Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, Wilmington NC

Performance BodyWork and Massage in Wilmington NC provides professional Neuromuscular Massage Therapy which can be customized to each individual’s needs. Contact Ray O’Quinn, Licensed Massage Therapist to schedule an appointment.  Call or Text 828-216-6500

WHAT IS A NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE, AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

I am certified in Neuromuscular Therapy from St. John Pain Relief Institute. The St. John Method of Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective treatment for ridding the body of pain. A St. John therapist’s primary goal in relieving pain is to first achieve structural balance in the body. I do this by looking at the body as a four-dimensional object, and using the techniques of the St. John Method to correct distortions in the horizontal, coronal and/or mid-sagittal planes of the body. These techniques are supported by scientific neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates pain responses in the body. By understanding how pain originates and by being able to locate the source of pain in the body, I treat the cause of pain (primarily musculoskeletal dysfunction), not just the effects. 

The healing process should also be an educational process, so I teach my patients about their health, structure, biomechanics, and anything else that may be influencing their pain condition. In addition, I work with other healthcare practitioners such as neuromuscular dentists, orthopedic shoe technicians, nutritional counselors, and various other supportive professionals. The client is actively involved in the process of healing by helping me understand his or her particular condition. The initial visit is generally 60 to 90 minutes. During the initial visit, I measure various structures of the body to evaluate for:

1.     Postural distortions
2.     Biomechanical dysfunction
3.     Soft tissue causes of pain patterns and specific pain conditions

This analysis of proper body structure and biomechanics will point to the cause and effect of pain. I will then follow a specific protocol of rehabilitation, which produces the most efficient and long-lasting results: 

1.     Locate and eliminate spasms, hypercontraction and trigger points from the soft tissues.
2.     Restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics or movement patterns.
3.     Restore flexibility and increase blood flow to the tissues.
4.     Rebuild strength of the injured, weak, and/or atrophied tissues.
5.     Build endurance of the tissues for permanent results.

Following this protocol in order is essential. Rehabilitation that is not followed in this order will result in a less effective and incomplete treatment in which the patient may regress and end up in more pain. For instance, if you attempt to restore flexibility before eliminating hypercontractions and restoring proper biomechanics, you are forcing tissues to lengthen that may not be ready for it.  This can cause reflex spasms, possible joint damage and connective tissue tearing.  If proper biomechanics (movement) are not restored, then every time that movement is performed (such as walking, a sport activity, work activity, sleeping posture, etc.), you are re-injuring yourself.  When rehabilitation starts with attempting to strengthen injured tissues without first releasing spasms, eliminating trigger points, breaking down adhesions and restoring full range of motion, the problem will be perpetuated and possibly complicated.