Jul 16

Written by:
Friday, July 16, 2010 

What the heck was that? Several clients have asked me about it at the end of their sessions, but I find more are asking about it during the massage. Sometimes they are not sure if they are feeling my finger, knuckle, elbow or ?

Here's what it looks like:

That's a NMT (neuromuscular therapy) bar. It is also known as either a pressure bar or a T bar.

Not all of them have round heads, but I tend to be partial to that one. I use this tool to help release trigger points and break up adhesions. With this bar, I can apply deeper pressure to a specific area. I have a favorite spot where I like to use my bar too.

Feel the back of your head just above the nape of your neck. Is your protuberance in the middle pointy, flat, or round? Hey, that's your occiput. Touch and follow that bony ridge as it runs around the back of your head? Try rubbing that area to see how it feels. Now have someone else rub it and have them apply a little bit more pressure. Next, imagine a tiny bit more pressure to all those tight areas.

One client, who did not have a headache at the time. told me that the sensation felt like a headache was receding as the tightness resolved. Some feel discomfort until the trigger points release. Most people are just thankful the tightness is gone.

NMT bar anyone?