Neuromuscular Therapy: A Basic Definition
NMT practitioners use deep tissue massage techniques such as digital pressure and friction to release muscular trigger points. Trigger points are pea-sized restrictions in muscular tissue. Repetitive motion, injury, stress, and poor posture are some causes of trigger points. In these areas, circulation is restricted, meaning that nutrient delivery and cellular waste are limited. Through Neuromuscular Therapy and other massage modalities, Portland massage therapists can often alleviate lingering pain, weakness, and fatigue.
Neuromuscular therapy doesn’t just consider issues in soft tissue, but rather examines multiple levels of the problem—not just where it manifests as a sensation, but also related body regions, overall posture, emotional health, allergies, neurochemical factors, and more. Part of the NMT process includes consideration of all muscles and structures that feed into the painful area. As such, NMT specialists can reduce referral pain, in which zones distant from the trigger point experience tingling, numbness or pain. Headaches and carpal tunnel syndromes are two examples of how trigger pain could present in a patient.
Who Can Benefit from Neuromuscular Therapy
If you experience physical pain, NMT can help! Trigger points are very common, and NMT can help relax them and alleviate irritating symptoms. Here are a few more benefits of NMT:
–Improved flexibility
–Increased range of motion and ease of movement
–Enhanced posture
–Augmented circulation (including reduction of body toxins)
–Balance between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system
–Added strength
Common Ailments that NMT Can Treat
–Carpel-tunnel-like syndromes
–Hip pain
–Headaches
–Back pain
–Knee pain
–Jaw pain
–Tendonitis
–Sciatica-like syndromes
–Knee pain
This is only a small selection of issues that NMT can alleviate. This comprehensive therapy is well-equipped to treat soft-tissue and joint problems.
After reading about NMT, therapists and students may be interested in learning how they can gain training in this effective massage style. Our massage school in Portland, OR includes a short introduction to this style for all students. Massage- therapists-in-training can also select Neuromuscular Therapy for one of their 33-hour electives. We also offer NMT workshops for ongoing education credits. To learn more about our massage certification program, including NMT massage therapy classes, get in touch with one of our admission officers. For information on ongoing education courses, check out our continuing education event schedule.
Massage clients, would you like to experience NMT for yourself? Schedule a massage with an NMT-certified therapist through OurMassageClinic.com. Several of our licensed massage therapists are skilled in NMT.
