Neuromuscular Therapy
One of the most utilized massage modalities at HOPE Wellness Institute is Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). Our owner and founder, Venice Sullivan has been a Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist for over 20 years. She trained with and was an instructor for Paul St. John, a prominent American Neuromuscular Therapist who, in the late 70’s and early 80’s, developed and taught his own methodology for NMT. Many of the therapists at HOPE Wellness Institute are former students of the Massage Therapy Institute in Davis where Venice has taught NMT for the past 11 years. It is a massage method that is near and dear to our hearts and minds in terms of how we view the body and its recovery from injury and dysfunction.
At its most simple definition, NMT is “the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain.” Therapists who use NMT are educated in the physiology of the nervous system, anatomy of the body, kinesiology and biomechanics. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body in order to balance the central nervous system and restore equilibrium to the body so that it can maintain normal function and overall health. NMT recognizes five principles that cause pain in the body:
• Ischemia: lack of blood supply to soft tissue which causes hypersensitivity to touch.
• Trigger Points: highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body.
• Nerve Compression: pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone.
• Postural Distortion: imbalance of the muscular system resulting from the movement of the body off the longitudinal and horizontal planes.
• Biomechanical Dysfunction: imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns (i.e. poor lifting habits, computer keyboarding, etc)
NMT is more medically based than many other massage modalities. We use structural analysis and charting to record imbalances in the body. These tools provide “road maps” for unraveling dysfunction in the body. When used in a reproducible manner, it can offer evidence of change and progress in our clients. Charting can tell us where to work in the body and why; we share this information with our clients so that they can understand what is going on in their body and be an active participant towards change.
NMT requires client participation during sessions as well as outside of sessions. We want feedback from our clients while we are working in order to ensure that we are…
Working within a comfortable level of pressure:
“On a scale of 1 to 10, what level is this sensation?”
Finding and affecting trigger points:
“What do you feel when I press here?”
“Where does that refer?”
“Tell me when it changes?”
Continuing client progress outside of sessions:
“Tonight I would suggest that you drink water and put ice on the areas that we worked today.”
“Here are a few stretches that I can recommend that will address the restrictions you are experiencing.”
Keeping in mind that our suggestions as Certified Massage Therapists are just that, it is beyond our scope of practice to diagnose or prescribe anything.
We encourage those who have not found long term solutions to their pain and dysfunction to ask about our NMT services. We dedicate our work to locating the source of referred pain and eliminating it. We treat the problem, not the symptom!
Here is an example of what your chart will look like after an initial consultation:
Bodywork: Neuromuscular Massage Therapy
By Sarah Mertyris, CMT
NMT recognizes five principles that cause pain in the body:
1. Ischemia: lack of blood supply to soft tissue which causes hypersensitivity to touch.
2. Trigger Points: highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body.
3. Nerve Compression: pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone.
4. Postural Distortion: imbalance of the muscular system resulting from the movement of the body off the longitudinal and horizontal planes.
5. Biomechanical Dysfunction: imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns (i.e. poor lifting habits, computer keyboarding, etc)
NMT is more medically based than many other massage modalities. We use structural analysis and charting to record imbalances in the body. These tools provide “road maps” for unraveling dysfunction in the body. When used in a reproducible manner, it can offer evidence of change and progress in our clients. Charting can tell us where to work in the body and why; we share this information with our clients so that they can understand what is going on in their body and be an active participant towards change.
At HOPE Wellness Institute, Venice has not only compiled a team of exceptional therapists that utilize NMT, she has also acquired Low Light Level Therapy (LLLT) technology that can be combined with NMT to create a holistic treatment package for our clients.
Please see Medical Disclaimer
At HOPE Wellness Institute, we prioritize a patient-before-profit approach, ensuring that your needs and well-being are always at the forefront of everything we do. Our services are rooted in holistic healthcare and complementary and alternative medicine, providing a comprehensive approach to healing and wellness.
It's important to note that while we are passionate about supporting your journey to wellness, we are not doctors or medical providers. Therefore, we do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications. Instead, our focus is on helping you relieve the symptoms of your condition and restore your body's natural healing abilities.
Before embarking on any of our recommended therapies or treatments, we strongly advise consulting with a physician or other medical and mental health provider. Your health and safety are paramount, and it's essential to seek professional guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
We want to emphasize that the information provided through HOPE Wellness Institute is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's crucial to always seek the guidance of your own medical and mental health providers regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health.
Additionally, we do not claim to cure any conditions or provide medical, psychological, or religious advice. Our role is to support and assist you in reaching your wellness goals, but ultimately, your success depends on your own effort, motivation, and commitment to your journey.
We understand that each individual's path to wellness is unique, and results may vary depending on various factors. While we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, we are here to provide compassionate support and guidance every step of the way.
Thank you for considering HOPE Wellness Institute as your partner in your journey to optimal health and wellness. We look forward to supporting you on your path to a healthier, happier life.
