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The Evaporation of Stress: A Massage Therapist’s Take on Tension
Signature Massage: Where Therapeutic Meets Relaxation
What To Expect
What’s a “Knot” Anyway?
TMJ Massage
What Is Lomi Lomi Fusion?
Massage Therapy For Desk Workers
Tech Neck and Massage Therapy
Video: Massage Benefits
Massage and The Nervous System
Video: Behind The Scenes
Massage and Hormones
The Evaporation of Stress: A Massage Therapist’s Take on Tension
If you’ve ever had a massage or even thought about getting one you’ve probably heard the word tension tossed around quite a bit. We talk about muscle tension, tension from stress, emotional tension, work tension… it’s become a catch-all term for everything from physical discomfort to the weight of daily life.
And for good reason.
Tension shows up in both our bodies and our minds. It’s not a substance you can hold, but it often feels like it should be. It’s not always visible, but we know when it’s there and we definitely know when it’s gone.
What Is Tension, Really?
Some therapists compare it to a wrinkle in a shirt: you iron it, and poof! Gone! But I believe it’s more complex than that.
Physically, tension often means that your muscles are stuck in a state of partial contraction. The muscle fibers (actin and myosin) are gripping onto each other and refusing to let go. Massage helps break that cycle. When we apply pressure, stretch, and movement to a muscle, it sends signals to the nervous system that the muscle doesn’t need to stay on high alert. It’s like rebooting a frozen computer: the muscle resets, loosens, and lengthens again.
Imagine a cold, stiff ball of clay. At first, it’s hard, lumpy, and unyielding. But as you knead and warm it, it begins to soften, smooth, and melt in your hands. That’s what massage can do for tight muscles.
The Flow of Release
Massage also improves blood and lymph circulation. This brings in fresh, oxygen-rich blood and helps flush out metabolic waste products like lactic acid. While the concept of "detoxing" through massage can be controversial, one thing is clear: better circulation helps the body clear out cellular debris that naturally builds up. Your body is in a constant state of renewal, cells are dying and being replaced all the time. Massage simply helps that natural process move more efficiently.
The Emotional Side of Tension
Let’s shift from the physical to the emotional.
When you’re under stress, your body kicks into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. Your muscles brace themselves, your breathing quickens, and your sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive. It’s a brilliant survival mechanism, but one that often stays activated far too long in modern life.
Massage coaxes the body out of that state. As the pressure soothes your nervous system, your body begins to release serotonin, your feel-good hormone, and eases into “rest and digest” mode. That’s when your heart rate slows, your breathing deepens, and even your digestion gets back online. (That gurgle you hear during a massage? That’s a good sign.)
Even your brainwaves shift. When you’re stressed, your brain is buzzing in high-frequency beta waves. As you relax, those waves slow to alpha and theta states, associated with creativity, meditation, and deep calm. You’re no longer hyper-focused on the source of your stress. You’re just present.
So… Where Does the Tension Go?
This is the part where science meets what I lovingly call “woo-woo.”
Tension is released in our breath. It melts away with every sigh. It’s carried out by the flow of blood and lymph. It evaporates as muscles relax. Some of it lingers, but it’s diluted by calm, clarity, and a wave of happy hormones.
Can tension come back? Absolutely. Massage isn’t a cure-all, and stress isn’t something you build immunity to. But when you’ve dropped into a state of rest and digest, you gain something just as powerful: perspective. You create space to process your stress differently. Maybe you stop holding it quite so tightly. Maybe you let go a little sooner next time.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the real magic happens.
Monica Matuszak, LMT July 2025
Monica Matuszak July 2025
Signature Massage: Where Therapeutic Meets Relaxation
When I first started massage school, one of the very first questions we were asked was: “What kind of massage therapist do you want to be?” Were we drawn to sports massage, medical massage, or spa work?
