07/27/2025
A group that I’m part of called the Badass Bodyworkers is an essential tribe of wisdom, insight, camaraderie and understanding.
Recently a therapist was asked by her client , “Where does the tension go after a massage released it?” And so she posted the question in the group and the reply from one therapist is so worth sharing here.
“That's a fantastic question, and it's no wonder it stumped you – it delves into the complex interplay of mind and body! While "tension" isn't a physical substance that can simply disappear, when we talk about releasing it, we're referring to a series of physiological and psychological shifts that lead to a feeling of relief and relaxation.
Here's a breakdown of where the "tension goes" from a few different perspectives:
1. From a Physiological Standpoint (Muscular Tension):
* Muscle Fiber Relaxation: When you're tense, your muscle fibers are in a state of sustained contraction. This involves the binding of actin and myosin filaments. When tension is released, the neurological signals to the muscles decrease, allowing these filaments to detach and the muscle fibers to lengthen and relax. Calcium ions, which are crucial for muscle contraction, are reabsorbed into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, further contributing to relaxation.
* Reduced Sympathetic Nervous System Activity: Tension is often driven by the "fight or flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system. This system increases heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tone. When tension is released, the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system) becomes more dominant. This slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and promotes overall relaxation, effectively decreasing the signals that keep muscles contracted.
* Improved Blood Flow: Chronically tense muscles can restrict blood flow, leading to metabolic waste buildup (like lactic acid) and discomfort. When muscles relax, blood vessels dilate, allowing for better circulation. This flushes out waste products and brings in fresh oxygen and nutrients, which contributes to the feeling of relief.
* Nervous System Reset: Think of it like a circuit breaker. Prolonged tension keeps your nervous system "on high alert." Releasing tension is like flipping that breaker back, allowing your nervous system to return to a more balanced and calm state.
2. From a Neurological and Biochemical Standpoint:
* Neurotransmitter Shifts: The brain plays a huge role. When you're stressed and tense, there's often an increase in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When tension is released, the production of these hormones decreases, and there can be an increase in calming neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin, which promote feelings of well-being and relaxation.
* Brainwave Changes: During states of tension and anxiety, your brain might be dominated by higher-frequency brainwaves (like beta waves). As you relax and release tension, there's often a shift towards lower-frequency brainwaves (like alpha and theta waves), which are associated with states of calm, creativity, and meditation.
3. From a Psychological and Experiential Standpoint:
* Shifting Focus: When you're tense, your mind might be focused on the source of the tension – worries, deadlines, discomfort. Releasing tension often involves a shift in attention away from these stressors and towards a more present, calm, and internal experience.
* Emotional Processing: Tension can be a physical manifestation of unexpressed or unresolved emotions. When you create space to release tension, it can sometimes allow for the processing and release of these underlying emotions, leading to a sense of emotional catharsis.
* Energy Redistribution: While not a scientific term in this context, many people describe feeling a shift in "energy" when tension is released. This can be interpreted as the energy that was previously bound up in sustained muscle contraction and mental rumination becoming available for other, more productive or restful activities.
* Sense of Relief and Well-being: Ultimately, "where the tension goes" is into a state of absence. The sensation of tension is replaced by the sensation of relaxation, comfort, and peace. It's not that the tension goes somewhere, but rather that the state of tension ceases to exist, replaced by its opposite.
In summary, when tension is released, it's not disappearing into thin air, but rather:
* Your muscles relax and lengthen.
* Your nervous system shifts from a state of alert to a state of calm.
* Stress hormones decrease, and calming neurotransmitters increase.
* Blood flow improves, and metabolic waste is cleared.
* Your mental and emotional state shifts from agitation to peace.
So, the next time a client asks, you can explain that the "tension" isn't a misplaced object, but rather a transformation of their physiological and psychological state from one of stress and contraction to one of relaxation and ease. It's a return to equilibrium.”
The benefits are numerous and people don’t realize it so book that massage because it’s so good for your body and soul and mind.
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