What is that “crunching” noise I hear when the massage therapist rubs my shoulders? Fascia is a connective tissue that runs throughout the body and surrounds all of the muscles and organs. If this fascia is hard, a “crunching” noise may be heard until it is softened and is able to be “worked” or “kneaded”.
Ever felt a crunch when massaging a knot? That crunchy feeling can be scar tissue, metabolic waste buildup, or fascial adhesions in your muscle. Muscle knots can be present in both superficial muscles, like the trapezius, and deeper ones like the rhomboids, which reside under the trapezius.
Because the natural toxins become trapped inside the muscle they often solidify – similar to the limescale build up in a kettle. Remedial and deep tissue massage techniques target these crunchy deposits, dissolving the calcified substance into a smaller powder material.
Often, the sound occurs due to the movement of air trapped within the fluid of the joints. It may also occur due to slight changes in how the ligaments or tendons move. However, if swelling or pain accompanies it, the noises could indicate an underlying health condition.
Cavitation is described as a formation of gas bubbles in a fluid environment when pressures are lowered; the sound is caused from the “popping” of these bubbles. Every joint in our body is surrounded by a thin cartilaginous capsule; inside this capsule is a small amount of lubricating fluid between the joints.
A professionally trained Thai massage therapist does the same for your back, twisting the joints to a safe degree to release built up pressure. The resulting cracking sound often feels a little scary but is safe if done properly and very satisfying too.
Massage therapists use various tools, such as their hands and fingers, to locate knots within the muscles. They will often start by gently palpating the area to feel for any tight or hard areas. Once they have found an area of tension, they may apply specific techniques designed to release it.
Neck crepitus comes from worn-away cartilage or gas bubbles in small cavities inside your joints. Poor posture, injury, or arthritis may also cause it.
When a muscle is tight like that, it can limit blood flow in that area. The theory is when you put pressure on it you're limiting blood flow to the knot, and when you release the pressure, more blood flows in,” he explains. The increased blood flow can help the muscle relax.
Muscle knots feel like small, tender lumps or nodules. They are palpable and can be felt when touched. However, knots can be discreet and exist deep in the muscle, and a person may have to press hard into the connective tissue to feel the knots or trigger points.
This sensory nerve releases a chemical cocktail of wellness into your bloodstream. Pressing on this nerve directly triggers the release of acetylcholine. This chemical messenger not only changes the way you experience pain but also activates pathways in the brain responsible for endorphin release.
The answer to this question is a resounding “yes”. This is because massage therapists can sense your energy field through their hands. They can pick up on subtle changes in your body such as tension, pain, and emotions.
Unfortunately, if left untreated, the muscle tissue will continue to lose elasticity and cause postural stress that is hard to reverse. It's not all bad news and there are a lot of things you can do to treat and prevent muscle knots.
Let me explain: a good massage will untangle your knots and possibly feel like a workout, and the therapist will check with you throughout the session if the pressure is within your pain threshold or if it needs to be increased.
Massage is an effective treatment to release muscle tightness. Massage uses a range of techniques to increase the blood flow, break down inflexible scar tissue and stretch and loosen muscles. Pain is decreased from allowing the muscle to move and restoring blood flow.
In general, it's recommended to have regular massages to help prevent the buildup of tension and knots in the neck and shoulder area. The frequency can range from weekly sessions for chronic conditions to monthly or bi-monthly sessions for maintenance and prevention.
Usually within a week or two a muscle knot will resolve on its own. Getting a massage is one option to help speed up recovery when you have muscle knots.
You can try to rub out the knot if you give muscles a gentle squeeze and use your thumb to massage the tissue in a circular motion. You can also spring for a few massage sessions.
You feel better and tension in the muscle releases, but of course the trigger point is still there and will re-activate when aggravated.
If you've ever turned your head and heard a snap, crackle, and pop sound coming from your neck, you've experienced neck crepitus. Many people find these sounds unsettling and have some concerns. Whether you're worried about neck arthritis or anything else, know this: Crepitus in and of itself is nothing to worry about.
Crepitus is a palpable or audible grating or crunching sensation produced by motion. This sensation may or may not be accompanied by discomfort. Crepitus occurs when roughened articular or extra-articular surfaces are rubbed together by active motion or by manual compression.
Examples of sexually inappropriate touching during a massage
Touching of the genital area or breasts without consent. Inappropriate touching of other intimate areas of the body without consent. Massaging the buttocks or inner thighs in a manner that is sexual in nature or done for the pleasure of the therapist.
Treating or releasing muscle knots yourself is actually extremely easy. With a bit of instruction and practice you can easily find the knots in your muscles, and there are three simple effective home therapies you can use: pressure techniques, pressure techniques with massage, and vibration massage.