What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy is a form of PhysicalNeuromuscular Physical Therapy. Neuromuscular
Therapy. It is drug-free and predominantly handsTherapy is also established in North America (i.e
on non-invasive manual medicine that focuses onAmerican Version) but differs significantly from
the effective treatment of pain and changes inthe European style. There are several training
sensations treating not only the musculoskeletalcentres in Ireland offering professional training in
systems but also with a unique focus on treatingNeuromuscular Physical Therapy up to Higher
fascia and myofascial trigger points.Diploma level. With the best ones, students enjoy
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy offers a uniquethe fact that they have access to some of the
holistic (whole body) approach to health care.world's leading authorities in the area including
Neuromuscular Physical Therapists do not simplyeminent lecturers such as Leon Chaitow and Judith
concentrate on treating the problem area, but useDeLany.
various manual soft tissue manipulation techniquesSo what can students learn during such a course:
to bring balance to all the systems of the body,There are CCME course as an advanced
through neuromuscular and fascial interventions inComplementary Medical Educational (CME)
an effort to provide a foundation that encouragesprogramme involving Sports Massage and Soft
a return to or maintenance of good health andTissue Manipulation techniques including:
wellbeing.• Primary and Advanced Anatomy &
The philosophy of European NeuromuscularPhysiology
Physical Therapy is what sets it apart from other• Exercise Physiology
complementary medical disciplines. The key• Neuro Physiology
principles are based on all parts of the body• Cadaver Studies
functioning together in an integrated manner. If• Myology
one part of the body is restricted or experiencing• Soft Tissue Release
pain, then the rest of the body must adapt and• Muscle Energy Techniques
compensate for this, eventually leading to• Trigger Point Techniques
inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health• Neuromuscular Techniques
conditions. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy takes• Positional and Myofascial Release
account of the dynamic contractile ability ofWhat is most important, is that graduates can
human fascia and the formation, etiology andstart a successful career in physical therapy
treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points.provided they meet general requirements.
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is the idealIn addition to following a strict code of ethics, all
complement to primary health care professionalslicensed Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists
and General Practitioners (i.e Medical Doctors)must be a member of a recognised professional
work. Treatment of pain and injury is one aspectbody such as the Association of Neuromuscular
of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, however, aTherapists. Membership of this Association allows
preventative role is also evident as when thea therapists patients to benefit from health
body is free of restrictions in movement,insurance payments.
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy treatment assistsThe combination of continuing education and
the body with pain minimisation, reduced stressprofessional status will offer the reassurance
and greater mobility providing the body with thewhich the public demand before a course of
opportunity to heal itself thereby avoidingtreatment commences. Patients will be able to
knock-on negative effects.verify the professional status of therapists using
Exercise and Nutrition expert John Sharkey MSc isan on-line licensing register.
the director and founder of European