Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a thorough program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes. The “St. John Method” embodies a wide variety of effective therapeutic techniques and comprehensive soft tissue manipulation, restoring balance to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
NMT enhances joint and muscle functioning, and biomechanics (movement) while also releasing endorphins, the body's own natural pain killers. It can also be part of a comprehensive health care program, complementing other modalities to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Ron is nothing short of a miracle worker! I was suffering with bilateral frozen shoulders and could barely put a shirt on. Physical therapy, acupuncture, and standard massage weren't helping in the least. Then I started treatments with Ron. Within a few months, my range came back and my pain went away.”
The Primary Focus of NMT is to:
- Restore correct posture: This essential for one's body to function, move and distribute the forces of gravity evenly. It is estimated that your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.
- Release nerve impingement and entrapment: Relieve pressure on nerves created by bone, cartilage, discs or tightened muscles and fascia.
- Eliminate trigger points: These are points in the soft tissues, mostly muscles that refer sensation, such as pain, tingling, numbness and burning. These symptoms are often mistaken for nerve impingements or entrapments that sometimes result in unnecessary treatments such as surgery and powerful medications.
- Improve circulation: Poor blood flow creates unhealthy tissue because it is not receiving nourishment and waste products are not being carried away. Over time, that tissue begins to break down. The area will become sore to the touch and continue to decline. Tight muscles and trigger point referrals are common causes of this condition, known as ischemia (lack of blood).
- Enhance proper bio mechanics: (the way we move) through manual therapy, exercises and education.
Neuromuscular Therapy can help with
- Back and Neck Pain
- Disc Herniations
- Whiplash Injuries
- Restore Posture
- Tennis Elbow
- Frozen Shoulder
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Hip Pain
- Sciatica
- Knee Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Migraine Headaches
- T.M.J. Dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia
- Breathing Difficulties
Neuromuscular Therapy fills a void left by traditional health care by analyzing soft tissue causes of pain. According to recent research approximately 90% of pain symptoms are considered idiopathic, which means there is no known cause. Neuromuscular Therapy was developed out of a belief that the cause of many of these symptoms has not been thoroughly investigated.
In depth examination of the patient's soft tissues is not being performed. Neuromuscular Therapy analyzes and thoroughly explores the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in order to find the root cause of the pain or problem. The therapist armed with this knowledge, endeavors, with the patient, to reverse the process.
Restoring proper structure and biomechanics not only alleviates pain, but can positively affect a variety of physiological conditions. One of the neurological laws that is the basis for Neuromuscular Therapy is Wolff's which states that “form follows function and function follows form." Therefore, Postural distortion is often correlated to improper function of the body and can cause or further advance disease. Conversely, Improper functioning of the body can create postural distortion as well.