What is NMT or Neuromuscular Technique?
NMT (Neuromuscular Technique) is a soft tissue technique developed in the 1930’s by Dr Stanley Lief. NMT is the application of quasi-static pressure perpendicular to the skin with the aim of releasing pain and tension in muscles (normally in skeletal muscles).
Neuromuscular Technique is used by
- Physiotherapists
- Osteopaths
- Chiropractors
- Massage Therapists
A lot of clients will be familiar with NMT techniques from having either a sports massage, deep tissue massage or seated acupressure massage with Vitality Therapy. We commonly use NMT when we treat
- muscle spasms
- muscle tension
- aches & pains
- trigger points
When we have identified the problem area in your muscle, we apply pressure with our fingers, knuckles or elbows. We often hold the static pressure for between several seconds to up to two minutes. What we look for are non-verbal and verbal signals that the pain and tension are releasing.
Is NMT Painful?
When we apply the pressure, we aim for a “good pain” where you feel the right level of pressure is being applied to create the release. Sometimes I ask clients to rate the pain on a scale of 0 to 10 to ensure that it is bearable and hence a “good pain”.
Related Posts

The hidden cause of lower back pain
The psoas muscle is a very deep muscle that connects your torso to your legs. It affects your posture and helps you to stabilise your spine. In fact, whether you run, bike, dance, practice yoga, or just hang out on your couch, your psoas muscles are involved. A person suffering from IlioPsoas syndrome may have pain in the hip and thigh region, as well as hip stiffness and in some cases a clicking or snapping hip. Other signs which may indicate an unhappy psoas muscle are:
- Knee pain - if there is no obvious source then it may be your psoas muscle.
- Constipation - a tight psoas muscle can cause or contribute to constipation.
- Menstrual cramps - a tight psoas muscle can put pressure on reproductive organs contributing to menstrual cramps.

Trigger Points
Often clients sit down to have a massage and are unaware how tight one area of there shoulder or neck is. This is very common and here is why:
- We only notice the worse area of pain - so if our right shoulder is more painful, we have a tendency to assume our left shoulder is OK.
- Trigger Points
- Poor Posture
- Muscle Damage
- Nervous Tension
- Physical Stress
- Psyschological Stress
- Environmental Factors - cold, damp
- Illness
- Lack of rest or sleep
- Poor Diet
- Restricted movement
- Tension headaches
- Referred pain
- Painful movement of a joint or limb
- Maintain good posture
- Manage your stress
- Follow a daily stretching routine
- Acupuncture
- Massage


