WHAT IS NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY

The musculoskeletal system is with out doubt that which keeps us upright and executes all our acts of will, yet it is the nervous system that is at the helm, these two systems combined form the neuro-musculoskeletal system. NeuroMuscular Therapy is the clinical application of a number of modern scientific techniques to treat soft tissue pain and dysfunction. Changes which occur in soft tissue and which result in alterations such as thickening, shortening, calcification and erosion, may be the painful result of sudden or sustained tension. For example the sustained tension of spending endless hours looking at a computer screen, causes the anterior (front) neck muscles to shorten, and thicken, placing the head in a forward posture. Neural receptors within the soft tissue report to the central nervous system on: level of tension, neural entrapment, position, acceleration of movement, and the tension on tendons and ligaments. This awareness is communicated in posture, range of motion, flexibility, strength, and sensations in the form of tingling, burning, itching, numbness, head aches, and pain. For many, work and family commitments keep this awareness distracted, until these adaptations have turned to de-compensations and the pain can no longer be ignored.

Neuromuscular therapy practitioners investigate the possible causes by assessing dysfunctional patterns, making sense of what can be observed, palpated , and demonstrated. Attention is given to three core factors which interface with each other and reinforce any resulting dysfunctions. Bio mechanical causes include overuse, misuse, trauma or disuse. Biochemical causes may be toxicity, endocrine imbalance, nutritional deficiency, ischemia, or inflammation. And psychosocial influences may be anxiety, depression, and unresolved emotional states. Any treatment that does not concern itself with the cause can only have limited success, as the condition will only reinstate itself. If the cause can not be eliminated or modified then rehabilitation on a regular bases is required. Assessment, treatment and wellness education is fundamental to NeuroMuscular Therapy. Giving the client the knowledge and the power to heal themselves.