Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (NMT)

Precision treatment for chronic tension, pain, and dysfunction

What Is Neuromuscular Massage Therapy?

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (NMT) is a specialized form of soft tissue treatment that focuses on identifying and relieving trigger points, chronic muscle tension, and nerve compression. It is a targeted, clinical approach to massage that blends deep tissue work with biomechanical assessment and precise manual techniques.

Unlike general massage therapy, which focuses on overall relaxation, NMT is goal-oriented—designed to address specific muscular imbalances and restore proper function by correcting soft tissue abnormalities that interfere with movement or cause pain.

Practitioners use techniques such as:

• Ischemic compression (applying sustained pressure to trigger points)

• Myofascial release

• Muscle stripping and friction

• Postural and gait analysis to guide treatment

Who Benefits from Neuromuscular Massage Therapy?

NMT is beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain, soft tissue injuries, or movement dysfunction related to repetitive strain, postural imbalance, or trauma.

Ideal for:

• Office workers with neck, shoulder, or back pain

• Athletes with overuse injuries

• Individuals recovering from auto accidents or repetitive strain

• People experiencing tension headaches or migraines

Because it is both therapeutic and corrective, NMT can be used on its own or integrated into a broader rehabilitation or wellness plan.

What Conditions Does It Help With?

NMT is highly effective for treating:

• Trigger point pain (knots)

• Postural imbalance & rounded shoulders

• Low back and neck pain

• Tension headaches and migraines

• Rotator cuff dysfunction

• Plantar fasciitis and foot tension

• Repetitive stress injuries (RSI)

Sessions typically last 30–90 minutes, depending on the client’s needs and area(s) of focus.

How It Works

Neuromuscular therapists begin with a postural or movement assessment, then use palpation to locate trigger points or tight bands within the muscle. Through sustained, specific pressure and therapeutic massage strokes, they deactivate these points and release adhesions that restrict movement or irritate nerves.

This technique is often intense but controlled—clients frequently describe it as a “good pain” that brings lasting relief.

Clinical Research & References

NMT is supported by clinical studies and is widely accepted in both manual therapy and sports medicine communities for its effectiveness in treating soft tissue dysfunction.

• Travell, J. & Simons, D.G. (1999)
  Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual.
  ➤ The foundational text on trigger point therapy used in NMT.

• Buttagat, V. et al. (2011)
  “Effects of traditional Thai massage versus NMT on upper back pain and forward head posture.”
  Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(4), 586–591.
  ➤ NMT was shown to significantly improve posture and reduce pain.

• Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C. et al. (2005)
  “Immediate effects of ischemic compression on active trigger points in patients with tension-type headache.”
  Manual Therapy, 10(4), 251–257.
  ➤ Showed reduced headache intensity and referred pain after NMT treatment.

• Chaitow, L. (2004)
  Modern Neuromuscular Techniques.
  ➤ An essential resource on clinical application and science behind NMT.

Why Choose Neuromuscular Massage at Avalon?

At Avalon Wellness & Performance, our therapists are trained in advanced neuromuscular techniques and conduct each session with an understanding of anatomy, function, and clinical care. We work with you to assess, treat, and resolve the underlying sources of pain—not just the symptoms.

Book a Neuromuscular Massage Today
Target the source. Reclaim movement. Relieve pain.