Neuromuscular Therapy is a technique where an evaluation of postural distortions, biomechanical dysfunctions, and soft tissue patterns allows the therapist to develop a program of individual therapy. Palpation of soft tissue determines ischemic trigger points, nerve compression and/or entrapment possibilities. The tone is then normalized to allow the central nervous system to balance.

NMT can help individuals experiencing structural distortion, biomechanical dysfunction, and the accompanying pain that is often a symptom of the underlying problem. It is used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissues: eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain; restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility to the tissues; rebuild the strength of injured tissues and assist venous and lymphatic flow. NMT is an effective and economically feasible method of treatment.

The client is actively involved in the process of healing by helping the neuromuscular therapist understand his or her particular condition. At the initial visit, the therapist evaluates for:

1. Postural distortions.
2. Biomechanical dysfuntion.
3. Soft tissue causes of these patterns and presenting pain conditions.

The NMT therapist develops a treatment plan by screening gait patterns and measuring the positioning of the body on the coronal, midsagittal, and horizontal planes. These measurements provide reference points from which to determine distortion patterns. An exact analysis of proper posture and biomechanics explains the cause and effect relationship to pain.

The therapist then palpates the soft tissues to determine if there are ishemic, trigger point, nerve compression, and/or entrapement possibilities. When the body is aligned on the midsagittal, coronal, and horizontal planes, the tone of both somatic (body covering) and visceral (internal organ) tissues improves. As tone is normalized, the nervous system is balanced.

The appropriate pressure to use during a neuromuscular therapy treatment varies depending upon age, fitness, nutritional health, postural pattern of the patient, as well as the extent of trauma and toxicity level of the tissues. The proper level of pressure elicits a moderate state of discomfort. If pressure is too light, it does not produce the necessary stimulation of nerve receptors to produce the desired therapeutic response. When adhesions are found in the tissues, deeper pressure may be used by working across muscle fibers.