During the last several decades, neuromuscular therapy (NMT) has emerged as a significant methodology for assessing, treating and preventing soft tissue injuries and chronic pain. NMT is sometimes referred to as "medical massage," and is generally recognized my doctors and insurance companies as a proven CAM therapy (Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

NMT treatment protocols release spasms and adhesions in and around constricted muscles, eliminating painful trigger points and restoring proper biomechanics to an area. It is particularly helpful for repetitive stress injuries, chronic pain such as low back or neck, or injuries like whiplash, rotator cuff, or sudden strains/accidents.

This kind of massage is never painful to receive, but can be briefly uncomfortable as the therapist addresses trigger points in the muscle. You can also be a little sore/stiff the next day as the body clears out toxins and re-establishes homeostatis at a healthier level. Good communication is essential between client and therapist during the massage, and generally several sessions (3-10) are required to clear up a longstanding condition. Following the "treatment" sessions, maintenance is recommended to prevent a return of the condition, which can be in the form of gentle exercise and occasional massage with more of a relaxation focus.

NMT, a series of treatment protocols based on the practitioner's skill, anatomy knowledge and precise palpatory application, has found its home, not only in the treatment rooms of massage therapy, but is also widely recognized in occupational and physical therapy, nursing, chiropractic, osteopathic and physical medicine world wide. With a foothold planted in both wholisitc and traditianl medicine, its future holds much promise for relieving pain and soreness, along with the many conditions of the musculoskeletal system.

The 6 Factors of NMT:

• 1. Ischemia - lack of blood and oxygen caused by muscular hypertonictiy (spasm, tightness).
• 2. Trigger Points - areas of hyperirritability which cuase referred pain or sensations to other body regions.
• 3. Neural interferences - pressure on nerves by soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, skin) or hard tissue (bone or disk).
• 4. Postural and biomechanical dysfunction - when the body's alignment deviates from anatomically ideal position in the field of gravity.
• 5. Nutritional factors - inadequate intake of nutrients necessary for cellular metabolism and the inclusion of nutrients which are harmful, irritating and/or stimulating to the nervous system.
• 6. Emotional wellbeing - the management of stress.