What is Neuromuscular Therapy & what are the benefits?
What is Neuromuscular Therapy
and what are the benefits?
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is...
a specialized form of massage therapy that aims to alleviate pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system by targeting trigger points, which are hyper-irritable spots in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. NMT techniques involve applying pressure to these trigger points to release tension and restore normal function to the affected tissues. According to the National Association of Massage Therapists (NAMT), NMT is based on the principles of neuromuscular physiology, which emphasizes the relationship between the nervous system and the muscular system.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is...
a specialized form of massage therapy that aims to alleviate pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system by targeting trigger points, which are hyper-irritable spots in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. NMT techniques involve applying pressure to these trigger points to release tension and restore normal function to the affected tissues. According to the National Association of Massage Therapists (NAMT), NMT is based on the principles of neuromuscular physiology, which emphasizes the relationship between the nervous system and the muscular system.
The therapy works by interrupting the pain-spasm-pain cycle, also commonly referred to as Cumulative Injury Cycle in the fitness world. This cycle is a self-perpetuating feedback loop that can cause inflammation, chronic pain and neuromuscular dysfunction. By releasing trigger points and restoring normal muscle tone, NMT can help reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve overall motor function. (It's important to note that muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a voluntary muscle(s) due to stress, injury, as well as chronic tension.)
The therapy works by interrupting the pain-spasm-pain cycle, also commonly referred to as Cumulative Injury Cycle in the fitness world. This cycle is a self-perpetuating feedback loop that can cause inflammation, chronic pain and neuromuscular dysfunction. By releasing trigger points and restoring normal muscle tone, NMT can help reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve overall motor function. (It's important to note that muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a voluntary muscle(s) due to stress, injury, as well as chronic tension.)
NMT has been studied extensively in the scientific literature, with numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic low back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunctiojn (TMJD) and fibromyalgia. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that NMT was more effective than a placebo intervention in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain (Giamberardino et al., 2010). Another study published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork found that NMT was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia (Castro-Sánchez et al., 2011).
Overall, the scientific evidence supports the use of NMT as a safe and effective treatment option for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It is important to note that NMT should only be performed by a licensed and trained massage therapist who has received additional specialized training in this technique.
NMT has been studied extensively in the scientific literature, with numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic low back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunctiojn (TMJD) and fibromyalgia. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that NMT was more effective than a placebo intervention in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain (Giamberardino et al., 2010). Another study published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork found that NMT was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia (Castro-Sánchez et al., 2011).
Overall, the scientific evidence supports the use of NMT as a safe and effective treatment option for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It is important to note that NMT should only be performed by a licensed and trained massage therapist who has received additional specialized training in this technique.
Benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy
- Pain Relief: Neuromuscular therapy can help reduce pain and discomfort by releasing tension and trigger points in the muscles and connective tissues.
- Improved Range of Motion: By addressing imbalances in the musculoskeletal system, neuromuscular therapy can help improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Improved Posture: Neuromuscular therapy can help improve posture by addressing muscle imbalances and tension that contribute to poor posture habits.
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Improved Athletic Performance: Neuromuscular therapy can improve athletic performance by increasing range of motion, reducing the risk of injury, and improving overall physical conditioning.
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Improved Circulation: Neuromuscular therapy can improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the muscles, which can help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
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Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Neuromuscular therapy can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety by releasing tension in the muscles and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
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Improved Recovery: Neuromuscular therapy can aid in recovery from injury or intense physical activity by increasing blood flow to the muscles, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing.
References:
Castro-Sánchez, A. M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G. A., Granero-Molina, J., Aguilera-Manrique, G., Quesada-
Rubio, J. M., & Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.
Giamberardino, M. A., Tafuri, E., Savini, A., Fabrizio, A., & Vecchiet, L. (2010). Contribution of myofascial trigger points to migraine symptoms. Journal of Pain, 11(7), 624-630.
National Association of Massage Therapists (NAMT). (n.d.). Neuromuscular therapy. Retrieved from https://www.namtpt.com/what-is-neuromuscular-therapy
Chaitow L. Neuromuscular Techniques in Orthopaedics. Churchill Livingstone. 2010.
Hanten WP, et al. A randomized controlled trial of positional release therapy and classical massage for chronic tension-type headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2013;36(5):300-307.
Hoeger Bement MK, et al. Neuromuscular therapy for myofascial pain: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12(1):21-28.
Page P. Current concepts in muscle stretching for exercise and rehabilitation. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012;7(1):109-119.
Saggini R, et al. Effects of soft tissue mobilization (STM) on pain, range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(20):7586.
