06/03/2025
Massage has a significant impact on muscle physiology, influencing muscle recovery, flexibility, circulation, and overall function. Here’s how:
1. Improves Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery
• Massage increases circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissues.
• This helps in removing waste products like lactic acid, reducing soreness after exercise (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – DOMS).
✅ Physiology Behind It:
• Stimulates vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels), improving oxygen exchange.
• Enhances lymphatic drainage, removing metabolic waste.
2. Reduces Muscle Tension and Stiffness
• Helps break down muscle adhesions (knots) and trigger points, which cause pain and restricted movement.
• Relaxes tight muscles by influencing Golgi tendon organs (GTOs), which help regulate muscle tension.
✅ Physiology Behind It:
• Massage activates mechanoreceptors, which send signals to the spinal cord to reduce tension in the muscles.
• Decreases activity in alpha motor neurons, reducing muscle contraction and stiffness.
3. Enhances Muscle Recovery & Repair
• Massage stimulates satellite cells, which play a role in muscle repair and growth.
• Decreases inflammation and muscle damage markers (like creatine kinase) after intense activity.
✅ Physiology Behind It:
• Reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to muscle damage.
• Boosts mitochondrial biogenesis (formation of new mitochondria), improving muscle endurance.
4. Reduces Pain and Improves Nervous System Function
• Massage can reduce pain perception by activating the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins and serotonin).
• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and lowering stress.
✅ Physiology Behind It:
• Blocks pain signals by activating afferent nerve fibers, following the Gate Control Theory of Pain.
• Lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which reduces muscle tension.
5. Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion
• Stretching and deep tissue massage lengthen muscle fibers and improve joint mobility.
• Reduces muscle adhesions and scar tissue, allowing better movement.
✅ Physiology Behind It:
• Enhances collagen remodeling, making soft tissues more elastic.
• Improves proprioception (body awareness), reducing injury risk.
