Neuromuscular Therapy

Similar to other health rehabilitation programs, neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a therapeutic system of massage that is especially designed for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes, as well as rehabilitative therapy for those recovering from physical stress conditions.

Some of the natural health treatments that are commonly used in conjunction with neuromuscular therapy include home health care, flexibility stretching, and of course, massage therapy.

There are several physiological factors that are taken into consideration when facilitating neuromuscular therapy. These health considerations are emotional wellbeing, ischemia, nerve compression, nutrition, postural distortions and trigger points.

A brief history on neuromuscular therapy

Based on fundamentals of both holistic and conventional medical wisdom, neuromuscular therapy was initially conceived by Boris Chaitow and Stanley Lief; both having had prior training in osteopathy and naturopathy. As the technique expanded from Europe to other countries, the health system became more refined by other innovative professionals like Dr. Stanley Lief, and Janet Travell, among others.

Who does neuromuscular therapy help?

Almost any individual can benefit from neuromuscular therapy, especially those who suffer from particular health dysfunctions, such as acute or chronic pain. Some of the common health problems that this integrative massage can be helpful in treating include anxiety, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, and sciatica and more.

How do I become a professional neuromuscular therapy practitioner?

If you like helping individuals in the natural healing process, you can earn the necessary training and education to become certified in the healing art. In a typical neuromuscular therapy course, you learn the fundamentals of the discipline and how to form a proper treatment regimen by measuring and evaluating patients according to cervical injuries, posture, and pelvic stabilization.

Practical training in a neuromuscular therapy program entails classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology, cancer massage, geriatric NMT, lymphatic massage, Eastern massage techniques and Trigger Point. Advanced programs of study are comprised of craniosacral therapy, medical massage, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, postural release and more.

With coursework ranging from brief educational seminars to 350-plus hours of in-depth training, professional massage therapists who want to expand patient services can benefit from receiving supplemental instruction in neuromuscular therapy.

Today’s professionally certified massage therapists, who have experience and educational credentials in a wide number of massage modalities have a great career outlook, and have diverse workplace settings from which to choose. In addition to working in a large array of health and wellness centers, neuromuscular therapy massage practitioners commonly practice in massage clinics, at sporting events (or for professional athletic teams), day spas, health retreats and resorts, aboard cruise ships, holistic veterinarian clinics (for those trained in equine neuromuscular therapy or sports massage) in hospitals, and as successful entrepreneurs.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about this or other wellness programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore neuromuscular therapy programs near you.

CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd is a freelance writer and Web consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com—educational resources for neuromuscular therapy, massage therapy and other unique training programs.