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Neuromuscular Therapy in Melbourne, FloridaThe Long Version
Being educated about massage technique is the first step on the pathway towards health. After reading this page, you will have a foundational knowledge of what we will be doing, should you decide to schedule an appointment for Neuromuscular Therapy  in my Melbourne FL office.
While initial signals of pain are a protective mechanism of the body, the central nervous system may become overwhelmed with pain signals. In response, it will send nerve impulses to the muscular system and tell it to stay in a state of sustained contraction. In this state of prolonged contraction, changes can occur to the muscle tissues themselves that set the stage for chronic myofascial (muscle/soft tissue) pain and dysfunction. There are five principles common to Neuromuscular Therapy
Trigger Points are ischemic muscles and soft tissues which, when stimulated by any number of stressors, refer high neurological activity into other areas of the body. Because of the activation of trigger points, pain can felt be in areas of the body which are often distant from their muscular source. It is for this reason that you will find that you will be sometimes massaged in areas that seem distant from your pain. The principle of trigger points is based on the work of Travell and Simons, who jointly authored the essential book used in neuromuscular therapy, Travell & Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (2-Volume Set) Nerve Compression/ Nerve Entrapment is pressure on a nerve by bone, cartilage or muscle/ soft tissue. Symptoms are typically numbness, tingling, or paralysis, but can also include electric-like shocking pain. Nerve entrapment is the most common type of pain. It will also contribute to the ischemic process. As a soft tissue therapist, a neuromuscular therapist will focus on cases of nerve entrapment to prevent the development of associated trigger points.
To do this, muscles are recruited to perform the duties of bones. Over time these muscles become thicker, denser and harder. The results of these compensation patterns are muscle contraction, body distortion and pain. Once a distortion pattern is eliminated (and proper posture is restored), associated pain caused by the distortion can be reduced and, in many cases, eliminated. An important component of Neuromuscular Therapy  is to determine why these postural distortions have occurred so that the patient can be educated to prevent re-occurrences.
Biomechanical Dysfunction is an imbalance in the musculoskeletal system which results in faulty movement patterns. More easily defined, it is a postural distortion in motion.
Having defined these principles of NMT theory, it is easier to explain how Neuromuscular Therapy
While many people have had a massage therapy session before, an NMT session can be new ground from what they may have previously experienced. During your first Neuromuscular Therapy session it is important for you to be actively involved by helping me, the neuromuscular therapist, understand your particular condition. I will ask you many questions. Some may even sound silly. However, all are important and you should answer them as thoughtfully and specifically as possible. The goal of NMT is to find and eliminate the cause of your pain, not just placate your symptoms. Only through proper communication with me can you achieve this goal. Once I obtain this information, I can develop a treatment plan based on what muscle involvement is observed. I will discuss the plan with you and address any questions you may have. It is important to understand that Neuromuscular Therapy is not like a typical relaxation massage. Nor is NMT Rolfing. While I respect and admire the principles of Rolfing, my techniques of NMT are more subdued, but they are still intense. Perhaps you may have heard of someone having a Rolfing session, only to promise never to go back because of the pain involved. The aim of NMT is to keep you out of pain. While there may be some discomfort associated with my techniques, maintaining pressure without entering the zone of pain is paramount. Throughout your NMT session, I will continuously ask you to maintain communication about your level of discomfort from the pressure I use. Please do not let yourself fall into the trap of "no pain-no gain". This is just not true with Neuromuscular Therapy. Let’s work together and stay Pain Free!
Thanks for reading this very thorough page about Neuromuscular Therapy!
Now, if you have read this far, you must be very interested in Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). If you would like to learn even more then I recommend you check the NMT Articles page for some great in-depth articles about Neuromuscular Therapy. If you are interested, please click this link: NMT Articles
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(NMT) is a form of Clinical Structural Bodywork designed to bring the central nervous system into balance with the body’s muscular system. The theory of 
is based on scientific medical laws formed by physicians. These laws pertain to pain and the way the central nervous system reacts to pain signals.
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can help you. When applied correctly over time, NMT will:
