The Concise Book of Neuromuscular Therapy: A Trigger Point Manual

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is an innovative healing approach that combines the best soft tissue manipulation techniques of osteopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, trigger point therapy, and other fields. NMT uses massage techniques and flexibility stretching to balance the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and eliminate the causes of neuromuscular pain. The therapy consists of using the fingers, knuckles, or elbow to apply alternating levels of pressure, which relax the affected muscles and increase circulation. This treatment enhances muscle and joint function, and can be combined with other modalities as part of a comprehensive program.

With 240 color and black-and-white illustrations, The Concise Book of Neuromuscular Therapy is an ideal learning tool for students involved in any of the medical sciences, as well as practicing physical therapists, doctors, or clinicians wishing to integrate NMT into osteopathy, physiotherapy, sport science, sports medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic, sports massage, and other manual therapies.

John Sharkey, BSc, MSc, NMT, is an exercise physiologist and neuromuscular therapist. He is the principal and director of the National Training Center, an organization responsible for the educational training and development of Neuromuscular Therapy and Medical Exercise. Based in Dublin, the NTC has branches throughout Ireland. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Sharkey became the first NMT therapist to participate as a fully accredited Olympic medical team member.

Foreword writer David G. Simons, MD, is a research scientist with several decades of experience in the study and treatment of myofascial pain. With Janet G. Travell, MD, he authored the seminal book Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual in 1983. Now in his eighties, Simons is a volunteer clinical professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University and is a member of the medical staff of Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia.