A therapist puts neuromuscular tape on a client’s shoulder

One of the most exciting things about massage therapy certification is that there are several different types of massage to learn and develop for your practice. A massage technique that helps reduce and relieve pain by placing static pressure on specific areas of the body is known as neuromuscular therapy. Students at The Praxis Institute, with campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL, obtain Certification in  Neuromuscular Therapy as part of the Advanced Therapeutic, Sports, and Clinical Massage program. Here, we explain this technique and why it makes a great career choice.

Diagnosing and Treating the Whole Person

Advanced massage therapy, such as neuromuscular therapy, closely examines the interrelationship between parts of the body, muscle groups, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal structures of the human body. At The Praxis Institute, training in neuromuscular therapy is granted by the prestigious International Academy of Neuromuscular Therapies. The neuromuscular therapist closely examines the client’s posture, history of injuries, and range of motion, and performs tests to determine the causes of pain.

In addition, practitioners of neuromuscular therapy pay attention to breathing patterns, nutrition and hydration, lifestyle, and emotional stress. Therapists may ask questions about allergies and exposure to environmental toxins, as well. Training in neuromuscular therapy emphasizes the profound interconnections between environmental factors, home and work patterns, and health habits when evaluating a client for treatment. As part of a network of healthcare practitioners, these advanced massage therapists refer their clients for specialized care, and in turn receive referrals from medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and others in the healing professions.

After receiving vital healthcare training in many clinical applications, massage therapists use neuromuscular therapy to manually identify and treat specific pain networks using assisted stretching, manual release techniques, and applied pressure, among others. While all massage therapy is designed to help clients relax and improve their health, neuromuscular therapy is designed to help break specific cycles of tension in the body, using specialized techniques to lengthen muscles and move irritating metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, out of the system.

Physical Problems Addressed With Neuromuscular Therapy

Often neuromuscular therapists identify and target trigger points that respond to these advanced massage techniques. Whether physical problems are caused by reduced blood flow, nerve compression, compensatory posture habits, or even problems with normal biomechanical function, these therapies affect rehabilitative relief for a variety of complaints, including:

  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Hip and knee pain
  • Headaches and temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
  • Sports injuries
  • Tendonitis and cramps in calf and thigh
  • Carpal tunnel symptoms
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Muscle pain

Neuromuscular Therapy Benefits Everyone

As students pursue massage therapy certification, they may be attracted to a career in the clinical applications of neuromuscular therapy. However, the knowledge and techniques are of benefit to all massage clients and can be used in conjunction with a variety of other massage therapies. When earning a diploma in advanced massage therapy at The Praxis Institute, students also are taught and obtain Certification in deep tissue massage, electro-stimulation, laser techniques, spa therapies, sports massage, ultrasound, and holistic manual lymphatic drainage, in addition to neuromuscular therapy techniques.

During the service portion of the curriculum, students are required to perform 17 neuromuscular massage sessions, which provides essential experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of complaints. They are required to perform 115 services overall, gaining wide experience with techniques learned in the program. Graduates receive a diploma, as well as massage therapy certification.

Highly Valued Skills for Your Massage Therapy Practice

Practitioners who specialize in neuromuscular therapy develop great expertise when it comes to diagnosing and treating chronic pain and injuries. As they use their knowledge of systems in the human body to pinpoint and relieve pain, they bring healing relief to their clients. The skills possessed by neuromuscular therapists add value to any massage therapy practice, attract new clients, and provide a solid basis for solopreneur endeavors, as well.

Learn Neuromuscular Therapy at The Praxis Institute

Students can learn and obtain Certification in neuromuscular therapy through the Advanced Therapeutic, Sports, and Clinical Massage Program. Rolling admissions give students the ability to apply and enroll in the program in as little as one week, so students can quickly begin preparing for a career in massage therapy. The Praxis Institute offers diploma programs at campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL. Contact us for more information.