Neuromuscular Therapy

This may be what you are looking for!

In the professional massage industry today, there are multiple techniques to choose from. Fresh ideas of approaching manual therapy are being introduced yearly. How do you choose which modality is right for you? If your experiencing pain and inflexibility, which do not seem to release, Neuromuscular Therapy may be the answer. A neuromuscular therapist has a deep understanding of how the nervous system and muscles work together. It is an integrative practice which marries together Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatics, PNF Stretching, Deep transverse friction, Myofascial Release, Somatic’s, and corrective action. A key focus is on Myofascial Trigger Points. Trigger Points are microscopic spasms which form at the neuromuscular junction, where the nervous system communicates with the muscle. Various techniques, as stated above, neutralize spasms and normal function returns. A holding pressure at the junction allows the neuromuscular transmitter, acetylcholine, to burn off and stop firing. This allows the muscle to relax and the next step in muscle recovery to begin. Deep cross friction separates the muscle fibers, clearing adhesions, scar tissue. Muscle fibers, which are long cylindrical cells, glide over each other to expand and contract. Adhesions limits movement and creates pain. The next step may be PNF Stretching which resets the neuromuscular pattern to its normal range of motion. The interplay of techniques varies depending on the situation at hand.

Here is an example of its use in relation to a neck with limited range of motion: Approximation of the muscles of neck and shoulders allows the neuromuscular transmitter to stop firing, preparing for the trigger point therapy. Approximation is the bringing together of both attachments of the muscle, so it is loose. Steady pressure applied to the neuromuscular junction of the levator scapula, which is along the sides of the cervical spine and superior medial corner of the scapula, would eliminate spasms. Cross friction of the muscle then opens the fibers so normal extension and contraction can return. A course of PNF Stretching will reintroduce the usual patterns back to these muscles and normal motion to return. This example is one option to address this specific situation.

At Body Being in Balance Massage, we specialize in neuromuscular therapy with 30 years of practice and the experience. Neuromuscular Therapy is a continual learning practice. Case-by-case, new understanding of how the body reacts and responds builds innovative concepts and adaptions. This may be the answer you are looking for.