Neuromuscular Therapy

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy (also known as NMT) is a treatment which uses massage, mobility, stretching and retraining to help eliminate or reduce neuromuscular pain.

It is a scientific approach to pain which addresses any imbalances between the nervous, muscular and the skeletal systems. Neuromuscular Therapy is suitable for everyone regardless of their age or fitness level. It will decrease pain by reducing scar tissue and improving posture consequently decreasing recovery time.

Neuromuscular Therapy can facilitate the body to heal itself by implementing the holistic approach; it concentrates on the physical, nutritional and emotional aspects of the client. Dysfunction in any of these areas can result in pain or discomfort. The Neuromuscular Therapist will take into consideration the whole person not just focusing on the area of pain. Sometimes a pain in the head can be the result of a trigger point in the neck, or, a weak dysfunctional muscle could be causing pain in the opposing muscle. Or the pain in the ankle could be the result of a slightly rotated hip. The Neuromuscular Therapist applies various gentle techniques which offer great relief to the client with lasting results.

Five reasons why people suffer from pain

1) Lack of blood supply to the area.

2) Trigger points which are sensitive areas within very tight muscles, which can refer pain to another location.

3) Nerve compression - excessive pressure on a nerve.

4) Poor posture due to working, sleeping or sporting conditions

5) Biomechanical Dysfunction. The body sometimes uses muscle in the incorrect sequence. Often when an injury occurs the individual begins to hold their body in a particular way, perhaps to ease their pain or to protect themselves from further injury. However this can lead to more problems at a later stage. This is called compensations, if left untreated, huge postural distortions occur and a programme of retraining will be necessary.

How does Neuromuscular Therapy work?

Neuromuscular Therapy enhances the functioning of the joints, muscles and mobility within the body, by using a variety of techniques including Deep Tissue Massage, Soft Tissue Release, Muscle Energy Technique, Trigger point Therapy and Positional Release Technique recovery time is reduced substantially. It is widely used in sporting circles on soft tissue injuries and is an excellent tool when used in a preventive manner. Another area where Neuromuscular Therapy has demonstrated huge success is postural distortions - poor posture due to working positions etc.

Neuromuscular Therapy is also extremely effective in post operative situations by helping restore the area to full functionality again.

What conditions can Neuromuscular Therapy treat?

Neuromuscular Therapist

Jennifer Dunne, in Swords, County Dublin, holds a diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy and is ITEC qualified in Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology. ITEC is the highly respected International Therapy Examination Council and their qualifications are recognised in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Irish Representative Body for Neuromuscular Therapists

The main representative body for Neuromuscular Therapists in Ireland is the Association of Neuromuscular Physical Therapists (AMNPT). Contact details are as follows: