Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a rehabilitative massage used to treat pain and muscular dysfunction in the body. NMT uses postural analysis, specific pressure and referral patterns to locate and release tight areas and trigger points to help bring the client out of pain and back into balance. NMT can be used to aid and even completely relieve pain syndromes that are usually treated through surgery.
NMT - In Depth
Neuromuscular Therapy is a form of advanced bodywork designed to bring the central nervous system into balance with the body's muscular system. The theory of neuromuscular therapy pertains to the way the central nervous system interprets pain signals as well as how various stresses affect the physical and emotional body.
While initial pain signals are the body’s protective mechanism, in cases of strong trauma or prolonged stress, the central nervous system can become overwhelmed. In response, the central nervous system will keep the muscular system in a state of sustained contraction. This can cause physical and chemical changes in the muscles themselves, setting the stage for chronic myofascial (muscular/soft tissue) pain and dysfunction.
Neuromuscular Therapy examines five main factors that influence pain in the body:
Ischemia--Lack of circulation and blood flow to an area in response to tension, injury, or lack of use.
Trigger Points--Taut bands of muscle that give rise to local and referred pain.
Nerve Entrapment-- Pressure on a nerve from soft or bony tissue that causes pain or loss of function.
Postural Distortion--Caused by muscle imbalance, overuse, and adaptive shortening.
Biomechanical Dysfunction--Poor movement form and muscle sequencing.
Some conditions that can be treated with NMT:
- Headaches
- Tendonitis
- Bunions
- Hammer toes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Compartment syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Whiplash
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Postural imbalances
- Pelvic and back pain
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder syndrome
- Sprain or strain injuries