Introduction to Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a comprehensive and integrative system of manual therapy and manipulation that specializes in rehabilitation, chronic myofascial pain and pain syndromes. On the basis of neurologi­ cal laws, this therapy works toward bringing the body’s central nervous system into homeostatic balance with the musculoskeletal system using various Swedish massage strokes, such as effleur­ age, petrissage, and deep transverse friction, along with trigger point release.

Neuromuscular therapy techniques, along with a thorough structural evaluation, are needed to understand and treat the causa­tive factors involved in acute, or of rapid onset, and chronic, or long-lasting, myofascial pain and dysfunction. Specifically, neu­romuscular therapy is used to deactivate trigger points in muscle, tendon, and ligaments. It is also used to lengthen chronically short­ ened muscles and balance muscle groups, especially when working with people suffering from postural dysfunction or distortion, such as internal rotation of a shoulder girdle or scoliosis.