When I first became a massage therapist, I was quickly surprised at how much each client’s pressure stamina would vary. So why is it that some enjoy excruciating pain and others prefer a relaxing and soothing stroke? To answer these questions around the physiology of pressure, I had to break out my textbooks from massage school.
While there are many types of receptors in the skin and body, we will be focusing on the four main sensory receptors. Merkel’s disks respond to light touch. Meissner’s corpuscles respond to fine touch and pressure, but also to low frequency vibration or flutter. Next, we have Ruffini endings which are located deeper in the skin and detect stretching and movement. Finally, we have Pacinian corpuscles which are located deep in the skin and also found in joint capsules and more. Along with these variety of receptors, the quantity of each receptor varies as well. Thus, making every individual unique.
Regardless of the type of pressure you prefer, there are benefits to all kinds of massage and bodywork. Classic Swedish massage is found to be most popular due to its long soothing strokes. Lymphatic drainage is a very light stretch of the skin that promotes movement of lymph , while still calming the nervous system. Cupping provides “opposite pressure” as it decompresses tissue and enhances blood flow to the area. Deep tissue usually consists of forearm, elbow, perhaps some tools, and slow or direct pressure. Which ever modality or pressure you choose, the key to a successful session is to keep open communication so we can modify as needed.
If you’d like to learn more of the benefits and nuances of the physiology of pressure, I would be happy to speak to this at your next appointment. I typically have a few minutes in between appointments, and am happy to educate my clients on massage therapy.
~ Liza
