What is Neuromuscular Therapy? The difference between Neuromuscular therapy and general massage therapy.

Neuromuscular therapy differs from typical massage therapy techniques such as deep tissue massage or lighter Swedish massage.

Deep tissue massage accesses deeper layers of tissue in addition to the normal muscular tissue. The service is typically offered on day spa menu and is described as a deep-tissue massage as opposed to a lighter Swedish Massage. In a spa setting, deep tissue or Swedish massages are typically full-body procedures with focus on a few troublesome regions, with muscle relaxation being the goal. Additionally, deep tissue massage does not require any additional knowledge or certification beyond the foundational massage therapy curriculum.

Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly specialised type of manual therapy that treats trigger points, muscle adhesions, and fascial (connective tissue) patterns to address pain and dysfunction. These adhesions, trigger points, and fascial patterns can develop because of trauma, a postural pattern, or a series of repetitive movements. During neuromuscular therapy sessions, specific treatment procedures are used to release tight fascia, palpate, and reduce trigger points in tight bands of muscle, and release blocked muscle locations to address these patterns.

Neuromuscular therapies typically focus on the primary and secondary body parts that are contributing to your pain and limiting your range of motion.
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The training to become a qualified Neuromuscular Therapist is rigorous as you require a 3-year bachelor's degree. The training includes becoming familiar with every trigger point, their typical referral zones, and the biomechanical factors that contribute to the development of trigger points (by observing your gait and movements). It also includes hands-on clinical application of all specific treatment protocols for each muscle and region. A true expert in muscles is a Certified Neuromuscular Therapist.

At NorthWest Physio Plus, Nicky is our qualified Neuromuscular Therapist. For more information call 09 412 2945, email [email protected] or
​see www.northwestphysioplus.co.nz/massagetherapy.html
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