Is Neural Therapy The Best Choice For Chronic Pain?

Neural therapy injections are a common treatment for chronic pain, but are they really the best option?

Learn more about the natural, needle-free alternative: Neural Reset Therapy.

 

Chronic pain can impact every part of daily life, leading many to explore different treatments to find lasting relief.

One common treatment option is neural therapy injections—sometimes called nerve block or trigger point injections. This technique, popular in parts of Europe, uses a local anesthetic to address pain by targeting specific areas of the body, such as nerves, scar tissue, or trigger points.

However, neural therapy injections aren’t for everyone. Injections can be uncomfortable, especially if multiple treatments are needed, and some people prefer to avoid needles or medications altogether.

Fortunately, there’s a natural, needle-free alternative: Neural Reset Therapy (NRT).

In this post, we’ll dive into the details of both neural therapy and NRT, helping you understand how these treatments work, their differences, and how NRT can offer a gentler, drug-free solution for managing chronic pain.

 

What Is Neural Therapy?

Neural therapy is a treatment that involves injecting a local anesthetic—such as procaine or lidocaine—into specific areas of the body, such as nerves, scar tissue, or trigger points, to help relieve chronic pain.

By targeting these areas, neural therapy aims to reset abnormal nerve signals and reduce pain. This technique, commonly used in parts of Europe, is often applied to treat conditions where traditional pain relief methods have been ineffective.

How Does Neural Therapy Work?

Neural therapy works by addressing dysfunctions in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls many unconscious body functions, such as heartbeat, hormone production, digestion, and breathing.

In certain cases, scar tissue, trigger points, or injury sites can create what is known as an “interference field”—an abnormal electrical charge that disrupts the nerve signals between the brain and body. As a result, pain may not only persist in the affected area but can also be referred to other parts of the body.

By injecting a local anesthetic into these interference fields, neural therapy helps reset the nerve signals, allowing the body to restore normal communication between the brain and nerves. This can lead to significant pain relief and improved function.

While studies have shown the effectiveness of neural therapy, it’s not suitable for everyone. Individuals with a fear of needles or sensitivities to anesthetics may wish to consider alternatives.

Neural Reset Therapy: A Natural Alternative

Neural Reset Therapy (NRT) is a needle-free, drug-free approach to relieving pain and restoring muscle function by working with the body’s natural reflexes.

Rather than targeting painful areas directly, NRT uses gentle techniques to reset the nervous system, encouraging muscles to relax without deep pressure or invasive treatments.

This process is rooted in two key principles of how muscles and nerves work together:

• Law of Reciprocal Inhibition: This law explains that when one muscle contracts, its opposing muscle relaxes. For example, if you flex your bicep, the tricep on the opposite side naturally relaxes. This coordinated action allows for smooth movement and prevents muscles from working against each other. NRT uses this principle to help muscles release tension naturally, leading to pain relief without direct manipulation of the sore area.
• Law of Symmetry: The law of symmetry describes the body’s tendency to mirror muscle movements and reflexes on both sides. When one side of the body is activated, the other often responds similarly, maintaining balance and coordination. In NRT, this principle allows practitioners to stimulate a relaxed response on the painful side by working on the opposite side, providing relief without pressing directly on tender or painful areas.

Through techniques like gentle stretching, tapping, and vibration, NRT resets muscle tension by working with the nervous system, making it a great alternative for those seeking a natural solution to chronic pain. This gentle approach enables effective pain management and muscle relaxation without the need for needles, anesthesia, or deep pressure.

 

Neural Reset Therapy vs. Trigger Point Massage

Neural reset therapy is often practiced by medical massage therapists, but it is very different from the trigger point massage you may be familiar with.

Trigger point massage targets specific “knots” or areas of tension in muscles by applying direct, deep pressure. This method encourages the trigger points to release and relax, which can be effective in reducing muscle tightness.

However, because it involves pressing directly on sensitive areas, it can sometimes be uncomfortable or even painful, especially for those with tender or deeply seated tension.

Unlike trigger point massage, NRT uses gentle techniques like stretching, tapping, and vibrations to influence muscle tension indirectly. By working with the body’s natural reflexes, NRT encourages the muscles to relax without needing to press directly on sore or tight areas.

This makes it a desirable alternative for people who want to avoid the discomfort that can come with deep tissue methods.

Benefits of Neural Reset Therapy

Neural Reset Therapy (NRT) offers a unique and gentle approach to pain relief and muscle relaxation, making it an appealing option for many people.

• Drug-Free: NRT doesn’t require any medications, making it a natural solution for those who prefer to avoid drugs. This eliminates the risk of side effects or adverse reactions, making NRT a safer choice.
• Needle-Free: Unlike neural therapy injections, NRT is completely needle-free. This makes it ideal for those with a fear of needles or for anyone looking for a non-invasive treatment option.
• Gentle: NRT works with the body’s natural reflexes rather than pressing directly on sore or tight muscles. This means there’s no need for deep tissue pressure, which can sometimes be painful or uncomfortable, especially for sensitive or inflamed areas.
• Highly Effective: By resetting the nervous system and encouraging muscles to relax naturally, NRT can provide significant pain relief and muscle relaxation, often in just a few sessions. It works with the body’s natural processes, leading to effective results without invasive techniques.
• Improved Range of Motion: NRT helps release muscle tightness and restore balance, which can enhance flexibility and increase range of motion. This is particularly helpful for those looking to improve mobility and movement without enduring painful procedures.

With these benefits, Neural Reset Therapy stands out as a gentle, effective, and natural alternative for those seeking pain relief and improved mobility without the discomfort of traditional treatments.

What To Expect During a Neural Reset Therapy Session

Neural Reset Therapy is a unique experience, quite different from physical therapy or traditional massage.

You’ll stay fully clothed throughout the session, so wear comfortable clothes that allow for easy movement.

The therapist will begin by gently feeling your muscles to identify trigger points, areas of tightness, and any painful areas. They may also check your range of motion to get a better sense of the areas that need attention.

Instead of deep pressure or manipulation, the therapist will use gentle techniques like stretching, tapping, and vibration. These techniques work with your body’s natural reflexes to release muscle tension without directly pressing on sore areas.

During the session, you might be asked to move a specific way or to resist a gentle force. This helps engage your muscles and encourages the nervous system to “reset” itself.

You may feel mild soreness afterward, as your muscles adjust to the release of tension. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated, as this helps flush out any residual muscle stiffness and supports recovery.

NRT offers a comfortable and natural approach to relieving pain and improving movement, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease during and after your session.

 

Conclusion

Chronic pain and muscle tension can be difficult to manage, but there are effective solutions beyond traditional injections and deep tissue therapies.

Whether you’re seeking a non-invasive alternative to neural therapy injections or simply want a more comfortable approach to muscle relief, NRT may be the ideal option.

At Oviedo Chiropractic, our skilled massage therapists are trained not only in NRT but also in a variety of other techniques to help you achieve lasting relief. With a range of options tailored to your needs, we’re here to support you in finding the most effective, personalized approach to pain management and wellness.

Contact us to learn more about how our therapies can help you move and feel your best.