How Can a Myotherapist Help with Neurological Symptoms?
Myotherapists employ various techniques to address neurological symptoms, enhancing nerve function, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being.
Here are some key methods they use:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Altering Sensation: TENS can modify nerve sensations, providing pain relief and potentially inducing neuroplastic changes that improve sensory function by altering neural input.
- Muscle Stimulation: TENS stimulates weak muscles, enhancing neuroplastic changes that strengthen neural pathways and improve muscle activation.
Nerve Gliding/Flossing
- Improving Nerve Mobility: Nerve gliding exercises help mobilise nerves that may be entrapped. By putting the nerve under tension, these exercises facilitate the smooth flow of signals through the nerve, preventing blockages and reducing symptoms.
Joint Mobilisations
- Relieving Nerve Entrapment: Joint mobilisations, especially in the neck, can alleviate nerve compression by opening up spaces where nerves may be pinched. This improves nerve conductivity and reduces pain.
Education and Exercises
- Strengthening and Stretching: Providing targeted strengthening exercises and stretches can relieve pressure on nerves, enhance muscle support, and improve overall posture.
- Posture and Ergonomics: Educating patients on proper posture and ergonomic practices helps prevent future nerve compression and associated symptoms.
Benefits of Myotherapy for Neurological Symptoms
- Pain Relief: Techniques like TENS and manual therapy can significantly reduce pain, improving quality of life.
- Enhanced Nerve Function: Nerve gliding and joint mobilisations enhance nerve mobility and function, reducing symptoms such as numbness and tingling.
- Improved Muscle Strength and Coordination: Exercises and TENS therapy improve muscle activation and coordination, supporting better movement and function.
- Prevention of Recurrence: Education on posture and ergonomics helps prevent the recurrence of symptoms by addressing underlying causes.
Myotherapists can effectively help manage neurological symptoms through a combination of TENS, nerve gliding, joint mobilisations, and educational exercises. These interventions promote neuroplastic changes, enhance nerve function, reduce pain, and prevent future issues, providing comprehensive support for individuals with neurological conditions.
