January 14, 2011

New Year, New Career

(Welcome to the Massage Therapy Profession)

The Healthcare industry is a rapidly growing field. With so many professionals having to deal with so much stress at work while balancing their daily lives, the tension continues to break down our bodies. A worn down body can lead to further injuries and even greater health risks.

Neuromuscular massage therapy can be an answer to dealing with the stress that today’s workforce faces while providing an excellent career opportunity for displaced and layed-off workers.

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy is a system of massage therapy that is based on understanding how the neuromuscular system functions. Neuromuscular Therapy's approach to massage is very detailed massage of muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, etc. Precise massage therapy releases problem areas that are missed by general massage.

What are the Benefits of Neuromuscalar Therapy School?

There are many benefits to enrolling in a Neuromuscular therapy school. Individualized learning environment , online classrooms, current massage therapy textbooks, dedicated massage school facility and integrative learning style.

Changing careers has never looked so appealing to Americans as now. Job uncertainty and constant lay-offs plague us all. Why not choose a career in an industry that is now and in the future predicted to continue experiencing growth. Choose Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy School to equip you for the future.

January 5, 2011

Physical Benefits of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy

"Neuromuscular massage therapy, also called myofascial trigger point therapy, is a touch therapy that focuses on sensitive points in your muscles called trigger points. According to MayoClinic.com, "sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse," which can cause muscle and joint stiffness and deep, aching muscle pain.

The physical benefits of neuromuscular massage therapy include restoring muscle strength, increasing flexibility and relieving pain, cites AltMD.com. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of neuromuscular massage on specific health conditions. Consult with your physician before having a neuromuscular massage.

Restore Muscle Strength
Over time, reduced use of a muscle leads to muscle weakness. AltMD.com indicates that "trigger points prevent muscles from contracting correctly, making them seem weak," and adds that "by clearing our trigger points, we can return the full ability of our muscles to provide strength, balance and faster recovery from exercise." Increasing muscle strength with neuromuscular massage has not been scientifically proven. Check with your health care provider if you experience unexplained muscle weakness.

Increase Flexibility
In neuromuscular massage theory, trigger points are muscle fibers locked in a constricted position which limit the range of motion and flexibility of your muscles and joints. According to AltMD.com, "when these particular cells are in spasm, there is limited blood flow through the area, leading to a build up of metabolic waste and a lack of fresh oxygen and nutrients." During neuromuscular massage, the therapist aims to increase blood flow, release the trigger point and extend the muscle. There is not sufficient scientific data to conclude neuromuscular massage increases flexibility.
Pain Relief

MayoClinic.com reports that "a trigger point in a muscle can cause pain and strain throughout the muscle." Because a muscle constriction can pressure a nerve bundle, pain can be felt distant from the original location of the spasm. A massage therapist trained in neuromuscular therapy locates trigger points associated with muscle pain or numbness and applies concentrated pressure on that point to alleviate the tension. More studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular massage for pain relief. See your doctor if you experience persistent pain." ~ Source: Livestrong.com

For a massage therapist school in North Carolina, check out Edmund Morgan School of Neuromuscular & Massage Therapy.