At that time, I pictured myself working in a spa, but I also knew I wanted to help people address pain and dysfunction. As my education progressed, I realized I didn’t want to pick between a results-driven, therapeutic approach and the calming, restorative elements of relaxation massage. I’ve found that many clients don’t want to choose either—they want both.
Over the years, I’ve continued to expand my skills by studying techniques designed to target specific dysfunctions and pain patterns, as well as methods that activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of the body responsible for deep relaxation and healing.
The truth is, you don’t have to choose between therapeutic and relaxation massage. My signature approach is to blend the two, creating a massage experience that is both deeply effective and deeply soothing.
Why Choose Between Relaxation and Results?
Before becoming a licensed massage therapist, I felt I had to pick: a massage that was relaxing or one that was “effective.” Even service menus often force that decision, separating “relaxation” massage from “deep tissue” or “therapeutic” massage. While therapeutic doesn’t always mean deep or intense pressure, it’s often marketed that way.
For me, a therapeutic approach means looking beyond just the muscle or joint where you feel pain. It’s about considering the whole picture—the supporting muscles, the antagonists, and the synergists. These surrounding muscles stabilize and assist movement, and when they become dysfunctional, they often contribute to pain in other areas.
The Knitted Sweater Analogy
Imagine a knitted sweater with a loose thread somewhere in the mid-back area. When you tug on that thread, the fabric over your shoulder blade bunches up. To fix it, you can’t just pull at the shoulder blade; you have to work around the entire area tugging, smoothing, and adjusting until everything lies flat again.
Our muscles work much the same way. Pain is often the result of a “pull” or imbalance somewhere else. That’s why I take time to address all the muscles involved, not just the ones that feel sore or tight.
A Blended Toolbox of Techniques
I use a variety of therapeutic techniques to address pain and tension, including:
- Neuromuscular therapy (trigger point work)
- Positional release
- Active engagement techniques
- Myofascial release
But I don’t stop there. I weave in relaxation-focused techniques throughout the session to keep your nervous system calm and receptive. This combination not only relieves pain and dysfunction but also allows you to leave feeling deeply relaxed and restored.
This is the essence of my Signature Massage a customized blend of therapeutic and relaxation techniques designed to meet your body’s unique needs while giving you the calm, peaceful experience you deserve.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Don’t settle for choosing between a massage that feels good and one that truly helps your body heal, you deserve both.
Book your Signature Massage today at PointSignatureMassage.com or
call/text 715-551-5900 to reserve your session.
Your First Massage, What to Expect
At Point Signature Massage, we aim to make your first experience as comfortable and personalized as possible. While we can speak only to what you’ll experience with us, we want you to feel confident and at ease when you walk through the doors.
When you arrive, you’ll enter Tiarah Day Spa. Feel free to bypass the front desk, as the spa area is open for you to enjoy. You can have a seat on the couch and relax while waiting for your massage therapist to greet you. Once the room is prepped, your therapist will come to meet you and escort you to the therapy room.
Upon entering the room, we’ll review the health intake form you completed online. This is your opportunity to share any information about your health and specific concerns. We well also take time to discuss the goals for your session.
What Are Massage Goals?
Massage goals can vary from person to person. Some clients simply want to relax without any focus on pain or discomfort. Others may have specific issues—like neck and shoulder pain from a desk job—that they want addressed, but still wish to enjoy a calming experience. Or perhaps you have no pain at all but prefer a firmer touch on your neck, shoulders, or head. Whatever your needs, your massage is customized to you.
Once we’ve established your goals, you’ll be asked to undress to your comfort level. The therapist will leave the room to give you privacy.
Comfort level can mean different things for different clients—some prefer to be nude, others may leave on their underwear, or even wear shorts and a bra. The key is that YOU choose what feels right. Your massage therapist is experienced and comfortable with whatever you decide. Rest assured that you will always be covered with a sheet, with only the area being massaged exposed. At no point will the gluteal cleft, breasts, or genitals be exposed.
After a few minutes to settle in, the therapist will knock and re-enter the room. She will then prepare the oil or balm and wash her hands before beginning your massage.
