10 Best Massage Therapies to Alleviate Neurological Problems

Waking up with crippling muscle spasms, a pounding headache, or numb hands are everyday realities of people having neurological disorders.

Although traditional medical treatments provide some relief, they are not enough to overcome the constant suffering and agony of pain.

Massage therapy is the most sought-after supplementary care among the many therapeutic approaches because it promotes general well-being, reduces pain, and strengthens neural function, with long-term benefits.

Here are the ten best neurologist-recommended massage therapies everyone can benefit from.

1. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a specialized manual therapy that targets the muscles and nerves to alleviate pain and improve function. 

This technique involves applying concentrated pressure to specific trigger points, muscle knots, and nerve entrapments to relieve tension and restore proper movement.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy

• NMT effectively reduces neuropathic pain by targeting specific trigger points.
• It is beneficial for patients with neuropathy and myofascial pain syndrome.
• It speeds up the healing process by addressing the underlying muscle and nerve issues.
• Increases blood flow to affected areas, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery for faster healing.

2. Swedish Massage Therapy

Swedish therapy, or Swedish massage, is a popular type of massage developed in the 19th century by Per Henrik Ling that aims to help the body relax by improving blood flow, increasing oxygen in the blood, and easing muscle tension.

It involves using long, smooth strokes, kneading, tapping, and gentle stretching to relax the body. 

Benefits of Swedish Massage

• It loosens tight muscles, common in neurological problems, and promotes relaxation and flexibility.
• It enhances blood flow and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
• It boosts lymphatic drainage by removing toxins and reducing swelling.
• It assists in achieving more restful sleep.
• It strengthens the immune system by improving all bodily functions.

3. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets deeper muscle and connective tissue layers. Unlike Swedish massage, deep tissue massage addresses specific problem areas and muscle knots. 

This therapy is mainly beneficial for individuals with chronic pain, athletes, and people recovering from injuries.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

• It boosts the range of motion in the body and makes it flexible.
• It helps to dissolve adhesions and scar tissue from injuries.
• It relieves muscle pain by easing knots and tightness in deeper muscle layers.
• It corrects misalignments by releasing muscle tightness.
• It increases blood flow to deeper tissues, promoting healing.

4. Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a specialized therapy focusing on pain in the myofascial tissues, the tough membranes that wrap, connect, and support muscles. 

The therapist applies gentle pressure to the myofascial connective tissues with this technique to eliminate pain and restore motion. 

It is mainly effective for individuals who have fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or injuries that restrict movement.

Benefits of Myofascial Release

• It alleviates persistent pain by releasing tightness in the fascia.
• It increases the range of motion by relaxing tight muscles, aiding in smoother, pain-free movement.
• It loosens and softens the connective tissues around muscles, improving muscle function.
• It corrects postural issues, promotes better alignment, and reduces strain.

5. Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, noninvasive treatment focusing on the craniosacral system. It eases the functioning of membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. 

It involves a hands-on technique to detect and correct the synarthrodial joints of the cranium.

This therapy uses light touch to gently manipulate the joints in the skull, spine, and sacrum. It aims to release tension, improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and enhance the body’s natural healing.

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

• It enhances mental clarity and cognitive function by improving fluid flow around the brain.
• It helps release emotional stress, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
• It reduces the frequency and severity of neurological disorders like epilepsy and migraines.
• It balances the functioning of the central nervous system.

6. Reflexology

Reflexology involves applying pressure to massage points on the hands, feet, and ears, which will be beneficial to reduce prolonged pain.

These points connect with different organs and systems in the body. Reflexology promotes healing, reduces pain, and improves overall health by stimulating these reflex points.

Benefits of Reflexology

• It strengthens the body’s natural defenses by stimulating corresponding reflex points.
• It removes toxins from the body by improving the function of organs such as the liver and kidneys.
• It helps manage headaches and migraines by targeting specific reflex areas corresponding to pain sources.

7. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a rhythmic technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to remove toxins, waste, and excess bodily fluids. 

This therapy involves light, sweeping strokes, and gentle pumping movements to encourage lymph flow, which can help keep muscle and joint pain away.

It is beneficial for reducing swelling, improving immune function, and promoting overall health.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

• It alleviates edema by promoting the movement of lymphatic fluids, reducing fluid retention and swelling.
• It accelerates recovery from injuries and surgeries by promoting tissue regeneration.
• It reduces tiredness and boosts energy levels by improving lymphatic flow and reducing toxin buildup.
• It induces deep relaxation and reduces stress levels through gentle, soothing strokes.

8. Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is a traditional Japanese therapy that involves applying constant pressure to specific points on the body using fingers, palms, thumbs, and elbows. 

This technique balances the energy flow (qi) within the body’s meridian pathways. 

Shiatsu is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles and promotes good energy flow within the body.

Benefits of Shiatsu Massage

• It stimulates the body’s natural defenses by improving circulation and reducing tension.
• It alleviates digestive issues by balancing energy flow and reducing abdominal tension.
• It improves focus and concentration by releasing tension and promoting relaxation.
• It balances the body’s energy flow, supporting physical, emotional, and mental health.
• It reduces pain and discomfort associated with neurological conditions like neuropathy and sciatica.

9. Thai Massage

Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga massage, originated in Thailand as an ancient healing art.

This therapeutic technique combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and Indian Ayurvedic principles. Practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to apply rhythmic pressure and stretch the body into various yoga-like poses. 

Thai massage balances the body’s energy pathways and promotes overall health and flexibility.

Benefits of Thai Massage

• It enhances the range of motion and joint flexibility through assisted stretching and deep muscle compression.
• It stimulates the body’s energy flow (sen lines) and revitalizes the body and mind.
• It helps athletes recover from workouts faster and prevents injuries by improving muscle function.

10. Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage combines therapeutic techniques with essential oils extracted from plants.  

This technique not only gives neurological benefits but also addresses emotional concerns.

Benefits

• It eases sore muscles and reduces stiffness with the combined benefits of oil and massage.
• It elevates mood and reduces stress and anxiety levels with the aromatic smell.
• It supports the immune system with the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of oils.
• The essential oils help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin with moisturizing and healing properties.
• This massage therapy enhances sleep quality, which is crucial for neurological health.

Conclusion

Massage therapy offers uncountable benefits for individuals with neurological conditions. 

Understanding and utilizing these ten best neurologist-recommended massage therapy techniques can significantly benefit your neurological health.

To experience the best massage therapy services in Des Moines, visit Lemon Massage Therapy.