What is Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)?

NMT is a modern, effective approach to soft tissue manipulation designed to relieve pain and restore balance within the body. This form of massage therapy is deeply rooted in the physical laws that govern the relationship between the nervous and muscular systems.

When we have trauma, stress, or injury to body tissue our nervous system becomes highly active, sending constant messages to our brain that we have a problem. Our brain will then instruct our body to protect and heal itself. If proper resolution is not achieved, our body does it's best to dissipate the pain. Some pain mechanisms include: transmitting pain to other tissues and organs, splinting the injured area with dense fascial tissue, cutting off blood supply to reduce inflammation, and creating an imbalance in body weight distribution.

Neuromuscular Therapy breaks this pattern and pain cycle by addressing the following principles:

1. Ischemia - lack of blood
2. Trigger Points - hypersensitive points in muscle tissue which refer pain to other areas of the body
3. Nerve Compression/Entrapment - pinching off of the nerve supply by either a bony structure or muscular tension
4. Postural Distortion - any imbalance in proper posture
5. Biomechanical Dysfunction - habits of movement that differ from proper biomechanical behavior

Why Do I Need a Postural Analysis ?

All connective tissues work together to create stability, support, and movement within our body. Most manual therapists work directly at the area of chief complaint, only to have the client come back time and time again with the same problem. A neuromuscular therapist will use postural analysis to determine the root cause of pain.

There are three main causes of postural imbalance, they are: structural abnormalites, functional distortion from injury, and functional distortion from improper postural habits. A postural analysis and history intake will help determine which imbalance needs to be corrected.

Why is Pelvic Balance Important?

The pelvis holds the center of gravity for the entire body. When the pelvis is off balance - so goes the rest of our support system. Our spinal cord runs through the center of the spine. When distortion of the spine occurs it can put pressure on our central nervous system. This has a direct influence on the general state of our well-being.

NMT Helps with: