What Are We Really Touching? The Science of Therapeutic Touch

When you come in for a massage, you might think I’m working mainly on your muscles or fascia — those deeper layers that can feel tight or sore. But here’s something fascinating: before we ever reach those tissues, the very first thing I touch is your skin. And that’s where an incredible biological conversation begins.

Underneath your skin are tiny sensors that help your body interpret what’s happening — whether that’s a gentle stroke, firm pressure, or deep kneading. Among these sensors are two remarkable players: PIEZO1 and PIEZO2.

Meet Your Body’s Touch Sensors: PIEZO1 and PIEZO2

These PIEZO channels are like your body’s built-in “pressure detectors.” They sense stretch, movement, and vibration.

• PIEZO1 lives mostly in your skin cells, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It helps regulate blood flow, skin repair, and tissue health.

• PIEZO2 is found in the sensory nerves that let you feel light touch, vibration, and your sense of body position (proprioception).

  
  

Together, they constantly keep your brain updated about what’s happening on and beneath the skin — the texture of fabric, a warm breeze, or the reassuring pressure of therapeutic touch.

How Your Brain Feels a Touch

Imagine these channels as tiny doorbells. When touched, they “ring” — sending an electrical signal up through your nervous system to your spinal cord and then to your brain. Your brain then decodes this information:

• Where on your body you were touched

• What kind of touch it was (light, firm, vibrating, etc.)

• How safe or pleasant it feels

  
  

This is how touch becomes perception — it’s not just a physical event, but a whole-body sensory experience that shapes your emotional and physiological state.

When Things Get Sensitive: Inflammation and Pain

Sometimes, especially when inflammation or chronic pain is present, these sensors can become overactive. Think of a motion detector light that keeps going off even when nothing’s there — that’s how PIEZO2 can behave when the body is inflamed. Chemicals like prostaglandin E2, released during inflammation, can make nerve endings fire constantly, even without real threat or injury. The result? The nervous system starts sending “false alarms.”

When this happens, even gentle touch can feel uncomfortable or painful — a condition called mechanical allodynia. It’s not about the pressure being “wrong,” but about the nervous system misreading the message.

The Nervous System’s “Gate” — and Why Context Matters

You might have heard of the old Gate Control Theory of Pain, which suggested that pleasant touch could “close the gate” on pain. That idea still holds some truth — but modern neuroscience shows it’s more nuanced. During inflammation or high stress, the “gate” can get overwhelmed. PIEZO2 and other sensory systems may send mixed messages depending on your body’s state and emotional context.

That’s why how touch is delivered — gently, rhythmically, with care — can make such a difference. Safe, attuned touch helps recalibrate the nervous system, restoring balance between sensation and perception.

Touch, Safety, and the Brain

Pain, as modern science now understands it, isn’t just a signal from the body — it’s a perception created by the brain. Researchers like Lisa Feldman Barrett propose that pain is constructed much like emotions such as sadness or joy. It’s influenced by your past experiences, emotional state, and sense of safety.

Your brain constantly predicts what’s happening based on incoming signals, memories, and expectations. That’s why:

• Some people can feel pain in a limb that’s no longer there (phantom pain).

• Others might have an injury but feel no pain at all (for example, during an adrenaline rush).

• Feeling safe, supported, and understood can literally lower pain perception.

  
  

What This Means for You — and for Massage Therapy

When you’re on the table, I’m not just working with your muscles — I’m communicating with your nervous system. Each touch is a conversation. My intention, pace, pressure, and the sense of trust we build all influence how your body interprets that touch.

Gentle, responsive touch can help your PIEZO channels send messages of safety and calm, supporting regulation, proprioception, and tissue health. In sensitised systems, slow and mindful contact can help “retrain” how your body interprets sensation — shifting from threat to safety. It’s not about fixing tissues. It’s about helping the nervous system feel safe enough to relax, repair, and rebalance.

In Practice

Here’s what this science means in simple terms:

• It’s not about technique. Whether it’s Swedish, deep tissue, or myofascial work — what matters is how the touch is delivered.

• Adapt to the system. A calm body may welcome firmer pressure; a sensitised one may need slower, lighter contact.

• Build safety first. Your nervous system relaxes when it feels safe — that’s when healing begins.

• Be patient. Change takes time, but every safe touch offers new information to your body’s sensors.

  
  

Final Thoughts: It’s Not the Brand — It’s the Biology

We don’t need fancy techniques or branded methods to create therapeutic change. We need understanding, skill, and presence. Every time we touch the skin, we’re engaging with some of the most finely tuned biological sensors in the human body. That’s what makes therapeutic touch so powerful — it’s science, safety, and human connection rolled into one.

Come and put the science to the test by booking a Soft Tissue Therapy appointment at Flex Remedial! Book Now

Understanding Your Body's Response to Touch

It's essential to recognise how your body responds to touch. Each individual has a unique experience shaped by their history, emotional state, and current physical condition. Understanding this can enhance your experience during therapy.

The Importance of Communication

Communication is key during any therapy session. I encourage you to share your feelings and experiences. This dialogue helps me tailor the session to your needs, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout.

The Role of Environment in Healing

The environment where therapy takes place can significantly impact your experience. A calm, soothing space can enhance relaxation and promote healing. At Flex Remedial, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters comfort and peace.

Embracing the Journey of Healing

Healing is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience and self-compassion. As you engage in therapy, remember that each session is a step towards a healthier, stronger you. Embrace the process and trust in your body's ability to heal.

The Connection Between Mind and Body

Your mental state plays a crucial role in your physical well-being. Stress and anxiety can manifest as physical tension. By addressing both the mind and body during therapy, we can work towards a holistic approach to healing.

Building a Supportive Community

At Flex Remedial, we believe in the power of community. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can enhance your healing journey. Whether through group classes or workshops, we aim to foster connections that inspire and uplift.

Conclusion: Your Path to Wellness

In conclusion, understanding the science behind touch and its effects on your body can empower you in your healing journey. By prioritising safety, communication, and a supportive environment, we can work together towards achieving your wellness goals.

Let’s embark on this journey together. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

References

• Ghitani, N. et al. (2025). A distributed coding logic for thermosensation and inflammatory pain. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08875-6

• Coste, B. et al. (2010). Piezo1 and Piezo2 are essential components of distinct mechanically activated cation channels. Science, 330, 55–60. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1193270

• Lei, L. et al. (2024). The emerging role of Piezo1 in the musculoskeletal system and disease. Theranostics, 14, 3963–3983. https://doi.org/10.7150/THNO.96959

• Murthy, S.E., Dubin, A.E., & Patapoutian, A. (2017). Piezos thrive under pressure: Mechanically activated ion channels in health and disease. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 18, 771–783. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm.2017.92

• Savadipour, A. et al. (2023). The role of PIEZO ion channels in the musculoskeletal system. American Journal of Physiology – Cell Physiology, 324, C728. https://doi.org/10.1152/AJPCELL.00544.2022

• Szczot, M. et al. (2018). PIEZO2 mediates injury-induced tactile pain in mice and humans. Science Translational Medicine.