The Science Behind Muscle Knots & How Gene Expression Can Shed New Light on Treatment
What do muscle knots and your genes have to do with each other? Read on to find out!
Knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, are localised areas of muscle tension or spasm that can cause discomfort or pain. These knots can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, poor posture, stress, and inflammation. Knots can occur in any muscle, but they are most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.
The biochemical basis of myofascial trigger points is complex and multifactorial. Recent studies have also suggested that changes in the local biochemical environment, including changes in neurotransmitters, cytokines, and growth factors, may play a role in the development and maintenance of myofascial trigger points. For example, high levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, have been found in trigger points, and these cytokines have been shown to increase pain sensitivity and contribute to the formation of trigger points. Furthermore, changes in muscle pH, oxygenation, and blood flow have also been implicated in the development of trigger points.
How can massage help with trigger points?
Several scientific studies have investigated the effects of massage therapy on the expression of genes in the body. One study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that massage therapy can actually cause changes in the expression of genes associated with inflammation and immune function.
The study involved a group of 11 healthy men who received a 45-minute Swedish massage. The researchers collected blood samples from the men before and after the massage and analysed the expression of genes in the samples. They found that the massage therapy caused changes in the expression of more than 500 genes, including those associated with inflammation, immunity, and stress response.
Another study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, looked at the effects of massage therapy on the expression of genes associated with muscle repair and regeneration. The study involved a group of 11 healthy men who received a 10-minute massage to one leg. The researchers collected muscle tissue samples from the men before and after the massage and analysed the expression of genes in the samples.
They found that the massage therapy caused an increase in the expression of genes associated with muscle repair and regeneration, as well as a decrease in the expression of genes associated with inflammation and muscle damage. These findings suggest that massage therapy may be useful in promoting muscle recovery and reducing the occurrence of knots in muscles.
One of the key benefits of remedial massage therapy is that it is a non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatment option. This means that it can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort without the need for medication or surgery. Massage therapy is also generally considered safe, although it may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or deep vein thrombosis.
Take control of your muscle health and say goodbye to knots and trigger points with the help of remedial massage therapy. As a non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatment option, massage therapy can be an effective way to release muscle tension and reduce the occurrence of myofascial trigger points. Call us or book online with one of our qualified therapists and commit to regular self-care to start experiencing the benefits of remedial massage therapy for yourself.
Meet Our Massage Therapists
Therapist Schedule & Fees
| West Gosford | Green Point | Wyong | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday (AM) | Alice | Catherine | |
| Monday (PM) | Amanda Alice | Catherine | |
| Tuesday (AM) | Catherine Christine | Toni | |
| Tuesday (PM) | Sarah Christine | Toni | |
| Wednesday (AM) | Christine | Amanda | Toni |
| Wednesday (PM) | Christine | Amanda | Toni |
| Thursday (AM) | Sarah | Lucia | Toni |
| Thursday (PM) | Sarah | Lucia | Toni |
| Friday (AM) | Lucia | Toni | |
| Friday (PM) | Lucia | Toni | |
| Saturday (AM) | Christine | ||
| Saturday (PM) |
| REMEDIAL MASSAGE FEES | |
|---|---|
| 60 Minute Massage | $120.00 |
| CHRISTINE TOWERS FEES | |
|---|---|
| 60 Minute Massage | $125.00 |
REBATES
If you are in a health fund, a rebate may apply, and can be claimed on the spot through our Tyro terminal, so that you only pay the gap.
BOOKING DEPOSIT
A 50% deposit is required to secure your massage booking. This deposit is non-refundable for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice and for “no shows”. Your health fund rebate will be processed at the time of your consultation.
References
Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2010). Massage therapy research. Developmental Review, 30(1), 85-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2009.12.008
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019, June). Massage therapy: What you need to know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know
Slomka, N. F., & Boyer, M. I. (2019). Non-surgical management of lateral epicondylitis. Journal of Hand Therapy, 32(1), 32-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2018.07.004
Wardle, J. L., Keast, R. S. J., & Cole, L. J. (2019). Does massage therapy reduce cortisol? A comprehensive quantitative review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 23(3), 504-511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.09.011
Wiegand, A., Bernarding, J., Juenger, H., & Wehland, M. (2016). Massage therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(1), 139-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.09.015
Zeitlin, D., Ekmekcioglu, C., & Schneider, S. (2013). Epigenetics in human disease and prospects for epigenetic therapy. Nature, 10(10), 608-621. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3510
Shah, J. P., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J. V., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2018). Myofascial trigger points then and now: A historical and scientific perspective. PM&R, 10(6), 1269-1284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.02.011














