Neuromuscular reeducation is a technique used by rehabilitation therapists to restore normal movement. Together, your nerves and muscles work to produce movements. Nerves send signals between your muscles and your brain about when, where, and how fast to move. It is a complex process. Theorists believe that over time, nerve tracts are reinforced and muscle movement (motor) patterns are learned and stored in your memory.
Muscle movement patterns are affected when nerves or muscles experience damage or injury. This can result from:
- Trauma
- Medical Conditions
- Neurological Conditions (such as stroke and traumatic brain injury)
- Neuromuscular re-education is one method used by rehabilitation therapists to facilitate the return of normal movement in persons with neuromuscular impairments.
Purpose of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
To help individuals experiencing:
- Structural Distortion
- Biomechanical Dysfunction
- Pain That is Often Symptomatic of the Underlying Problem
It is used:
- To locate and release tissue spasms and hypertonicity.
- Eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain.
- Restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility to the tissues.
- Rebuild the strength of injured tissues and assist venous and lymphatic flow.
- Neuromuscular physical therapy treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized or who lack flexibility, strength, or endurance.
As part of the treatment, patients are encouraged to improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve an individual’s function at work and home.
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy May Involve:
- The Use Of Electrical Stimulation
- Hot Packs
- Cold Compresses
- Ultrasound
- Cold Laser
- Traction
- Deep-Tissue Massage
