Neuromuscular Therapy Training
Our body’s neuromuscular system is the working together of the nervous system and the muscles to allow for movement.
Neuromuscular disorders can be caused due to various reasons such as viral infection, genetic mutation, hormonal disorder, metabolic disorder, autoimmune disorder, dietary deficiency, and certain poisons and drugs.
Neuromuscular therapy, which is a wide-ranging program of soft tissue manipulation techniques helps to maintain the balance between the central nervous system and the form and structure of musculoskeletal system.
Neuromuscular therapy training is where a therapist is taught about the physiology of the nervous system, and its effect on the skeletal and muscular systems. The training would also include kinesiology and biomechanics, and working in clinical and/or medical environments.
Neuromuscular Therapy School
Neuromuscular therapy training is mostly conducted in classes that be either in the form of continuing education, professional schools or through advanced training seminars that are available at healing arts and massage schools Therapists are taught to examine the five elements that cause pain which are ischemia (lack of blood flow), nerve compression, trigger points, biomechanical movement dysfunction and postural distortion. They will also be taught to interview patients about current physical conditions, medical history, stress levels and lifestyle to devise treatment plans that aim to address their pain syndromes. The course curriculum for neuromuscular therapy training generally has the following subjects covered:
- Postural analysis
- Physiology and anatomy
- Dysfunctions and functions of joints and muscles in the cranium, torso, upper extremities and lower extremities
- Neuromuscular treatment and therapy protocols
- Structural and massage balancing
Course duration
The course length would mainly depend on the level of neuromuscular training therapy that a student wants to do. Prospective students can either choose to enrol in certificate courses or individual classes throughout the year. Some schools work on a quarter system with occasional mid-quarter classes. Each main subject of neuromuscular therapy will require completing 15 to 20 hours for each subject, depending on the school chosen.
Most states in the US have two or more massage therapy schools that offer neuromuscular therapy and the course duration differs from school to school
Cost
Tuition fees for neuromuscular therapy training would depend on the massage school and the course that you choose.
Some massage schools teach you all types of massages including physiology and anatomy and the course fees could be anywhere between $8000 to $9000, additional costs that may be incurred will include books and supplies, massage table, licensure, exam fees, and living fees.
Other schools have tuition fees based on the number of hours completed, for example a 250 hour course would cost around $2400. But almost all schools offer a payment plan, financial aid and scholarships. There are also online courses for as less as $250.
Certification
Certification depends on the courses you have chosen. Some schools offer stand-alone neuromuscular therapy courses with certification while others offer different massage therapy courses which include certification as a massage therapist but certified to perform neuromuscular therapy.
Salary
As per recent surveys, the highest salary earned by neuromuscular therapists is an hourly wage of $24 and an annual salary of $51,140, while the lowest can be an hourly wage of $8 with an annual salary of $17,970. The salary would depend on where you to choose to pursue your career. It is noted that physician’s offices, personal care services, traveller accommodations, and offices of health practitioners are industries with the potential of highest levels of employment in neuromuscular therapy.
Salaries would also depend on the location with Delaware, Washington DC and Alaska being the top paying states for this occupation, as well as the notoriety of the health care facilities.
