A Basic Understanding of Anatomy: Muscles and Massage

Massage helps the muscles in our bodies by stimulating normal body processes when there has been a breakdown. In massage waste products such as lactic acid are released from muscle fibers that enable to muscles to move again.We know that a person’s body functions as a whole and is always working to maintain internal balance. This process is known as homeostasis. As massage therapists it is impossible to work on one part of the body without affecting the whole body.

An understanding or review of the basic anatomy can always be helpful. The bones of the body total 206. The structure of the body is made up of bones and joints, which make up the skeleton, which gives our bodies their shapes. Bones are made of living tissue, at the end of each bone, is a protective cartilage sheath, while in the central shaft of the bone, is the cell that produces bone marrow. Bones are capable of regeneration. Bones protect our organs and with muscles give us our ability to move.

Joints are where the two bones meet, they enable us to be flexible. Tendons and ligaments are attached to each joint capsule (like shoulders or hips) or directly to the bones (like knees and elbows) permitting movement while keeping them in place. Cartilage lying between the bones with sacs synovial fluid acts as a cushion to prevent friction.

Muscles give our bodies shape and provide the means for movement. Each and every muscle has it’s own bundle of fibers bound together under a protective sheath. When muscles contract in response to a signal from our brains, the fibers slide over each other and shorten the muscle. Where muscles don’t relax sufficiently after working waste products may remain, slowing down the circulation and the uptake of nutrients.

Come to our MN massage school for continuing education courses or to embark on a career as a massage therapist or therapeutic massage professional call 952-920-5200 today.

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