Neuromuscular massage concentrates on one specific area of the body. It is to alleviate tension that extends from a trigger point into an entire muscle.

When a muscle spasms it is often not the entire muscle spasming, but rather a very centralized area in the muscle which may then be reverberating to other areas of the muscle causing the pain. This small area is called the trigger point because it "triggers" pain in another areas of the muscle.

When a trigger point spasms in the body, blood flowing to that area is severely decreased, sometimes ceasing altogether. When blood flow is diminished oxygen necessary for the muscle to function is also decreased causing lactic acid buildup. This then causes the sensation of muscle soreness.

The Massage Therapist gently uses long, smooth strokes and will slowly begin to use deeper strokes to engage the trigger point. As the client your reaction in a specific area often pinpoints where that trigger point is found. The Therapist will then probe the area with her finger to identify the exact location of that trigger point. The pressure used often exaggerates the symptom at first, but the continuation of applying constant pressure with the Therapist's firm hand is part of the necessary technique. The pressure may continue for a period of up to 30 seconds at a time. This process is repeated until all pain has been released from that trigger point.

The results from the neuromuscular massage technique are the alleviated tension that was extending from a trigger point into an entire muscle causing spasm, pain, and soreness.

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