Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology for Massage
The body systems massage therapists must understand to work safely.
Muscles & Movement
Skeletal muscle moves the body by contracting. Key terms: • ORIGIN — the muscle's fixed attachment; INSERTION — the movable attachment. • A muscle's belly is its central, fleshy part. • AGONIST (prime mover) contracts to create a movement; the ANTAGONIST opposes/relaxes.
Massage works on muscles, tendons (muscle to bone), ligaments (bone to bone), and fascia (connective tissue wrapping muscles).
Circulatory & Lymphatic Systems
The CIRCULATORY system moves blood; massage strokes are generally directed TOWARD THE HEART (centripetal) to support venous return. The LYMPHATIC system drains fluid and supports immunity; lymphatic massage uses light, specific strokes.
Understanding circulation explains why massage is contraindicated over blood clots — pressure could dislodge a clot (a serious risk).
Nervous System
The AUTONOMIC nervous system has two branches: • SYMPATHETIC — 'fight or flight' (stress response). • PARASYMPATHETIC — 'rest and digest' (relaxation).
Relaxation massage shifts the body toward the parasympathetic state, lowering heart rate and stress hormones. This is a core mechanism of massage's stress-relief benefits.
📖 Key Terms
- Origin vs. insertion
- Origin is the fixed muscle attachment; insertion is the movable one.
- Agonist/antagonist
- The prime mover that creates a motion vs. the muscle that opposes it.
- Parasympathetic
- The 'rest and digest' nervous system branch promoted by relaxation massage.
- Fascia
- Connective tissue that wraps and separates muscles.
💡 Exam Tips
- ▸Massage strokes generally move toward the heart to aid venous return.
- ▸Origin = fixed attachment; insertion = movable attachment.
- ▸Relaxation massage shifts the body to the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') state.
- ▸Tendons attach muscle to bone; ligaments attach bone to bone.