The shoulders may become tight and the neck tense trying to compensate for the lack of flexibility and support of the lower limbs. Thus it is vital to develop the 'base'. The more the body feels supported on a strong base, the less it will need to 'hold on'. The more kinaesthetic sense is developed the more we are able to sense our patterns of tension. Massage provides the initial step along the path to awareness.
Massage reeducates the brain via the body.
From the slow gentle regenerative massage used for muscular dystrophy to the rhythmic tapping which restimulates bones in osteoarthritis, all contribute, in time, to the development of a new kinaesthetic awareness. Initially, passive movement is employed to give the body the experience of the full range of motion which is possible, something which our habitual patterns of movement often prohibit. Initially in these cases, active movement may be limited to exercises in the water where muscles are relieved from having to work against gravity. Passive movement also contributes to identifying the muscles which are restricting mobility. Through relaxation techniques and breathing exercises the mind is quietly concentrated and the body is encouraged to let go of some of its tension.