Neuromuscular Therapy: Pain Relief Massage
by Sam Visnic, CHEK III, CHEK NLC II, NMT, LMT
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation
techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves)
with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system (skeleton and muscles
of the body). NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous
system maintains homeostatic balance. These laws also dictate how pain responses initiate.
NMT considers five principles that cause pain. They are:
1. Ischemia
2. Trigger points
3. Nerve compression or entrapment
4. Postural distortion
5. Biomechanical dysfunction
Ischemia is a lack of blood supply to soft tissues, which causes them to be very
sensitive to touch. Typically, if less than 5-10 pounds of pressure causes tenderness,
the tissues are in an ischemic state.
Trigger points occur when nerves fire impulses at a rapid speed into an area of the
body other than that which has been traumatized. Because of trigger points, the
cause of serious pain may often be far removed from the actual site of the pain.
This, in turn, inhibits proper blood flow, which causes ischemia and often leads to more pain.
Nerve compression or entrapment is pressure on a nerve by bone, cartilage or soft
tissue. The role of the soft tissues in nerve compression is vital. Re-aligning
vertebrae without treating associated soft tissue frequently treats the symptom
and not the cause. Spinal nerves are subject to intrusion when any of the vertebrae
are dislocated or spinal disks are herniated. Treating the surrounding soft tissues
that cause or maintain the dislocation greatly enhances rehabilitation and alleviation of pain.
Postural distortion is an imbalance of the muscular system resulting from movement
of the body off the coronal, midsaggital and horizontal planes. Gravitational force
(33.5 lb per square inch) is constantly pulling the body toward Earth. If there
is an imbalance in the structural system, gravity causes the body to compensate
in an effort to retain balance.
Biomechanical dysfunction is an imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting
in faulty movement patterns. Repetitive strain of certain soft tissues results in
adapted movement patterns that become muscular "habits" and must be re-educated.
How Can Neuromuscular Therapy Help You?
NMT can help individuals experiencing structural distortion, biomechanical dysfunction
and accompanying pain that is often a symptom of the underlying problem. It is used
to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissues; eliminate trigger
points that cause referred pain; restore postural alignment; and rebuild the strength
of injured tissues. NMT is an effective and economically feasible method of treatment.
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