Does massage actually relax muscles?

Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression. To understand this, consider that when muscles are contracted, they sometimes compress the nerves around them.

Why does putting pressure on a muscle relax it?

When muscle tissue contracts, it can become compressed and undergo spasms. This may constrict nerves, leading to chronic pain. Applying pressure during massage releases the pressure built up in muscles, tendons and ligaments. This often relieves any nerve compression, reducing pain.

Why does massage feel good on sore muscles?

Massaging knotted muscles helps to release that buildup and increase blood flow, providing oxygen to parts of the muscle that weren’t getting enough before.

What happens to your body after a massage?

It’s normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.

What does pressing on muscles do?

Trigger point therapy is performed by having your PT press and hold on top of the trigger points in your muscles. This temporarily cuts off circulation to the tissue. This cutting off of circulation increases a chemical called nitric oxide in the tissue.

What are knots in your muscles?

Knots are usually a type of spasm that causes a small portion of a muscle to tense up. This tension can often be painful. ‌Muscle knots usually happen because a muscle has been irritated by a repetitive motion. Athletes will notice muscle knots after training one group of muscles for a long period of time.

Why does massage release endorphins?

As blood flow is increased during kneading, this encourages the autonomic nervous system to stimulate the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. Stimulating the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine increases the availability of the positive hormones to be used around the body.