Muscle Knots/Tension

Muscle tension arises from the interaction between nerve signals, muscle fibres, and factors like stress and injury. Both stress and injury can trigger a neurological response—the fight or flight mechanism—and/or the inflammatory response. Both of these affect soft tissue in powerful ways.

The Fight or Flight Response

This response prepares the body for immediate action by releasing stress hormones, increasing heart rate and breathing, and causing muscle tension.Muscle tension is a key component—it’s the body bracing for survival, readying the muscles to either fight or flee.

The Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is the body’s protective response to tissue damage or infection. It’s a complex cascade designed to eliminate harmful stimuli and kickstart healing. This involves:

• Chemical mediators

• Immune cell recruitment

• Changes in blood vessels

These changes lead to the classic signs of inflammation: redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Muscle Tension: Trigger Points vs. Adhesions

Muscle tension typically shows up in two main forms—trigger points and adhesions—and they are very different.

Trigger Points

• Neurological in nature

• Held in place by a combination of nerve signals, pain sensitivity, and muscle tension

• They represent a breakdown or dysfunction in the body-brain connection

Causes include:

• Overactive nerve signals

• Pain sensitization in the brain or spinal cord

• Biochemical imbalances in surrounding muscle tissue

Adhesions

• Structural rather than neurological

• Result from abnormal scar tissue formation (collagen fibres)

• Cause tissues to stick together: muscle fibres, connective tissue, fascia

• Lead to stiffness, pain, and restricted movement

Causes include:

• Overuse

• Trauma

• Immobility

How Does Massage Help?

Massage doesn’t simply “break down knots”—because knots aren’t just lumps of tissue that can be mashed away. The effect of massage depends on the nature of the tension.

Trigger Points: Massage Helps By

• Calming the nervous system

• Interrupting pain signals

• Supporting the body in restoring better brain-body communication

Adhesions: Massage Helps By

• Encouraging tissue layers to glide and move freely

• Hydrating fascia and improving tissue pliability

• Activating the nervous system to reduce the body’s guarding response

• Introducing safe, controlled movement to help the brain re-establish trust in the area

The Mind-Body Connection

The body and its soft tissue are part of a highly adaptive system. For massage to be effective, the body must allow it—and that’s where the nervous system comes in.

A therapeutic approach that supports both body and mind can help the nervous system feel safe, allowing muscles to release and restore natural function. That’s why relaxation isn't just a luxury—it’s a vital part of healing.