What is the purpose of stretching during a massage session?

Stretching during a massage session serves several important purposes, primarily aimed at enhancing flexibility and releasing muscle tension. When muscles are stretched, they are able to achieve a greater range of motion, which is beneficial for overall body function. This increased flexibility can reduce the risk of injury, improve posture, and support better physical performance overall.

Moreover, stretching helps to alleviate tightness in the muscles, effectively releasing tension that may have built up due to stress, overuse, or injury. This process allows for better relaxation and recovery of muscle tissues, contributing to a more effective and restorative massage experience.

While improving circulation is a potential benefit of stretching, it is not the exclusive aim. Instead, the focus is more on flexibility and muscle tension release, which are directly linked to the client’s comfort and mobility. Other options, such as increasing muscle pain or strengthening muscle fibers, do not align with the restorative and calming goals of massage therapy. These actions are more about muscle conditioning and not the primary focus of stretching during a massage session.