Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a specialized form of manual therapy aimed at treating soft tissue injuries and chronic pain by addressing the underlying causes of muscular dysfunction.
Brief History
NMT was created in the mid-20th century by Boris Chaitow and Stanley Lief, with significant contributions from Dr. Janet Travell. Dr. Travell is an American physician and medical researcher, renowned for her pioneering work in myofascial pain and trigger point therapy. She was the first female personal physician to any U.S. President, Serving John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson. Boris Chaitow and Stanley Lief were cousins born in Latvia and grew up to become both Naturopathic Doctors and Chiropractors. They developed Neuromuscular Therapy in England at Leif’s clinic in the 1930s. It was later brought to the US and has been utilized nationwide since for pain management and rehabilitation.
Components of Neuromuscular Therapy
- Trigger Point Therapy: Identifying and treating hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle using ischemic compression.
- Postural Assessment: Evaluating and correcting postural imbalances through manual therapy, stretching, and exercise.
- Muscle Energy Techniques: Using the patient’s own muscle contractions to relax and lengthen muscles.
- Soft Tissue Manipulation: Applying pressure and specific strokes to soft tissue to release restrictions and adhesions, as well as restore blood flow.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Enhancing flexibility and muscle strength to keep opposing muscles in balance in order to prevent recurrence of pain.
NMT is widely used to treat conditions such as back pain, headaches, and sports injuries. It offers a holistic approach to pain management and rehabilitation. It is also an excellent addition to maintenance and injury prevention programs. Neuromuscular Therapy can be tailored for pre-event and post-event sports massage, focusing more on enhancing blood flow to encourage tissue warm up and repair, and joint mobilization to facilitate gliding movement.
This style of manual therapy is done at deep pressure. We maintain an open level of communication at all times, but you may experience discomfort during your session. Soreness following the session for a few days is also normal. Both discomfort and soreness will lessen each session as your body adjusts to the therapy. Stretches and exercises may be assigned at the end of the session.
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*Clients who do not tolerate deep pressure may want to consider Structural Integration instead.