The Massage Process
Your massage will typically start with your legs, working as high as the glutes (with your permission). Afterward, the therapist will massage your back. Once that is complete, you'll be asked to scoot down and turn over onto your back. A pillow will be placed under your head, and a heated eye pillow may be placed over your eyes to help deepen your relaxation.
The massage will continue with your arms and hands, then move on to your legs and feet, and finish with your neck, shoulders, face and scalp. The time spent on each area depends on the goals of your session. Generally, most of the time is focused on the back, but each massage is tailored to you.
During the intake time if the goals of the massage do not allow for a full body massage due to time constraints, your massage therapist will discuss this with you. You can also dictate that the massage be focused on one area, such as an upper body massage only.
After the Massage
Once the massage is complete, the therapist will quietly clean up her materials, allowing you a moment to ground and reconnect with your body. She will then say, "We've come to the end; I'll wash my hands and step out." After she washes her hands, you can take your time to get dressed. When you're ready, open the door and she will have water waiting for you.
Payment can be settled at that time as well as a quick review of your massage and any suggestions from the massage therapists or feedback from you as a client, completing your first massage experience with Point Signature Massage.
We’re here to ensure that you not only feel relaxed but that you also leave feeling restored and balanced, with a clear understanding of what’s best for your body. Thank you for choosing Point Signature Massage!
What’s a “Knot” Anyway? Understanding Trigger Points in Your Muscles
Monica Matuszak June 2025
If you've ever said, "I've got a knot in my back," you're not alone. But what exactly is a knot? The answer isn’t always simple—and it can vary depending on who you ask.
Some people call any firm or tender spot in a muscle a knot. Others reserve the term for areas that are especially painful or limiting. Even within the medical and massage community, there's no universal agreement on what a “knot” actually is or what causes it. A quick online search will offer a mix of definitions depending on the source.
Here’s what I can tell you: when clients talk about knots, they’re usually describing trigger points.
So, What Is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a tight, hypersensitive spot in a muscle that can refer pain to other parts of the body. These areas feel like small nodules or bands of tightness and are often tender when pressed. There are several types of trigger points:
Active Trigger Points
These cause pain even when the muscle is at rest or with everyday movements. They can be quite intense and noticeable.
Latent Trigger Points
These don’t typically cause pain unless they’re touched, but they can still limit your movement and reduce muscle strength.
Primary Trigger Points
These are the root cause—usually the first area of dysfunction within a muscle group.
Secondary Trigger Points
These develop in response to primary trigger points and may contribute to stiffness or compensation in other areas.
What’s Going on Inside the Muscle?
In muscles with trigger points, something unusual is happening: a small section of the muscle fiber is stuck in a contracted state. While this little bundle stays tight and thickened, the rest of the muscle fiber stretches thin. The result? A knot-like feeling under the skin.
Because these fibers are already contracted, they can’t generate force the way relaxed muscle fibers can. This makes the affected muscle weaker and more easily fatigued. The surrounding muscles may even jump in to compensate, leading to tension and tightness in other areas.
Over time, this contracted area can block healthy blood flow. Oxygen and nutrients have a hard time getting in, and waste products struggle to get out. This may be why trigger points can linger for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated.
How Does Massage Help?
That’s where massage therapy—specifically trigger point therapy—comes in.
Using their fingers or specialized tools, a trained therapist applies direct pressure to the trigger point. This focused pressure disrupts the pain-contraction cycle, helping the muscle fibers release and return to a more relaxed state. With that release, circulation improves, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area while helping flush out metabolic waste.
The result? Less pain, improved mobility, and muscles that feel more responsive and less fatigued.
