Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is based on the physiological laws and principles of our bodies with the goal of eliminating the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. NMT is a muscle-specific and more scientific approach to muscular pain relief, to assist in balancing the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It utilizes techniques of massage therapy as deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial work, with movements and stretching. NMT affects and improves the function of joints, muscles and bio-mechanics (movement) while also releasing endorphins, the body’s own ‘natural pain killers’. It is as fantastic stand alone treatment or part of a comprehensive wellness program, complementing all other health care modalities.

Why Neuromuscular Therapy?

The body often refers pain away from the root cause of the pain. This many times results in the symptom being treated rather than the underlying cause. NMT focuses on an assessment your body and posture, locating potential root causes of pain and working to solving those issues. It can often be surprising where and how the pain originates from an unsuspected area and a great relief to finally find a treatment that brings comfort. Massage and bodywork is often a last resort after seeking medical care that typically treats symptoms first.

Anyone who is physically active can benefit from the techniques of clinical and sports massage.  Whether physically demanding jobs or hobbies, athletes, musicians, etc, the body needs maintenance and rest to recover and stay well. In addition, these massage techniques can also address common injuries and complaints associated with daily living/work and aging populations.  Common issues include repetitive stress injuries, strains and sprains, and joint pain.

More advanced techniques are often used as part of thorough treatment including myofascial release, designed to reorganize the body’s connective tissue to create a more ideal posture and Muscle Energy Techniques normalizing muscle tone, reorganize joint mechanics and the fascial system, both gently and easily.

Unlike massage, Structural Integration focuses not on the muscles but on their supporting layer of connective tissue, called fascia. Muscles are contracting tissues that give the body and organs physical movement. The fascia surrounds the muscles, bones and organs, giving the muscles their shape and the body its structure.

Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by lengthening and repositioning the fascia. As fascia is softened and lengthened it allows muscles to move as they were designed to, with greater efficiency. The practitioner applies steady pressure and slow movement to the body area, working the fascial system in a systematic way. When restricted fascia is released and lengthened the body can return to its structurally optimal position

The pull of gravity, the stress of daily activities and physical demands and injuries can result in the body moving out of alignment. The fascia gradually shortens, tightens and adjusts to accommodate misalignment. When the body is out of alignment it is inefficient, imbalance results in stiffness, discomfort, loss of energy, and often pain.

When a body is better aligned and balanced it moves with greater ease. It requires less energy to function and pain will often resolve or reduce. Better posture becomes more effortless and breathing is easier. The body becomes more flexible and more coordinated.

Massage cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice where suction is created using various sized cups placed on the skin. This suction helps increase blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and promote relaxation. The cups I use are typically soft silicon cups and at times plastic manual suction cups to create a gentle vacuum effect on the skin. The cups can used both left in place for up to 10 minutes, in a gliding movement slowly along area of treatment, or a combination of the two.

The therapy is believed to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and promote healing. It is used for a variety of purposes, including muscle recovery, relaxation, and alleviating tension in specific areas of the body, and assisting in fascial therapy/reducing restrictions, and increasing range of motion.

Cupping can sometimes leave circular marks/discoloration on the skin,  which are typically painless and fade after a few days.