Neuromuscular therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manual therapy. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating specific areas of skeletal muscle. Often these areas of muscle are myofascial trigger points. Neuromuscular therapy is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. Neuromuscular therapy is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance.

The application of NMT is dependent on several key factors:

• The location of myofascial trigger points
• Force has to be applied perpendicular to the skin surface if muscle is to be stimulated.