Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a specialized form of deep tissue massage in which digital pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in the muscle.  These areas of strain are called tender or trigger points and are the cause of muscular pain symptoms.

Trigger points (TP) are areas of hypersensitivity in a muscle caused by overstrain, and overuse, fatigued conditions. These are small areas of the muscle in which there is a hypertonus, contracture of muscular tissue (think of a tiny knot, in a muscle group).  Blood and nutrients are lacking in that part of the muscle, because of an impeded circulation. The muscle spindle is unable to relax.  Trigger points cause pain, fatigue and weakness in the muscle.

-Trigger points also known as referral pain.

Referral pain is caused by trigger points. It is a phenomenon in which areas far from the trigger point receive sensations of pain, tingling, or numbness.  Examples of referral pain include: sciatica like symptoms, carpal tunnel like symptoms, and headaches.

Neuromuscular Therapy is used to treat many different referred pain and soft tissue problems.  The following list is a small example of issues that may be helped by neuromuscular therapy:

Lower back pain, upper back pain, carpal tunnel like symptoms, sciatica like symptoms, hip pain, headaches, migraines, plantar fasciitis, muscle cramps, tendonitis, knee pain, iliotibial band (IT band syndrome), friction syndrome, jaw pain\temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ Disorders).

Love and Light – A Blessing Be.

Claude Barrett, LMT, CST  

License Number mt004572.