Various Research on Neuromuscular (Release) Therapy (NMT)

Neuromuscular therapy is viewed as a scientific approach to muscular pain relief that seeks to balance the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system; enhance the function of joints, muscles, and movement; and release endorphin.

Sharkey (2 8: 1 -43) states that the pressure applied using neuromuscular methods are aimed at ridding the system of points of irritability, relieving compression of nerves by surrounding body structures, correcting postural distortions that have resulted in the underdevelopment of supporting muscles and led to weakness, and ensuring that adequate nutrition gets to the cells.

Modern Neuromuscular Techniques. Neuromuscular therapy also appears to be one of the most effective types of massage therapy for lower back pain. It is said to encourage blood flow and break up lactic acid so that the muscle can begin to again accept a cleansupply of oxygen. "What Is Neuromuscular Therapy?" (2 9) .Sharkey, J. .Chaitow, L. Chaitow (2 3: 2-91) reports that the primary conditions which call for the application of neuromuscular therapy are those that are associated with chronic pain, e.g., sciatica, rotator cuff dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and migraines.

There has also been some success with neuromuscular therapy in the treatment of motor and movement problems associated with Parkinson's Disease (Craig, & associates, 2 6:2127-2133), as well as with people who have chronic obstructive lung disease, where it has been used to improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and overall quality of life (Beeken & associates, 1998:3 9-325).

The NTC (2 9: 1) states that neuromuscular therapy is meant to workwith other therapies for chronic pain sufferers.

The Neuromuscular Therapy Center (NTC, 2 9:1-2) definesneuromuscular therapy as a specific type of massage therapy, andflexibility stretching that assists with recovery from chronic painsyndromes.

Further, Sharkey (2 8: 11 -43) reports that it is often used to release tension and any associated pain that arises from stress. These include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, Golfers/Tennis Elbow, frozen shoulder, almost any sports-related injury, repetitive strain injuries, carpel tunnel syndrome, bad posture, cramps, and strains. The method holds that six physiological factors are responsible for the creation and/or intensification of pain and that manipulation of these six factors can also lead to recovery from pain.