Introduction

Neuromuscular massage therapy is a type of massage therapy that focuses on relieving pain and restoring mobility in the body. It is an effective treatment for lower back pain, as it helps to reduce tension in the muscles and improve circulation. It can also help improve clients’ range of motion, flexibility, and posture. This massage therapy complements other treatments, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture.

Muscles Targeted

Neuromuscular massage therapy targets specific areas of the body that are affected by pain or tension, which contrasts with relaxation massage, such as Swedish massage. The therapist may use deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, shockwaves, and stretching techniques to help relieve pain and restore mobility. These techniques help to break up adhesions in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (connective tissue) that can cause pain or limit the range of motion. By releasing these adhesions, neuromuscular massage therapy can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. When treating low back pain with neuromuscular massage therapy, the therapist will focus on the muscles that support the spine. These include:

• quadratus lumborum (QL) 
• erector spinae
• multifidus muscle
• deep gluteal muscles, including the piriformis muscle
• transverse abdominis (TA)
• internal and external obliques
• iliopsoas muscles
• hamstrings and adductors

Home Exercises

In addition to using specific techniques during a neuromuscular massage session for low back pain relief, clients can also do things at home to help improve their condition. Clients should focus on improving their posture throughout their day by sitting up with their pelvis balanced and slightly forward on their sit bones (ischial tuberosity). This position will improve spinal alignment, including the head and shoulders. Clients should also practice stretching exercises daily, which can help to increase flexibility in tight areas such as the hips or lower back.

Additionally, clients should incorporate core strengthening exercises into their routine, which can help improve stability in the spine while reducing strain on other areas of the body. Corrective exercises are another essential component in treating low back pain with neuromuscular massage therapy. Corrective exercises are designed specifically for each client based on their needs which may include strengthening weak muscles or stretching tight ones. Examples of corrective exercises may include hip flexor stretches for tight hip flexors or glute bridges for weak glutes, hamstrings, and calves, which may contribute to low back pain or limited mobility in some body regions. By incorporating corrective exercises into a treatment plan along with neuromuscular massage sessions, clients can achieve better results more quickly than relying on one treatment alone.   

Conclusion

Overall neuromuscular massage therapy is an effective treatment option for those suffering from low back pain or limited mobility due to its ability to target specific areas of tension while simultaneously improving circulation throughout the body. When combined with other treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and corrective exercises, clients can achieve better results more quickly than relying on one treatment alone. With regular sessions, clients should notice an improvement in range of motion over time, along with decreased levels of discomfort due to reduced tension in tight muscles that support the spine.