Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a form of soft tissue manual therapy. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating specific areas of skeletal muscle. Often these areas of muscle are myofascial trigger points. NMT is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance.
The application of NMT is dependent on several key factors:
- The location of myofascial trigger points
- Force has to be applied perpendicular to the skin surface if muscle is to be stimulated Neuromuscular Therapy is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system.
- NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance. These same laws dictate how the central nervous system initiates pain response.
There are five principles to Neuromuscular Therapy:
- Postural Distortion
- Biomechanical Dysfunctions
- Trigger Points
- Nerve Compression/Entrapment
- Ischemia
Ischemia is a lack of blood supply to the soft tissues, which causes them to be very sensitive touch.
Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds.
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