Neuromuscular reprogramming is a hands-on physical therapy that uses massage, muscle testing, and specific movements to retrain damaged muscles and joints. It aims to challenge and reprogram the brain’s motor control center to restore mobility. This therapy is used to counteract the emotional impact of physical injury, improve physical and cognitive functioning, and aid in the recovery process for those affected by stroke or head injury.
Neuromuscular reprogramming (MRI) is a form of hands-on physical therapy based on the principles of educational kinesiology. Developed by Jocelyn Olivier, this somatic bodywork is the culmination of years of hands-on experience and teaching in applied kinesiology, massage therapy, Native American and Hawaiian shamanism, and Tui Na, a form of Chinese manipulative physical therapy. By incorporating massage with muscle testing and specific movements, neuromuscular reprogramming strives to retrain muscles and joints damaged by repetitive stress or traumatic injury. The goal of restoring mobility is achieved by challenging and reprogramming the part of the brain that controls movement.
The underlying premise of neuromuscular reprogramming involves the recognition that tissues and muscles are not the only components of the body affected by injury or trauma. In fact, proponents of this therapy argue that neurological patterns in the brain are also affected, which may promote continued pain signaling to nerves. This theory is supported by the fact that localized pain often persists long after the injury has healed. However, through neuromuscular reprogramming, the motor control center of the brain can learn and adopt new patterns.
Many patients are said to get positive results more effectively and faster from neuromuscular reprogramming than from traditional physical therapy. Indeed, some patients respond to neuromuscular reprogramming when other conventional treatments have failed. For this reason, Ms. Oliver has coined this therapy the ‘missing link’ in rehabilitation work.
Muscle testing is an important element of neuromuscular reprogramming. It also involves active participation on the part of the patient to invoke the body’s ability to self-correct. Muscle testing integrates both of these aspects. Observing how and to what extent a muscle resists the applied pressure allows you to evaluate the neurological patterns governing that muscle. However, sequential testing and muscle retesting engage the brain in preparing to abandon the neurological patterns that compensate for injury and accept new programming.
In addition to physical rehabilitation, neuromuscular reprogramming is sometimes used to counteract the emotional impact of physical injury or trauma. Also, because this therapy embraces the fundamentals of educational kinesiology, it is sometimes employed to help patients develop new, healthier thought processes. This can be helpful for those struggling to overcome addictions and irrational fears, for example.
Neuromuscular reprogramming is also used to improve physical functioning. Athletes, for example, may seek out this form of therapy to help remove emotional and physical barriers that can impair physical performance. It is also used to boost cognitive functioning and facilitate faster learning. Additionally, neuromuscular reprogramming has an application in the recovery process for those affected by my stroke or mild to moderate head injury.
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