct modality that involves firm, sustained pressure applied to areas of the body that are experiencing muscle ischemia (lack of blood flow).
How can neuromuscular massage therapy treat trigger points?
When practiced by a trained massage therapist, neuromuscular massage increases blood flow to the affected area, allowing it to “loosen up.” That is, the muscle fibers are again able to lengthen properly.
Bradenton massage therapy can address problematic muscle knots.
If you’re experiencing muscle knots, treatment isn’t just about getting someone to rub your shoulders.
As a licensed Bradenton massage therapy practitioner who is trained in neuromuscular massage, I will first assess your overall physiology and symptoms in order to best develop a course of action. Muscle pain is often more complex than it seems, and treatment needs to address the whole problem with properly located and expertly performed techniques.
Otherwise, the problems can continue and potentially even get worse.
