Neuromuscular retraining is the training of new patterns of movement with a mindful mental focus on what you are training.
The brain and nervous system pathways are trained with the repetition of movements and patterns of movement. This type of training is more long-lasting than when training is not mindful.
To change your pattern the way you use a muscle, do the following 4 things;
1) Concentration/ focus while practising
2) Repetition – do it many times, at least 15 Xs.
3) Motivation – practice daily and regularly
4) Positive reinforcement (reward yourself when you feel even a small contraction, it will increase with practice)
Repetition strengthens the nerve connection to the muscle, helping you recruit more muscle fibres.
The movement becomes more automatic.
Changes of this type can happen very quickly.
“What fires together wires together”.
Here is an example of Neuromuscular retraining.
To train your deep abdominals, first activate the muscle mindfully, feel the contraction, and then increase the intensity. Relax between contractions so you can feel the difference. As you mindfully practice, more muscle fibres are recruited, and the muscle is switched on more easily.
Some muscles need to be taught how to relax.
Some muscles are weak and need to be taught how to ‘activate’ (switch on).
At Physio Body and Sole, we use this technique to reactivate your muscles to integrate their action into the movement you are training.
A-J will teach you optimal ways to move more efficiently to avoid injury and pain in the future.
She observes how you move, and feels the muscle to see if it is working. She ‘releases’ tight muscles with massage to help the weaker muscle work. She will explain it all to you, and teach you how to do it for yourself when you come for an appointment.
Muscle Meditation for relaxation of tense muscles
Muscle Meditation is a technique where you focus intently on a tight muscle, touching it lightly, and concentrating on melting or ‘relaxing’ it. Breathe while focusing on relaxing the muscle under your touch. If it does not relax, dry needling or laser can help. Come and see us at Physio Body and Sole.
We help you retrain correct muscle activity here at Physio Body and Sole in Milsons Point. We retrain movement and balance tension with weak muscles, restoring flexibility and mobility.