If you’ve been dealing with stubborn tension, unexplained soreness, or muscles that never seem to loosen up, it may be time to give trigger point therapy a try. At Point Signature Massage, I combine therapeutic techniques with relaxation to help your body reset, recover, and function better—one knot at a time.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Affordable TMJ Relief from the Inside Out
Monica Matuszak LMT, May 2025
Relief from the Inside Out: Intraoral Massage for TMJ Dysfunction
If you've ever experienced jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or tightness around your temples, you may be familiar with the temporomandibular joint or TMJ for short. This joint, located on each side of your head just in front of your ears, connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull. It’s responsible for essential everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and even yawning.
Unlike other joints in the body, the TMJ moves in more than one direction. It opens and closes, glides forward and backward, and shifts side to side. Because it's in near-constant use, it's no surprise that it can also become a source of discomfort or dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction (commonly referred to as TMD) affects an estimated 12% of Americans at some point in their lives. For some, it's a temporary annoyance. For others, it’s a chronic issue that can affect quality of life. Symptoms may include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, facial tension, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully.
The exact causes of TMJ disorders aren’t always clear, but several known contributors include:
- Physical trauma to the jaw or head
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Recent dental procedures or surgeries
- Infections affecting the joint area
A Holistic Solution: Intraoral Massage
If you're looking for a more holistic, hands-on approach to managing your TMJ discomfort, intraoral massage is a powerful option worth exploring. This specialized technique focuses on the small but mighty muscles inside the mouth that are directly involved in jaw movement and tension. Using a gloved hand, a trained massage therapist gently works inside the cheek and along the inner jaw to release tightness and trigger points.
Intraoral massage can offer several benefits, including:
- Reduced jaw and facial tension
- Fewer and less intense headaches
- Improved range of motion in the jaw
- Greater comfort with everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and yawning
Unlike medications or more invasive treatments, intraoral massage is a natural, non-invasive option that supports the body’s own ability to heal and restore balance.
CAM-Friendly and Budget Conscious
For those exploring Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), intraoral massage fits seamlessly into a self-care routine that values prevention, body awareness, and natural healing. It's an excellent addition to chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other bodywork modalities.
It's also a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking pain relief without resorting to frequent prescriptions, costly dental appliances, or surgical interventions. Many clients find that incorporating intraoral massage into their regular wellness plan helps reduce flare-ups and improves their overall quality of life without breaking the bank.
Is Intraoral Massage Right for You?
If you struggle with TMJ dysfunction, tension headaches, or jaw tightness especially if you clench or grind your teeth at night this therapeutic technique may be an ideal solution. Your massage therapist will always conduct a thorough intake to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Living with TMJ dysfunction can be frustrating, but relief may be closer and more accessible than you think. Intraoral massage is a gentle, holistic, and cost-effective way to support jaw health and reduce pain from the inside out. Curious if it’s right for you? Reach out to learn more or schedule a session. Your jaw will thank you.
Lomi Lomi is the ocean’s embrace in human form—fluid, ancient, and deeply healing.
What Is Lomi Lomi Fusion? A Modern Take on a Sacred Tradition
Lomi Lomi is more than just a massage—it’s a sacred healing art that has been passed down through generations in Hawaii. Rooted in ancient tradition, Lomi Lomi incorporates not only fluid, rhythmic massage techniques, but also a deeply spiritual component. In its traditional form, Lomi Lomi is taught over many years, often within a cultural and familial lineage, and is practiced as a form of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
At Point Signature Massage, I offer what I call Lomi Lomi Fusion—a respectful, modern interpretation of this traditional art. While I have trained in the manual techniques of Lomi Lomi, I do not claim to practice the spiritual lineage that defines traditional Lomi Lomi massage. Instead, Lomi Lomi Fusion focuses on the physical elements: the long, flowing strokes, the gentle rhythm that mimics the motion of ocean waves, and the traditional draping style that allows for continuous, uninterrupted movement across the body.
This technique is designed to calm the nervous system, promote circulation, and create a sense of fluid connection from head to toe. The result is a massage that feels deeply nurturing, grounding, and unlike any other bodywork modality.
