Muscle Groups Targeted by Massage Therapy

Massage therapy:

•      Enhances the function of joints and muscles
•      Improves circulation and general body tone
•      Relieves mental and physical fatigue

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes.  Six areas that can be targeted via massage are:

•      Face
•      Neck and Shoulders
•      Abdomen
•      Lower Back
•      Legs
•      Feet

Muscle facial tension leads to migraine headaches that can be addressed with massage therapy.  Additionally, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is often treated via dental wellness protocols and massage therapy.

Poor posture, stress, and job-related functions can lead to chronic tightness in the neck and shoulder area which would benefit from deep-tissue massage.

Massage acts as a mechanical cleanser.  Fresh blood and increased oxygenation push along waste, lactic acid and accumulated toxins invigorating your abdomen.

Stiff aching muscles in the lower back often stem from imbalances in the pelvic region or a weak abdomen.  Massage therapy helps block pain signals that originate within the musculoskeletal system from reaching the brain.  A 2012 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) clinical trial concluded that twice-weekly yoga and massage sessions for 12 weeks were associated with a decrease in depression, anxiety, and back pain in pregnant women.

Tired legs and nervous twitching are aided by the increased circulation derived from massage therapy.  Imbalance between the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles are often a factor in injuries. Sports massage speeds the healing time for sore muscles.  Related to the legs, massage therapy speeds healing, reduces pain and minimizes scar tissue for minor or partial tears within, say, the hamstring. A severe tear or rupture will likely require surgery to reattach the muscle and tendon.  Rest, ice, compression, elevation and massage are the usual treatment for anything less than a severe tear.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, active isolated stretching, or passive soft tissue release are among sports massage protocols used to help with range of motion.

The feet respond to increased circulation and flexibility induced by soft tissue manipulations.  Therapeutic massage has a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system and stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin.  Sports massage can be used before or after sporting events or during training.

At Hudson Holistics, we combine decades of experience, client evaluation, and your body’s feedback to provide a customized solution to deliver the most refreshing, restorative and therapeutic massage.