What happens to your muscles in a massage?

What actually happens to your muscles in a massage?

So you want to know what actually happens during a massage that "makes it work"?

You know you feel relaxed, looser, and better, but why?

You're muscles aren't being "unknotted" or broken down.

The reality is a lot gentler.

During a massage, your body responds on multiple levels-

The muscular system, circulatory system, and nervous system all respond to create the relief you feel.

1. Massage improves circulation.

This means nutrients are delivered, and waste products are removed.

This supports recovery and healing.

2. Muscle tension is released through the application of movement and pressure, and the ensuing response of sensory receptors in the muscles and fascia that communicate with the brain that it is a safe environment to relax.

Muscle tone has often built up in protection against real or percieved threat, but this can soften under the right conditions.

3. The parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is activated during massage by stillness and touch.

This slows heart rate and breathing rate, lowers stress hormones, relaxes the muscles, and allows the body to move into a state where it can recover, heal, and be calm.

4. Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, bones, organs, and it can become restricted through stress, inactivity, injury, and dehydration.

Massage helps to improve the elasticity and pliability of the fascia, which in turn supports freer, easier movement.

5. I think my favourite way that massage works is the Gate Control Theory.

The "gate" for pain signals to pass to the brain is closed when a different sensation is applied.

Touch changes how the brain interprets pain.

Pleasant soothing sensations can override painful stimuli.

I'll give a few examples to make it easier to understand.

- When you have an itchy mosquito bite, you might press it with a fingernail.

The fingernail is a sensation that closes the gate, so pain cannot be signalled.

- Using a TENS machine can stimulate nerve fibres which then blocks pain sensations.

- Rubbing a sore area creates a non-painful rubbing stimulus, blocking the transmission of pain.

In summary, massage doesn't "fix" muscles by force, but rather works with your circulatory, nervous, and muscular systems to encourage relaxation and recovery.

With mindful awareness, touch can guide your body towards relief and healing.