When we put our body the same postures over and over again, the shape of our body changes. Muscles that are chronically shortened become hypertonic--holding excessive muscle tension. For example, when we sit hunched over at a computer our Pectoralis Major (and all other muscles that medially rotate the shoulders, and downwardly rotate the shoulder blade) become shortened and restricted. Muscles that are chronically over stretched become hypotonic--holding too little muscle tension. For example, when hunched over at a computer, upper back muscles between the shoulder blades (and all the muscles that laterally rotate or upwardly rotate the shoulder blade) become over stretched. Muscles that are chronically shorted and hypertonic cut off circulation and cause metabolic waste to build up inside muscles. This metabolic waste build up irritates muscles and causes them to tighten even more. Getting fresh blood into hypertonic muscles by having them massaged decreases unnecessary muscle tension and cleans out metabolic waste--which helps to prevent the muscles from becoming excessively tight again. Muscles that are chronically overstretched have a tendency to be weak, and develop tender points and trigger points--commonly called knots in the muscles. When hunched over upper back muscles contract they grind over one another, irritating the muscle fibers, causing them to tighten, restrict blood flow, and build up metabolic waste and "knots," leading to muscle pain. When these postures are a habit and full range of motion is not exercised the connective tissue between all of the muscle fibers starts to thicken and become matted-further restricting range of motion-and promoting greater muscle discomfort. Massage opens restricted connective tissue and increases local circulation helping both over stretched, and shorted muscles. Using Massage Therapy to establish healthy muscle balance allows chiropractic work to be dramatically more effective, because if the bones are adjusted, and muscle tension and connective tissue patterns are not addressed the muscles and connective tissue will pull the bones right back into the same position that they were in before. Posture induced pain very often shows up as a result of muscle imbalance and restricted connective tissue. Massage can greatly decrease your muscle pain and tension and help you to change your posture for the better! For more information about Massage Therapy at A Time For Healing Natural Wellness Practice see a-time-for-healing/Services.html
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 18:29:16 +0000
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