NeuroMuscular Therapy (NMT) in Cincinnati, OH

Based upon the work of Dr. Janet Travell, MD, whom President John F. Kennedy appointed the first female White House physician, NMT is a highly effective technique which eliminates pain caused by muscle overuse, strain and trauma, regardless of when the injury occurred. Dr. Travell was the first physician to map out every trigger point in the human body, including the resulting normal referral patterns. Trigger points are tight spots in the muscle which are considered the source of up to 75 percent of the daily aches and pains people experience.

While Dr. Travell primarily used local injections of anesthetic to release trigger points, more recent research shows that finger and thumb pressure is not only just as effective in relieving pain and reestablishing a full range of motion, but also much less painful and less expensive.

NMT is especially effective for people suffering with, or experiencing the following conditions:

• Flexibility
• Previous Injury History

What is Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)?

Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of massage therapy as an effective treatment for back pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain).

NMT utilizes specific massage therapy, flexibility stretching, and home care to eliminate the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. This specific and scientific approach to muscular pain relief will help to bring about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. NMT enhances the function of joints, muscles and biomechanics (movement) and it releases endorphins, the body’s own natural pain killers. It can be part of a comprehensive program, complementing all other health care modalities.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Technique

Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds.

Massage Therapy Can Reduce Muscle Pain

Neuromuscular therapy will feel painful at first, but the pressure of the massage should alleviate the muscle spasm. At this point, it is extremely important to communicate with the massage therapist regarding the pressure – whether the pressure is too much, too little, getting better, getting worse. After the muscle is relaxed through massage therapy, the lactic acid will be released from the muscle, and the muscle should start receiving enough blood and oxygen. The therapist should listen and respond accordingly. The massage therapy pressure should never be overly painful. In fact, most people describe the pressure as “good pain”.