Neuromuscular Re-education
At times, muscles work themselves into abnormal states in which the muscular and neurological systems are out of sync. To treat this, physical therapists use neuromuscular re-education therapy, which involves teaching the muscle how to remember its role by breaking down the muscle movement patterns into simple components that are easy and simple for the affected patients. These simple muscle movements are then re-integrated into an effective coordinated motion.
Neuromuscular exercises are particularly beneficial for unhealthy movement patterns that persist after injuries. For example, patients sometimes continue limping after hip or leg pain is eliminated, but by integrating neuromuscular re-education techniques, the physical therapist can help the patient improve their walking pattern.
Without the neuromuscular re-education process, there is no way that normal, controlled movement patterns can be re-established. It can also be used to improve balance, strength, coordination, and posture and increase range of motion.