Holly Wilson Massage Therapy

09/15/2026

09/05/2026

Many people carry emotional stress in their facial muscles, especially the masseter, buccinator, and pterogoid muscles of the mouth. These areas are deeply connected to the nervous system and our emotional expressions. Over time, chronic tension can feel like "stored trauma" in the body.

Intraoral massage can result in emotional release because touching the inside of the mouth accesses muscles that are typically guarded unconsciously. Most people never relax these inner muscles voluntarily. When safe, intentional touch reaches them, guarded patterns can dissipate.

The nervous system resets, and emotions are regulated as the protective holding patterns of these muscles finally release.

09/01/2026

An NMT (Neuromuscular Therapy) trigger point is a specific, irritable spot within a muscle or its surrounding fascia that is unusually sensitive and can produce pain when compressed. The important part is that it can also refer pain to another area, rather than only hurting exactly where you press.

What makes a spot an actual trigger point?

In clinical NMT, a classic myofascial trigger point generally has several features:

* A taut band: A rope-like, tight portion of the muscle.
* A hypersensitive nodule: A particularly tender spot within that taut band.
* Reproduction of familiar pain: Pressure on it produces the same or very similar pain the client normally experiences.
* Referred pain: The sensation may travel away from the spot you’re treating.
* Possible twitch response: A quick, involuntary contraction can sometimes occur when the spot is stimulated.

Knots and NMT trigger points are NOT the same thing. Trigger points form on a cellular level, when chemicals that cause the muscle to fire, do not properly move through muscle fibers. This results in a palpable nodule that can be treated through specific NMT techniques.

08/31/2026

The tibialis posterior is a muscle in the lower leg. The tendon from this muscle runs behind the inside bone on the ankle (called the medial malleolus), across the instep and attaches to the bottom of the foot. The tibialis posterior is important as it helps to hold the arch of the foot up and stop the foot rolling over. Sometimes the tendon becomes stretched and inflamed. This condition can be called Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction, Tibialis Posterior Insufficiency or Acquired Adult Flat Foot.

07/03/2026

The masseter is one of the strongest muscles in the human body when strength is measured relative to its size. It is the primary muscle responsible for closing the jaw during chewing.

Most adults can produce a bite force between 100-
200 pounds on the front teeth.

Bite force is much greater at the back teeth. Average force is between 300–700 pounds of force in adults.

Some have been measured at over 900 pounds!

07/02/2026

Therapeutic Thursday

Muscles store so much more than we realize. Unexpressed emotions, traumatic events, depression and anxiety not only effect our mind, but also take a toll on the physical body. Massage therapy is a healthy way to unlock buried feelings, helping to finally process them and let them go!

07/01/2026

I'm excited to announce that I have moved locations! Located at 503 N Broad St, room 21. Can't wait to see all of my clients there! 💗