NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE THERAPY

Neuromuscular massage therapy, also known as trigger point therapy, was made popular by Paul St. John and it is a massage modality that focuses on the treatment of trigger points.  They are trigger points because they refer pain to another part of the body. 

Trigger points are painful points located within taut bands of muscle.  Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasms.  The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow.  Once applied to a muscle spasm the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds.

Through the softening of trigger points, NMT aims to reduce chronic pain, increase range of motion and correct postural distortions.  NMT is one of the most effective types of therapy for lower back pain.