05/15/2026
Breathing patterns can influence muscle tension more than many people realize. When stress is high, breathing may shift from the diaphragm to more “accessory” breathing muscles like the scalenes, upper trapezius, and muscles around the neck and chest. When those muscles help with breathing more than they should, they can become overused and contribute to tension or discomfort.
Diaphragmatic breathing encourages the diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration, to do more of the work. As the diaphragm descends, the ribcage expands and the abdomen may gently rise, while the shoulders can stay more relaxed. This can support more efficient breathing and may help signal safety to the nervous system, supporting relaxation.
Therapeutic massage can complement this by addressing areas that may be overworking, such as the neck, shoulders, or chest, while also helping bring awareness to patterns of tension you may not have noticed.
A simple self-check: place one hand on your chest and one on your abdomen. As you inhale, notice whether your shoulders lift and the top hand moves most, or whether your lower hand and ribcage expand first.
Sometimes tension isn’t only about the muscles. It can also be about the way we breathe.
