About Us

Precision Neuromuscular Therapy (PNMT) is the creation of Douglas Nelson, a licensed Massage Therapist who has been in practice since 1977. What makes PNMT special is the way it approaches soft-tissue therapy. More than a technique or modality, PNMT is really a way of thinking, applying clinical reasoning in soft-tissue therapy.

Three broad principles apply to PNMT:

* PNMT is deductive. For every symptom a client may present, there are multiple possible causes. How can you get to to most likely source as efficiently as possible? That is what we concentrate on.
* PNMT is science based, not philosophically based. We have conducted many clinical research studies relevant to the work and are always combing the literature to find more.
* PNMT is client based. Since the causes for every symptom can be different, each client should get a session created exactly for them, rather than a routine or recipe. There is no shoulder routine, low back routine, or set of specific tests you do for every person who walks in your door (one size fits nobody). Yes, it is harder to learn at first, but most therapists have had enough of routines that just don't work (plus, they are boring to client and therapist alike).

First, it is important to understand that PNMT is an approach to problem solving in soft-tissue therapy. It is not limited to, or centered around, any one form of treatment other than using our hands. PNMT involves constant assessment and problem solving. As an example- if PNMT is the application of soft-tissue techniques; then it must be established that the problem is indeed soft-tissue in nature. That is no easy assumption on its own; care must be taken and specific criteria must be met before proceeding. We assume nothing and measure everything possible.

There are multiple facets to PNMT; some of them are:

* Trigger Point Therapy (influenced by the work of Kellgren, Travell and Simons,
and the latest research in the field)
* Functional Anatomy (dymanic, not static anatomy)
* Structural Imbalance (structural issues can be important or clinically irrelevant)
* Exceptional palpation skills
* Exclusionary and othopedic testing
* Problem solving strategies
* Range of motion
* Neurophysiology (Probably the strongest influence in PNMT is a deep understanding of the
new advances in neurophysiology and how that can apply to hands-on therapy.)

Is PNMT for Everyone?

Realistically, no. It is for people who like to solve problems by addressing specific myofascial concerns. If you are happy doing a recipe or routine, this work isn't for you. If you have been practicing for awhile, and feel stagnant or not confident in helping specific problems, PNMT can help you reinvigorate your practice!