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Posted on: October 14, 2013

Bones are the last thing on most aspiring massage therapists’ minds as they anxiously await training classes commencement. Indeed, why would osseous matter or cartilage be matters of concern to future skin kneaders and muscle movers and shakers?

Believe it or not, the answer is “a whole lot.” Would-be massage therapists are well advised to heed that well-known Newton’s Law, “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” In other words, how can you provide a soft touch without avoiding hard spots?

Understanding the interactive dynamics of bony masses and soft tissues is perhaps the single most crucial perquisite for competent therapeutic massage.

Bones have many roles

Mobility

Besides built-in protection, bones are quite literally the means by which we live, move, and have our being. Without a framework to stabilize internal organs and connection points for muscle tissue, the human body would be a mere heap of helpless immobile flesh.

Vitality

Beyond being the body’s basic physical framework, bones are sturdy storehouses for many life-sustaining nutrients. For example, marrow that lies within the core of bones constantly creates fresh red blood cells to prevent instant death by asphyxiation.

Put it all together

Below are just a few ways whereby dual supportive/sustaining roles allow bones to play yet another part as therapeutic massage beneficiaries:

• Facilitating skeletal alignment via better-balanced muscular system

• Range-of-motion that nourish and exercise joints

• Expediting fracture and fissure healing by increased circulation to affected area(s)

• Creating postural awareness that leads to less energy consumption required to maintain posture

• Preventing and healing bone adhesions by mobilizing intra-joint scar tissue

Therapeutic massage is so vital to maintaining bone health that the American Massage Therapy Association sponsors a workshop that leads to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist certification.

While you’re there, look around and read a little bit. You’ll be amazed to learn how critical bones are to your current physical health - and future career success - as a massage therapist.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM

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