Effects of massage on the musculoskeletal system One of the most common reasons for getting a massage is relief from muscle tension. Massage releases built-up tension in the muscle through increasing both the blood flow into the area and the removal of toxins and wastes out of the area. Massage produces a number of desirable effects on the muscles; regular massage treatments can increase muscle firmness and elasticity, decrease inflammation, reduce fatigue and stiffness, and relieve muscle spasms and soreness. This improved muscle tone in turn reduces the amount of physical stress on bones and joints. Massage can even strengthen muscles in very weak limbs incapable of voluntary movement. Massage can soothe joint pain caused by injury, inflammation and everyday exertion by promoting increased blood flow to the affected areas. Regular massage can break down scar tissue, allowing injured muscle tissues to heal more rapidly with less scarring and thickening of connective tissue. This in turn results in increased joint mobility and range of motion. Effects of massage on the nervous system Massage can: ● Stimulate sensory receptors (either stimulating or soothing nerves depending on the techniques used). ● Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. ● Reduce pain through the release of endorphins. Massage can either relax or invigorate the client, depending on their needs. Swedish massage, effleurage and other slow- stroking movements can have a sedating effect, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulating the vagus nerve to slow down the heart rate (Noonan, 2018). Massage reduces hyperactivity of the nervous system, lowering the level of electrochemical noise and encouraging better organ and organ system integration. As might be expected, faster and firmer movements and techniques are used in sports massage as stimulation prior to a competition. While most pre-event massage is for stretching muscles and increasing blood flow, soothing massage may also contribute to an optimal performance by relaxing a stressed-out competitor. Be alert to client sensitivity, as some deep-tissue work that provides a sense of relief and peace during or after treatment may also cause increased sensitivity or even some degree of pain during the massage. Because the nervous system regulates all other body systems, the effects of massage on the nervous system can also influence the operation of other body systems. Many of the endocrine and autonomic nervous system’s operations that are not easily altered through conscious effort. Massage can modify the individual’s unconscious systems, potentially changing the way stressful events affect the sympathetic nervous system (Noonan, 2018). Because many of the reflexive effects of massage are mediated through the nervous system, the following section will review functions of the central nervous system in more detail. The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, including the cranial and spinal nerves. The peripheral nervous system is divided into the autonomic and somatic sub-systems. The somatic nervous system controls organs under voluntary control (primarily muscles). The autonomic nervous system (ANS), regulates organ function and homeostasis, and is in large part not subject to voluntary control. The ANS is also known as the visceral or automatic system . The ANS transmits impulses from the CNS to peripheral organ systems, affecting heart rate and the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, pupil size and digestive secretions.
The following diagram notes the division between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system. Divisions of the Nervous System
Note . Image adapted from Patton, K.T., Thibodeau, G.A., The Human Body in Health and Diseas e, 7th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier, 2018. Autonomic nervous system The autonomic nervous system is composed of two parts that act as counterweights to one another: The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is centered in the spinal cord and travels to areas throughout the body. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems regulate and maintain homeostasis through a feedback system. Both are associated with specific muscles and both affect, and are affected, by endocrine glands. The sympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for preparing the body for activities related to the “flight or fight” response – either running or fighting – while the parasympathetic nervous system, rooted in the brain stem and the spinal cord of the lower back, is responsible for the “relaxation” response and restoring the body to normalcy. When we physically or emotionally tire, parasympathetic functions return us to a peaceful, calm state. Depression may be associated with parasympathetic dysfunction. The sympathetic autonomic system governs functions that expend energy in an emergency situation, while the parasympathetic part restores the body to a more normal, non- emergency state. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is associated with a number of effects in the viscera or organs.
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