Lomi Lomi Fusion is perfect for those seeking something beyond the routine—an experience that is both relaxing and intentional, blending ancient technique with modern bodywork principles.
Curious to try it for yourself?
Book a Lomi Lomi Fusion session and experience the flowing rhythm of this beautifully unique massage.
11/28/2024
Massage Therapy for Desk Workers: Easing the Strain of a
Sedentary Lifestyle
In today’s work environment, desk jobs have become the norm, leading many of us to spend long hours seated in front of screens. This sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on physical health, leading to discomfort and stress that accumulate over time. Fortunately, massage therapy offers a way to counteract these effects, helping desk workers manage pain, boost energy, and improve their overall well-being.
Common Physical Issues Faced by Desk Workers
Back and Neck Pain: Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, often leads to chronic back and neck pain. This discomfort can impact focus and reduce productivity over time.
Muscle Imbalances: Desk work can create imbalances in the muscles, as repetitive movements and long periods of sitting weaken certain muscle groups, increasing the risk of injury.
Eye Strain and Vision Problems: Staring at screens for extended periods can strain the eyes, leading to dryness, headaches, and even vision changes.
Poor Posture: Sitting for hours each day can promote a forward head position and rounded shoulders, resulting in spinal imbalances and muscle strain.
Weight Gain and Metabolism Slowdown: Sitting all day reduces calorie burning, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and related health conditions.
Reduced Energy and Fatigue: Long periods of sitting can lead to sluggishness and fatigue, which may lower productivity and increase feelings of burnout.
Stress and Mental Health Concerns: The combination of physical discomfort and high work demands often contributes to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Poor Musculoskeletal Health: Desk work can cause joint stiffness, decreased flexibility, and increased risk for musculoskeletal issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Benefits of Massage for Desk Workers
Massage therapy can alleviate many of these physical and mental strains, providing much-needed relief to the modern desk worker. Here’s how:
Improving Posture and Reducing Pain: Massage helps release tension in the muscles of the neck, back, and shoulders, which can improve posture and reduce pain caused by prolonged sitting.
Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Massage helps to stretch and strengthen muscles that have become imbalanced from repetitive movements, reducing injury risk and improving flexibility.
Reducing Eye Strain and Headaches: Massage can promote relaxation, relieving tension that builds up in the muscles around the neck and shoulders, which often contribute to headaches and eye strain.
Boosting Energy Levels: Massage improves circulation and can help increase energy levels, alleviating fatigue and promoting alertness throughout the day.
Reducing Stress and Improving Mood: Massage triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, helping to counteract the effects of stress and improve mental well-being.
Massage Techniques Beneficial for Desk Workers
Several massage techniques are particularly effective for the issues desk workers face:
Swedish Massage: This gentle massage uses long, flowing strokes to relax muscles, improve circulation, and relieve overall tension, making it ideal for stress relief.
Deep Tissue Massage: This technique targets deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue, helping to release chronic muscle tension, pain, and stiffness that accumulate from long hours at a desk.
Trigger Point Therapy: Focusing on releasing “knots” or tight areas within muscles, trigger point therapy alleviates pain and restores normal muscle function, addressing specific areas of discomfort that are common in desk workers.
Finding the Right Balance for Long-Term Health
While no single solution fits everyone, regular massage therapy, combined with mindful desk habits, can make a significant difference in alleviating the strain of desk work. For most people, scheduling a massage every 4-6 weeks can provide ongoing relief and support both physical and mental health. By addressing these modern work-related issues, massage therapy can help desk workers stay comfortable, focused, and energized.
11/11/24
Tech Neck and Massage Therapy
Monica Matuszak, LMT
Tech Neck
"Tech neck" has become a widespread issue, especially among those working from home or in office settings, due to the amount of time spent on electronic devices. This condition occurs when the repetitive forward tilt of the head places excessive strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to a muscle imbalance that can cause discomfort, restricted mobility, and even chronic pain.
