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What is NMT?

Neuromuscular Therapy or NMT examines the five physiological principles of Biomechanics, Postural Disorders, Trigger Points, Nerve Entrapment and/or Compression, and Ischema. Abnormalities in one or more of these areas are the source of many pain problems.

Ischemic soft tissues lack blood, oxygen and nutrients. This often results from direct trauma such as whiplash and lower back strains.

Muscles which are strained, sprained or traumatized in any way have a general increase in neurological activity, which leads to chronic pain.

What are the benefits of NMT?

When NMT is applied to a pain condition, the general benefits include:

- increased tissue warmth
- relaxation of connective tissue
- softening of the nodular mass at the trigger site
- greater freedom of movement
- improved postural patterns
- increased vitality and energy
- increased sense of well-being.

Depending on the location of the pain, the therapist will use hands-on (NMT) techniques to apply gentle pressure to the involved connective tissue and to manipulate soft tissue. Pressure is maintained for approximately 8 to 12 seconds to obtain maximum release.

Pressure interrupts afferent impulses to the spinal cord, reduces the intensity of nervous activity within the tissue, and forces out toxic irritants which have accumulated at nerve receptor sites. The muscle relaxes, circulation increases, and the body returns to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance.

How long does a complete a program of therapy take?

The initial evaluation and therapy session lasts one hour. Each succeeding therapy session lasts approximately 30 minutes. As a rule, therapeutic treatment produces rapid results; however, healing is a process which demands time, and the duration of a total therapeutic program varies depending on your general health and lifestyle.

MASSAGE THERAPY is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.

MASSAGE is manual soft tissue manipulation, and includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body.

THERAPY is a series of actions aimed at achieving or increasing health and wellness.

MANUAL means by use of hand or body.

©1999, American Massage Therapy Association

 
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