This issue of the #NMT newsletter covers #NeuroMuscularTaping application methodology for Lyme disease and PTLDS. It is non-stretched adhesive tape to the skin in an extended position, creating a #decompressive effect on the underlying tissues. This #decompressivetaping technique, which originated in Italy in the early 2000s, promotes a series of physiological responses, including skin wrinkling, skin folds, or undulations, depending on the application area. Over the past decade, research has shown that these unique taping applications can stimulate the skin, muscles, joints, and sensory systems, as well as influence vascular and tactile responses. Some applications are outlined on how to improve facial muscle functioning through improved oxygenation of the target area in #facialparalysis
NMT TREATMENT PROTOCOL SERIES
The NMT Institute has pioneered an innovative treatment methodology known as NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT), which has gained widespread recognition in the fields of medicine and rehabilitation. NMT is utilized across various healthcare sectors, including physical rehabilitation, neurology, sports medicine, nursing, speech therapy, and language pathology. This comprehensive therapeutic approach supports both the prevention and active treatment of numerous conditions by enhancing the body’s self-healing capacity.
What is NeuroMuscular Taping?
NeuroMuscular Taping involves the application of non-stretched adhesive tape to the skin in an extended position, creating a decompressive effect on the underlying tissues. This decompressive taping technique, which originated in Italy in the early 2000s, promotes a series of physiological responses, including skin wrinkling, skin folds, or undulations, depending on the application area. Over the past decade, research has shown that these unique taping applications can stimulate the skin, muscles, joints, and sensory systems, as well as influence vascular and tactile responses.
Mechanisms of Action in NMT
The decompression methodology central to NMT is designed to facilitate lymphatic and vascular flow by exerting a biomechanical pumping stimulation on the skin. Unlike other taping methods, NMT is unique in its capacity to optimize the body’s natural processes, particularly in terms of lymphatic drainage, vascular flow, and nervous system regulation.
DermoTaping vs. NMT
Within the broader spectrum of NeuroMuscular Taping, there are specialized applications such as DermoTaping, which focuses specifically on the treatment of skin disorders. DermoTaping aims to enhance the oxygenation of the skin, thereby promoting its regeneration. By contrast, the broader NMT method targets deeper structures, including nerve endings, lymphatic vessels, muscles, and joints, with the goals of improving mobility, reducing inflammation, enhancing blood flow, and alleviating pain. This versatile methodology has become a trusted therapeutic tool in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, chronic conditions, and post-surgical recovery.
Applications and Indications
NeuroMuscular Taping has proven effective in managing a wide range of conditions, from neurological disorders to post-surgical complications. Common applications include the treatment of:
- Musculoskeletal issues (e.g., stiff neck and shoulders, joint pain)
- Tendon and ligament injuries (tendonitis, post reconstruction surgery)
- Respiratory difficulties (particularly in post-surgical, postural, lung and neurological pathologies)
- Neuropathic pain and numbness (vascular neuropathy in the hands and feet as well sensory alterations)
- Facial palsy and related complications (Bell’s palsy, post-infection, and surgical complications)
NMT can be used alongside conventional treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes, especially by facilitating fluid dynamics, improving the oxygenation of tissues, and promoting healing at both the superficial and deep tissue levels.
Exclusion Criteria
While NeuroMuscular Taping is a valuable tool for many conditions. As stated in part 1, it is not recommended during the acute phase of Lyme disease or in certain other infectious diseases. However, in the Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) phase, NMT can play an essential role in managing lingering symptoms such as:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Arthritis in major joints (e.g., elbows, wrists, shoulders, knees, hips, ankles)
- Neuropathic symptoms, including numbness and tingling
- Facial palsy
NMT Protocol for Facial Palsy
One of the key areas where NMT has shown promising results is in the treatment of facial palsy. Facial palsy, which affects the muscles of the face, can lead to severe dysfunction and aesthetic concerns. The NMT protocol for facial palsy involves:
- Bilateral application of tape, focusing on the paralysed areas of the face and neck.
- Stimulation of blood circulation and oxygenation to promote recovery of muscles and nerve endings.
- Use of specific taping techniques targeting the forehead, temporalis muscle, mandibular region, mouth, and posterior neck to restore normal facial movement and function.
Understanding the lines of skin elasticity in these areas is crucial for the accurate application of the tape. Correct taping enhances the mechanical stimulation of the skin, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Typical Applications in the Initial Phases of Treatment
NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) can be effectively employed in the initial phases of treatment to address various facial areas. The following outlines the recommended taping parameters for common treatment zones:
Forehead
Tape Characteristics:
- Width: 3-5 mm
- Length: 5-7 cm
- Form: I
- Number: 8-14 strips
- Tension: 0%
Temporalis
Tape Characteristics:
- Width: 3-5 mm
- Length: 5-10 cm
- Form: I
- Number: 2-3 strips
- Tension: 0%
Complete Mandibular/Jaw Zone
Tape Characteristics:
- Width: 4-6 mm
- Length: 7-12 cm
- Form: I
- Number: 3-5 strips
- Tension: 0%
General Notes:
- Tape Form: The “I” form refers to a single, uncut strip of tape, providing a simple and effective way to address the target area.
- Application Details: The use of 0% tension ensures that the tape supports the skin and underlying tissues without causing additional strain or discomfort.
- Treatment Cycle: Consistent application is key to achieving the desired therapeutic effects, with adjustments made based on patient response and clinical progress. Frequency and Treatment Cycle are considered 2 to 3 times per week for 4 to 8 weeks
These parameters are designed to optimize the effectiveness of NMT in addressing facial issues, supporting recovery, and enhancing overall therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusion
NeuroMuscular Taping represents a revolutionary approach to rehabilitation and pain management. Through its unique decompression techniques, NMT stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, offering significant benefits in a wide range of clinical settings. By enhancing lymphatic and vascular flow, reducing inflammation, and modulating pain signals, NMT provides a non-invasive, non-pharmacological method to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote long-term recovery. While further studies are necessary to refine its applications, the existing evidence suggests that NMT holds great promise in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions, particularly in the areas of muscle recovery, post-surgical care, and neurological rehabilitation.
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Is there a NeuroMuscular Taping Training program suitable for you?
Are you interested in enrolling in an NMT Course?
The NeuroMuscular Taping Institute provides certification courses in physical rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, post surgical rehab, occupational therapy, speech therapy, remedial therapy, nursing as well vascular and lymphedema treatment and management. All trainings are classroom settings to enhance skill development and clinical reasoning creating optimum therapeutic results. ONLINE courses are not available. Please contact your local course provider or visit the NMT WEB SITE for course programs and dates.
For more details, course listings, and registration for an upcoming course CLICK HERE
Do you require validation of your NMT methodology for research purposes?
A detailed Neuromuscular Taping methodology is crucial in any research project for several reasons. Repeatability, Transparency, Validity and Reliability of your treatment choices will not only have an impact on your research but also an impact on future therapeutic choices. For more detailed information about the NMT, please contact us at: david.blow@nmtinstitute.org
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