Massage therapists are required to take anatomy and physiology courses as part of their training. Knowledge of human anatomy is fundamental to effective bodywork, especially in therapeutic massage specialties. The more I learn about the human body the more I appreciate how miraculous and amazing we are! I feel reverence for every body I am honored to touch in providing the ancient art and science of manual therapy.
I would like to share with you a few facts you may or may not already know about your amazing body. The human body has 206 bones and 684 muscles (there are some anomalies).
Muscle names are often daunting, and fun to say once you know how to pronounce them! One of my favorites, sternocleidomastoid, is a very important anterior neck muscle. Muscles are commonly named for their shape, size (i.e. maximus), the number of heads (i.e. tricep), the location, the action, the direction of the fibers, or the attachment site (i.e. sternocleidomastoid).
Muscles can be painful or less mobile when they become tight, also known as hypertonic; or ischemic, when blood flow and oxygen are impeded and metabolic waste products are trapped; fibrotic; or, they develop trigger points. These conditions can be addressed by therapeutic massage.
Holding us all together, literally, is fascia, connective tissue. This can become adhered. Myofascial release is a bodywork technique that addresses the adhesions that can restrict movement and range of motion.
By far, one of the most amazing qualities of the human body is its innate ability to heal. Entire books have been written on this subject. Of course, our bodies have a much better opportunity to heal if we provide adequate building blocks (a healthy diet), and don’t poison ourselves with chemicals, tobacco, food additives, etc. that interfere with the natural healing mechanisms.
I sometimes refer to a massage as a tune-up. Just like you take your car into a mechanic for regular maintenance, your body may need the same periodic attention to keep it operating in top condition. You don’t have to wait for a mechanical breakdown!
Treat your amazing body with respect…Be Well!
Mary
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