Neuromuscular Massage Therapy is the science by which homeostasis (balance)
is brought about between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.
In order to create homeostasis it is necessary to analyze physiological principles
which govern the performance of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal
systems. During the initial examination the massage therapist will examine
the five physiological principles of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy which
are as follows:
- Dysfunctional Biomechanics - Imbalance in the musculoskeletal system
resulting in faulty movement patterns.
- Postural Distortion - Imbalance in the muscular tonus system resulting
in movement of the body off the coronal and mid-sagittal planes.
- Ischemia - Lack of blood.
- Trigger Points - Area of low neurological activity that, when stimulated
or stressed, transitions into an area of high neurological activity that
causes referred sensations to other parts of the body.
- Nerve Compression/Nerve Entrapment - Pressure on a nerve by an osseous
or cartilagenous structure. Pressure on a nerveby soft tissues.
It should be understood that this process includes more than the five physiological
principles. The other supporting factors include nutrition, elimination of
waste products, hormone balance, and the role that the psyche plays in the
health of a person.
Neuromuscular therapy allows a reversal of the stress-tension-pain cycle.
Pressure specifically interrupts afferent impulses to the spinal cord, reduces
the intensity of nervous activity within the tissue and mechanically forces
our toxic irritants which have accumulated at nerve receptor sites. The muscle
then relaxes, circulation is increased, and the body returns to normal neuromuscular
integrity and balance.
FAQ’S
What are the general benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy?
There are a number of benefits to Neuromuscular Therapy. The following are
just a few;
- decrease in soft tissue pain
- decrease bodily toxicity
- greater flexibility
- greater freedom of movement
- increased circulation
- increased energy and vitalit,
- increased sense of well-being
- improved postural patterns.
How long does a complete program of therapy take?
The goal of Neuromuscular Therapy is to help you get will, not to keep you
coming for treatments indefinitely. The initial examination and therapy
session lasts one hour. Each succeeding therapy session lasts approximately
thirty minutes Long-standing problems do not clear up overnight but they
so respond very will to consistency in a therapy program. The duration
of the total therapeutic program depends on:
- How much damage has been done.
- How rapidly the body heals.
- The state of general health.
- Those stress factors influencing one's life.
- The length of time the condition has existed.
Once the client is pain-free and moving more efficiently, the therapist
will recommend periodic maintenance treatments and continuing "homework".
Does Neuromuscular Therapy hurt?
There is a certain amount of occasional discomfort in any deep muscle therapy.
The greatest discomfort is usually experienced after the first treatment.
Mild pressure does not elicit pain in normal healthy tissue, therefore,
the pressure of pain during the physical manipulation of tissue is a valuable
guideline to the therapist. It indicates those areas when adhesions, muscular
spasms, trigger points and cellular toxins are located. Continuous feedback
form the client is encouraged to insure that the therapy is conducted with
the minimum degree of pressure necessary to carry out the process successfully
and achieve the maximum results