Business Profile of Jim Fawcett
Fermanagh Neuromuscular Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a precise, thorough examination and treatment of the body’s soft tissues using regionally oriented protocols used in a step-by-step process. These time-tested, hands-on techniques are built upon a science-based foundation and guided by clinical evidence. NMT can integrate well into any practice setting and is frequently included in mainstream medicine and multidisciplinary clinics worldwide.
In addition, NMT considers perpetuating factors that may be associated with the client’s complaints. For example, when a client presents with shoulder pain, the upper extremity protocol will be used as the primary examination. In addition to the muscles directly crossing the shoulder joint, muscles that attach the shoulder girdle to the torso would be included along with steps to help insure mobility of the scapula. Dysfunctions within the arm, forearm and hand often produce compensation patterns in shoulder movement, so examination of those regions will be included. Since innervation to the shoulder exits the spine at the cervical region, mobility and muscles of the neck will be considered; compression or entrapment of the nerves serving the shoulder will also be addressed.
Perpetuating factors can also include shoulder joint pathologies, postural positioning, habits of use, nutritional components, emotional wellbeing, allergies, neuroexcitants, neurotoxins, and other core elements that can masquerade as myofascial pain and dysfunction. Due to the diverse nature of perpetuating factors, the clinic has built a broad network of healthcare providers for referral of those clients whose symptoms suggest “red flag” warnings or underlying pathologies.
Most factors that cause pain and dysfunction can be easily grouped under three general headings of biomechanical, biochemical, and psychosocial factors, with the interface between these being profoundly related. Most practitioners apply strategies from only one of these categories, often resulting in improvement that plateaus before full recovery. However in NMT, a synergistic effect – often with significant relief – is obtained when all three categories are addressed. This may require a multidisciplinary approach.
Neuromuscular Therapy assessments and examinations primarily address
- ischemia (tight tissue with reduced blood flow)
- myofascial trigger points (hypersensitive points within muscles that give rise to referred phenomena, including pain)
- neural entrapment (pressure on nerves by muscles and other soft tissues), and nerve compression (pressure on nerves by osseous and other bonelike tissues, such as cartilage or discs).
- postural assessment (assessment of the position of the body as a whole)
- and dysfunctional gait patterns (manner of movement when walking)
- with constant consideration for many other perpetuating factors, such as hydration, nutrition, breathing patterns, and psychologic stress.
Neuromuscular Therapy is highly effective for clients who present with chronic pain and is often successful in reducing or eliminating even longstanding painful conditions. Some of the techniques can also be applied to acute injuries and for post-surgical care; many help to improve performance in sport or dance and to prevent injuries due to these activities. I am also a certified Nutritionist, and can provide extensive nutritional advice which can help with recovery and weight loss. As a qualified level 5 fitness instructor, I can help with recovery and rehabilitation.
Educated to Post Graduate MSc level, with a Pg. HDip in NMT, I hold many health and fitness qualifications and am also a registered Yoga teacher.
Why did you choose to start your own business?
I chose to start my own NMT business because, due to my own injuries, conventional mainstream treatments were having little effect on my road to recovery. After learning and experiencing the benefits of NMT, I knew many more people would benefit from it.
What is the best thing about running your own business?
The best thing about running your own business is the rewards of seeing people improve after treatment and having time flexibility.
What advice would you give to anyone starting a business?
Get the best possible advice, both, in ensuring that you have the best skills set and education in it and from experienced business advisors, I got great help and support from Rodney Malone – Fermanagh Enterprise.
What do you think are the main challenges facing new business starts?
In my field the main challenges are the daily revelations, that science unfolds, constant study and choosing the best continued professional development courses to take, that will keep the clinic abreast of modern therapies.
Describe your experience in running a business?
To date, I have enjoyed the daily challenge of ensuring I provide the best possible, personal service to my patients.
My Clinic is based at No.11 Killyhevlin Business Centre 3 Blackstick Road, Killyhevlin Industrial, BT74 4EB, Tel: 079 38997357
