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Neuromuscular
Therapy
What is Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy is a
system of soft tissue massage techniques that were developed
in the 1930’s by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. Neuromuscular
therapy aims to balance the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal
system correct any disorders brought about as a result of any
imbalances between the two. Neuromuscular therapy enhances the
function of joints and muscles, and speeds healing by facilitating
the release endorphins.
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How does Neuromuscular Therapy
work
Neuromuscular therapy was developed
after an intensive study of the nervous system and its interaction
with the musculoskeletal system. When the relationship between
the two systems is not in a state of homoeostatic balance, chronic
myofascial pain or dysfunction can occur. Neuromuscular therapy
aims to restore homoeostasis between the two systems.
Neuromuscular therapy has a
holistic approach towards healing in that emphasis is laid on
stimulating the body to heal itself. Once this healing has begun,
neuromuscular therapy techniques are used to stimulate soft-tissue
repair in the affected areas. |
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During a typical session of
neuromuscular therapy, the therapist will first examine the patient
and his or her medical history in attempt to accurately gauge
all the factors that are creating and prolonging pain. Once the
problem areas have been identified, alternating levels of concentrated
pressure are applied on the areas of muscle spasm with the fingers,
knuckles or elbow.
Neuromuscular therapy works
by addressing the following six physiological factors which can
intensify pain patterns. They are:
Trigger points – trigger points are highly irritable
points in the nervous system.
Nerve entrapment/compression – when a nerve gets pressed constantly
between the surrounding structures, it can lead to an acute kind
of chronic pain.
Postural distortions - Postural distortions result in underdevelopment
of the supporting muscles and thereby lead to their weakening.
Nutrition - Lack of adequate nutrition to the
cells leads to an over all weakening of the entire system.
Ischemia – In a condition such as Ischemia, the
cells and tissues get a reduced blood supply and as a result
are under-nourished.
Stress – Stress plays havoc with the
functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal system.
Benefits of Neuromuscular
Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy is used
to treat conditions such as chronic pain, sciatica, rotator cuff
dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint
dysfunction and migraines. It is also used in the treatment of
some physical and sexual abuse-related traumas. Neuromuscular
therapy is also the most effective type of massage therapy for
lower back pain.
Neuromuscular therapy is also
used to locate and release spasms and hyper contractions in the
tissue. It aids the healing process for injured tissue, assists
in venous and lymphatic flow, restores postural alignment, and
imparts flexibility to the tissues. |
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