What Is Neuromuscular Therapy?
The Human Body maintains life and
health in an
amazing way.
Each individual cell performs an activity that contributes to
the body’s ability to
maintain a balanced
internal environment called homeostasis.
Every day, life situations threaten to disrupt that balance. Physical traumas, strains and even emotional stress undermine homeostasis.
This imbalance leads to aches and pains that when left untreated, result in physiological dysfunction.
There are ways to get at the roots of these imbalances and alleviate much of the pain and dysfunction. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) can help individuals who are experiencing structural distortion, biomechanical dysfunction and the accompanying pain that is often a symptom of the underlying problem. It is a whole-body approach to treatment; so most people find that when they are treated for their back pain, other problems they thought couldn’t be helped are also addressed.
A Neuromuscular Therapist’s first goal in relieving pain is to achieve structural balance in the body. They do this by looking at the body as a four-dimensional object and using specific techniques to correct distortions in the horizontal, coronal and/or mid-sagital planes of the body. Their second goal is to develop a precise treatment protocol for rehabilitating the affected soft tissues.
Neuromuscular Therapists also work with other healthcare practitioners such as physicians, chiropractors, dentists, nutritional counselors and various other supportive professionals.
Neuromuscular Therapists believe that the healing process should also be an educational process, so they teach the client about their overall health, structure, biomechanics and anything else that may be influencing their pain condition. During the initial visit, which is generally 90 minutes, the therapist measures various structures of the body to evaluate for postural distortions and biomechanical dysfunction. This analysis will point to the cause and effect of pain. However, NMT is not a medical treatment and no diagnosis of disease is made. But once a thorough evaluation and intake summary of the client’s health is established, the therapist will follow a specific protocol of rehabilitation designed to remove the client from the “pain-cycle.” In essence, symptoms are lessened or resolved, and levels of mobility and/or activity are increased. The goal of NMT is to help restore the body to a homeostatic state where the all systems operate at more efficient levels.
Q: Is NMT similar to massage therapy or “deep-tissue” treatment?
A: NMT is a manual healing technique, much like massage therapy, wherein the therapist uses physical touch with variety of techniques. In some ways, the pressure used is similar to what is widely referred to as “deep-tissue” massage. How it vastly differs is that deep-tissue therapy lacks an in-depth application of anatomy, biomechanics and physiology. The best way to describe the difference between NMT and Deep Tissue Massage is much like the difference between the games of "checkers and chess." Neuromuscular Therapy utilizes a specific observation of how the Central Nervous System and soft tissue structures relate.
Q: How many NMT treatments will a client need?
A: This question varies with each individual; depending on the severity of their condition, nutritional and emotional health, age and fitness. A commitment to a set number of sessions is not required. Your treatment protocol is tailored to your specific needs. You will determine as you go along the level of effectiveness of the treatment. What IS required to achieve success with NMT is a commitment to consistency in treatment. Once the immediate problem is eliminated, the client should have a session at least every few months to maintain their health and to help prevent future imbalances from occurring.
Q: Is Neuromuscular Therapy painful?
A: While NMT techniques are sometimes more intensive than typical massage strokes, at times the treatment may be uncomfortable, but not painful. During an NMT session, your therapist is working into your soft tissue structures at a much deeper level and along the points of attachment to the bones and joints. Therefore, the sensitivity of these areas is usually a bit greater. The other components of discomfort arise from the Central Nervous System's re-awakening to your body's pain patterns. If a person has dealt with consistent and chronic pain, the Central Nervous System loses touch with pain receptors; referred to by your therapist as a "state of generalization." As your therapist releases nerve entrapments and trigger points, you may notice the discomfort slightly increases. This is because the process allows your brain to better relate to your body's needs. Another reason for soreness- much like that a person might have after working out at the gym- is the release of metabolic byproduct and lactic acid from the muscles and soft tissues. This soreness typically lasts through the day following the session, but with proper hydration, it quickly fades away and the client is left with increased range of motion and decreased pain overall.
NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY can be successful in treating:
Headaches/Migraines ∙ Scoliosis ∙ TMJ/TMD ∙ Whiplash ∙
Herniated Disc Syndrome ∙ Back/Hip/Knee/Joint Dysfunction ∙
Foot Pain/ Plantar Faciitis ∙ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ∙ Sciatica ∙ Piriformis Syndrome ∙ Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ∙ Tendonitis ∙ Shin Splints ∙ Strains/Sprains ∙ Postural Distortions.
NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY RATES
Initial Consultation
$110
(1.5-2 Hours)
Subsequent Sessions
$85
(1-1.5 Hours)
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