Course Descriptions

Lecture:  Integrative NMT, integrative neuromuscular myofascial technique (I-NMT),  places emphasis on combining neuromuscular technique with myofascial components, piecing together how different body regions and their respective pain patterns relate to each other. Emphasis will be on the application of spine, Atlanto-Occipital, and sacral joint range of motion techniques in all sessions, thus integrating the relationship of the skeleton and it's fascia into an NMT approach. Each student will receive thorough training in neuromuscular technique and philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on isolated trigger-point release, more emphasis will be placed on regional release in combination with compression and trigger-point release. Learn neurological laws that govern neuromuscular concepts and techniques, study macro/micro myofascial integration, connective tissue properties of tensegrity, solation, and peesoelectric effect. Study postural distortions and how precise I-NMT treatments improve posture and reduce stress on internal organs.

I-NMT #1 Anterior neck, internal jaw, & posterior upper cervical complex. Learn precise methods of treating anterior cervical regions, specifically along the bodies of the cervical vertebrae and anterior occipital-C1 junction. Learn to apply internal jaw treatments to muscles contributing to TMJD and headache and facial pain patterns. Find out why treating the anterior neck is essential to any clinical treatment of headaches and neck conditions, shoulder conditions, and jaw dysfunction. Learn effective techniques for treating disorders such as whiplash, head forward posture, upper thoracic pain, and TMJ. 

I-NMT #2 Thoracic outlet and inlet & shoulder mobilizers. Learn how postural distortions that deviate from homeostatic posture cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder region and, if not addressed, often prevent the full rehabilitation of this region. Discover why it's essential to properly release antagonist muscles to maintain shoulder integrity. Explore how distortions in the shoulder girdle contribute to postural dysfunction in the neck, thorax, and pelvis. Study the thoracic outlet/brachial plexus and inlet and how they relate to treatment of the neck, shoulder and arm pain. 

I-NMT #3 Low back, hip, and pelvis integration, & pelvic stabilization. Learn how tilt, rotation, torque, flexion/extension and projection affects spinal and pelvic alignment and pressure on the sacroiliac joint. Learn to rebalance fascial and muscular pelvic tonus surrounding the body's center of gravity. Learn to recognize how other regions and their fascial components can cause low back pain. Specific routines are introduced that will effectively treat frustrating low back/hip conditions.

I-NMT #4 Abdomen, torso, and breath. Clinicians often run into a wall when they apply neuromuscular techniques in isolation such as treating a shoulder condition by solely treating shoulder mobilizers. Learn to treat abdominal cavity  musculature and fascia for low back/hip, torso/thoracic, and shoulder conditions. Explore diaphragm and intercostal treatments that enhance breath capacity and reduce postural stress and painful deviations. Learn about breath work as the body's internal massage therapist.

I-NMT #5 Rotator cuff and upper extremity. Study the rotator cuff muscles in isolation, separating them from the shoulder mobilizers such as trapezius and serratus anterior. Study physiological changes in the bone, ligaments, and joint that cause or interrupt adequate healing of shoulder joint injuries. Study entrapment of tendons such as the long head of the biceps. Learn why nmt treatment of the triceps is essential for treatment of elbow conditions. Spend hours in detailed treatment of forearm and hand musculature (as a massage therapists, you most certainly will appreciate this part of the course!).

I-NMT #6 Lower extremities. This course picks up where I-NMT#3 leaves off. Anterior/Posterior/Lateral/Medial compartments of the thigh and of the lower leg. Spend time studying the knee and ankle joints and applied treatments. This course is not to be missed for sports and orthopedic specialized practitioners.

I-NMT #7 Advanced I-NMT [This course is under development and will not be ready until late 2011]. Learn the art of blending treatments of multiple body regions into a comprehensive treatment plan. Learn how to integrate the following regions and concepts into your treatments: atlanto-occipital cervical region, cranial fascia and sinus, dural tube fascia and neural tension, postural restoration through movement repatterning. Spend time with other advanced colleagues. Only therapists who have achieved advanced study in I-NMT or medical massage equivalent coursework will be eligible to take this class. A portion of this class will cover an introduction to teaching I-NMT.