Why Moving Muscles Away from the Bone Matters in Massage Therapy
When you think of massage, you might picture soothing strokes or deep pressure easing away stress. But there’s a deeper science behind why certain techniques work so well especially those that involve moving the muscles away from the bone. At A Better Body Massage, this principle is part of how we help your body move, heal, and feel its best.
Understanding the Connection Between Muscle and Bone
Your muscles don’t just float independently in the body; they attach to your bones through tendons. These attachment points are crucial because they anchor the muscle, allowing it to pull the bone and create movement. However, over time, muscle fibers can become tight, shortened, or adhered to the surrounding fascia (the connective tissue that wraps around everything).
When this happens, the muscle can feel stiff, sore, and restricted. Blood flow and lymphatic circulation are also reduced, which can slow healing and increase fatigue or tension.
The Science Behind Moving Muscles Away from the Bone
When a massage therapist uses techniques that gently lift, stretch, and move the muscle tissue away from the bone, a few beneficial things happen:
Improved Circulation:
This movement helps stimulate blood flow to deeper tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients that aid in recovery.Release of Adhesions:
By separating the muscle fibers from surrounding fascia or bony structures, the therapist helps release stuck tissue restoring natural glide and movement.Reduced Compression:
Tight muscles that cling too closely to bones can compress nerves and blood vessels. Gentle lifting reduces this pressure, easing pain and improving nerve function.Enhanced Range of Motion:
Freeing the muscle from restrictions allows joints to move more smoothly and efficiently, which can improve posture and performance.Activation of Relaxation Response:
The body’s parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode) is triggered when muscles are moved and stretched in a mindful, therapeutic way lowering stress hormones and promoting healing.
Supporting Research
Studies in manual therapy and myofascial release have shown that mechanical deformation of soft tissues like when a therapist lifts and moves muscle improves fascial hydration, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair. According to research published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, manipulating the fascia and muscles near their bony attachments can significantly improve mobility and reduce chronic pain.
Why We Focus on This at A Better Body Massage
At A Better Body Massage, we believe in therapeutic touch with purpose. Techniques that move muscles away from the bone are not just about feeling good they’re about helping your body function better. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic tension, or simply trying to move with greater ease, this approach can help restore balance and flow throughout your body.
The Takeaway
Next time you’re on the table, notice how it feels when your therapist gently lifts or moves your muscles rather than just pressing into them. That sensation of space being created? That’s your body finding freedom again one layer at a time.
At A Better Body Massage, our goal is simple: to help your muscles move the way nature intended freely, fluidly, and without pain. Book HERE to book your next session!
