Holly Wilson Massage Therapy

04/22/2026

04/21/2026

The Palmaris Longus muscle is a superficial forearm flexor that is actually absent in a portion of the population. It assists in flexion of the wrist and tension in the palmar fascia.

Trigger points in this muscle can cause aching and tightness in the palm, a feeling of tightness when gripping, and discomfort when flexing the wrist.

04/09/2026

And it makes your massage therapist's job a little easier! 🤷🏼‍♀️

04/08/2026

04/07/2026

Gracilis trigger points are localized, hyperactive spots in the thin, superficial inner thigh muscle that cause sharp, stinging, or superficial burning pain, often felt along the inner thigh or near the knee. These spots usually develop in the middle third of the muscle due to overuse in sports, resulting in pain during adduction or knee flexion.

04/06/2026

The gracilis muscle is a long, slender muscle located in the medial (adductor) compartment of the thigh. It is the most superficial of the adductor muscles and the only one that crosses both the hip and knee joints. This unique positioning allows it to perform multiple actions, including pulling the thighs together (adduction), bending the knee (flexion), and assisting with internal rotation of the leg. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the hip and is active during everyday movements like walking and running.

03/26/2026

Neuromuscular Therapy & Your Lymphatic System

What is the Lymphatic System?
Your lymphatic system is a vital part of your body’s immune and detoxification processes. It helps:
- Remove waste and toxins from tissues
- Reduce swelling and inflammation
- Transport immune cells throughout the body

Unlike your heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump—it relies on movement, breathing, and muscle activity to keep fluid flowing.

How Neuromuscular Therapy Helps
1. Encourages Healthy Lymph Flow
Neuromuscular therapy uses targeted pressure to stimulate muscles and surrounding tissues, helping move stagnant lymph fluid and improve circulation.

2. Reduces Congestion & “Stagnant” Areas
Tight muscles and trigger points can slow or block lymph flow. Releasing these areas allows fluid to move more freely, reducing puffiness and discomfort.

3. Decreases Inflammation
By easing chronic tension and improving blood flow, neuromuscular therapy helps lower inflammation—making it easier for your lymphatic system to do its job.

4. Supports Natural Detox Processes
Improved circulation helps your body transport and eliminate metabolic waste more efficiently through the lymphatic system.

5. Boosts Immune Function
Better lymph movement supports the transport of immune cells, helping your body respond more effectively to stress, illness, and injury.

6. Improves Fascial Mobility
Fascia (connective tissue) surrounds muscles and lymph vessels. When it’s tight, fluid movement can be restricted. Neuromuscular therapy helps restore natural movement and flow.

What You May Notice After a Session
- Reduced swelling or puffiness
- Increased relaxation and lightness in the body
- Improved mobility
- A general sense of “cleansing” or refreshment

How to Support Your Lymphatic System Between Sessions
- Stay well hydrated
- Move your body regularly (walking is great!)
- Practice deep breathing
- Stretch gently
- Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity

Neuromuscular therapy supports the lymphatic system, but it is different from specialized lymphatic drainage techniques. Both can be beneficial depending on your needs.

03/20/2026

Massage can actually improve your immune system—almost immediately.

Research has shown that a single session of massage can increase the activity of your body’s natural killer T cells (the ones that help fight off viruses and even abnormal cells). At the same time, it lowers cortisol (your stress hormone), which is known to suppress immune function when it stays elevated.

What’s really interesting is that this shift can happen within hours, not just after long-term treatment.

Your body is literally becoming more equipped to defend itself after a massage.

03/17/2026

The subscapularis is a large rotator cuff muscle that lies on the anterior side of the scapula, sandwiched between the scapular surface and the ribcage.
Subscapularis trigger points cause intense, deep pain in the posterior shoulder, often mimicking frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, or impingement syndrome. These tender spots, located along the front edge of the shoulder blade, commonly refer pain to the back of the shoulder, upper arm, and around the wrist.

03/05/2026

Last minute opening for tomorrow!

02/26/2026

Beyond relieving pain and tension, massage therapy can actually enhance the functionality of your muscles. Our muscles and nervous system work together, with the brain sending signals to muscles for every movement we make. Massage stimulates this connection, improving communication between the brain and muscle fibers.