When you mention massage, engineering might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the body’s balance of tension and compression is much like an engineered structure, relying on these forces to stay strong and functional. This concept, known as “tensegrity,” helps explain how the body holds itself together.
Short for “tensional integrity,” tensegrity is a structural principle that relies on the interplay between tension and compression to create stability. Just as a suspension bridge relies on its cables to maintain structure, the human body maintains form through balanced tension across the muscles and fascia.
The Bow and Arrow Analogy
RMT Erica Simpson often shares the visual of a bow and arrow with her clients: “Your upper back is the bow, and your chest muscles are the string. When you pull the string back, the bow bends, similar to how our posture changes when we sit hunched over all day.” This constant pulling on the chest muscles tightens the front of the body while the upper back experiences tension and pain, creating an imbalance in the body’s structure.
The Finger Trap Effect
You can also think of what happens when you play with a finger trap toy. The harder you pull, the tighter it becomes. The same thing happens with your muscles. When your upper body feels tight, it’s often because muscles in the front are pulling and creating tension in the back. Working only on the area that feels sore, such as the upper back, won’t solve the root problem. In fact, releasing the muscles in the front of your body can be the key to reducing the tension in the back.
Finding Balance and Alignment
Our bodies are like tensegrity structures, and achieving balance is key to keeping pain away. When your massage therapist or chiropractor evaluates your posture, they’re looking at the points of tension and imbalance throughout your body. This allows them to address not only where you feel pain but also the underlying cause of the tension.
By creating balance through massage, stretching, and proper posture adjustments, you can maintain better alignment. Those daily habits, like sitting at a desk or using a computer, can throw this alignment off, but small changes, such as adjusting your monitor height or finding the right chair, can help restore your body’s natural tensegrity and reduce strain.
Schedule a Session Today
If you’ve been dealing with pain or discomfort, book a massage with Erica to see how tensegrity could be affecting your body. We’re confident you’ll feel so much better once your body is back in balance.