SCM and Traps
One of the primary muscles affected is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). This muscle, located at the front and sides of the neck, is responsible for nodding and rotating the head. However, when subjected to repeated strain, the SCM becomes shortened and takes on the task of supporting the head, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
Meanwhile, the trapezius muscle in the upper back, which attaches to the skull and shoulders, becomes overstretched and strained as it tries to compensate for the SCM. This strain draws the shoulder blades upward and inward, putting pressure on the rib cage and impacting posture. As the trapezius works harder to assist with head rotation, it leaves other muscles, such as the rhomboids (responsible for stabilizing the shoulder blades), pulled out of alignment as well as many other back muscles. All this misalignment leads to tension, trigger points (commonly known as “knots”), adhesions, and reduced mobility create pain that can make even simple tasks uncomfortable.
Pull and Strain
When we look down at our screens, the weight of the head—typically around 10-12 pounds—creates additional strain on the neck. This forward posture compresses muscles in the front of the neck while overstretching muscles in the back, resulting in an unhealthy shift in muscle function and positioning.
Fortunately, massage therapy can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of tech neck. Targeted massage techniques can release tension in the SCM, trapezius, and other affected muscles, restoring balance and relieving strain. By helping to reduce muscle tightness and improve mobility, massage therapy provides lasting relief, allowing you to correct your posture and make necessary adjustments in your daily routine.
Regular massage can support a healthier balance in the body, making it easier to manage the physical demands of modern technology use. By understanding the impact of tech neck and taking proactive steps to address it, you can work toward long-term well-being and improved comfort in both personal and professional life.
How Massage
Can Help
Massage Benefits
10/23/24
How Massage Influences Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Advancements in wearable technology, such as portable EKG devices, are enabling real-time measurement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its response to stimuli, offering significant implications for massage therapy. Research reveals that massage influences heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of ANS balance, with higher HRV values associated with better health and lower values linked to stress and disease. While massage has been shown to increase vagal tone (healing phase), it can also elevate stress levels in certain patients, underscoring the need for adjunctive techniques like acupressure or essential oils to optimize outcomes. By leveraging evidence-based science and demonstrating its medical legitimacy, the massage profession can transcend its current perception as merely adjunctive or recreational, positioning itself as essential to health and rehabilitation.
Behind The Scenes
Being an effective massage therapist means continually expanding my skills and collaborating with other professionals to provide the best care for my clients. Allison Denney, owner of Rebel Massage, is a respected educator in the massage therapy field. I often incorporate her techniques to help address muscle dysfunction that contributes to rounded shoulders, supporting my clients in achieving better posture and relief.
10/14/2024
Massage and Hormones: Managing Stress for Better Health
The Impact of Chronic Stress
In today’s society, work-related stress has become so common that we often overlook it, assuming stress is just part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, when stress becomes a constant presence, it can lead to chronic stress, which can significantly impact both mental and physical health. Chronic stress disrupts the brain’s production of serotonin—the “happiness hormone”—a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation and helps guard against depression. When serotonin levels are affected by ongoing stress, it can lead to mood imbalances and a diminished sense of well-being.
How Massage Helps Regulate Hormones and Reduces Stress
Massage therapy has been shown to support the body’s response to stress through its calming effect on the autonomic nervous system. This system controls essential involuntary functions, like heart rate and digestion, and helps regulate the body’s stress response. Massage can stimulate the production of serotonin, helping to rebalance mood and improve emotional health. Additionally, massage often triggers the release of endorphins, another key “feel-good” chemical, which creates a sense of relaxation and even mild euphoria. These combined effects make massage an effective way to reduce stress, elevate mood, and promote overall well-being.
Finding a Routine That Works
While each person’s stress levels and wellness needs are unique, regular massage is often beneficial in helping clients manage chronic stress and maintain balance. For most clients, a massage session every 4-6 weeks can be a helpful approach to keep stress levels manageable and support emotional health. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, stress relief, or mood support, regular massage offers a holistic way to maintain balance and enhance your quality of life.