What is a common physiological response to massage therapy?

A common physiological response to massage therapy is a decreased heart rate. This response is part of the body's relaxation mechanism, which is activated by massage. When pressure is applied to the body during a massage, it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to lower heart rate and promote relaxation. This can lead to a range of beneficial effects, such as reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.

In contrast, other options indicate processes that would not typically be associated with the relaxation effects of massage. For instance, increased muscle tension is counterproductive to the goal of massage, which is to relieve tension and promote relaxation in the muscles. Decreased cellular oxygenation would signify a negative physiological response, as massage generally improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, not impairs it. Lastly, increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, would contradict the calming effects of massage, as massage therapy aims to reduce stress and subsequently decrease cortisol levels in the body.