NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY
NeuroMuscular Therapy (NMT) uses a specific method, Trigger Point therapy, to eliminate the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. It is particularly effective on chronic pain or injuries. Through precise application, this type of massage can restore muscle tone, restore balance, improve blood and lymph to nourish tissues, and reduce abnormally high neurological stimulation in an area of spasm.
NMT focuses on four primary aspects of soft tissue dysfunction: trigger points, ischemia, nerve entrapment and postural distortion.
- Trigger points are localized areas of high neurological activity within a band of muscle. These painful muscle 'knots' are tender when pressed, and may cause referred pain, tingling or warmth in other parts of the body.
- Ischemia is reduced blood flow to an area of the body. Muscles that stay in spasm, even low grade spasm, for a period of time do not have full blood flow to the area due to constriction. This deprives the tissue of nutrients and creates waste product build up in the localized tissue, which can contribute to the pain-spasm-pain cycle. NMT can reduce spasm allowing greater blood flow to the muscles and reduce ischemia.
- Nerve entrapment, or compression, takes place when muscle spasm puts pressure on nerves that run through soft tissue. NMT helps reduce this pressure as the spasms release.
- Postural distortion is the subtle shifting of the body to accommodate spasm or contraction, which can create imbalance and stress. By releasing tension and correcting habitual postures, the body moves toward a state of equilibrium and stability.
Tracy trained at the NeuroMuscular Therapy Center with Judith Delaney, a founder and pioneer in the field.