03/03/2026
Where Do You Carry Your Stress?
Most people don’t realize stress has a physical address in the body.
For many, it settles in the upper trapezius (those muscles between your neck and shoulders), the jaw, the hips, or the lower back. When stress hormones like cortisol rise, muscles subtly contract as part of the body’s protective response. If that tension isn’t discharged through movement or relaxation, it lingers.
Over time, this low-grade contraction becomes your “normal.” Shoulders creep toward your ears. You clench your jaw while driving. Your hips tighten from bracing.
Massage helps interrupt that cycle. By manually working into those chronically contracted tissues, we improve circulation, signal safety to the nervous system, and allow muscles to lengthen. Often clients say, “I didn’t realize how tight I was.”
The body keeps score. The good news? It also responds beautifully to consistent care.
If you’re not sure where you carry stress, pay attention today. What feels tense right now? That’s your starting point.
I am available to come to you and help relieve your stress. Give me a call at (360) 561-4484 to set up an appointment today.
