Texas State Massage Therapist Practice Exam

Muscle therapy primarily targets the musculoskeletal system because this system includes the muscles, bones, and connective tissues that provide structure and support to the body. Through various techniques utilized in muscle therapy, such as massage and stretching, practitioners focus on alleviating tension, enhancing mobility, and promoting the overall health of muscles and supporting structures. This focus helps to release tight muscles, improve circulation, and facilitate recovery from injuries, which are essential components of maintaining the musculoskeletal system's functionality.

While the nervous system may play a role in muscle communication and how we sense muscle tension, the primary focus of muscle therapy is on the structural aspects that involve muscles and joints. The circulatory system, while important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles, is not the main target of muscle therapy techniques. The digestive system has no direct relation to muscle therapy practices, as it involves the breakdown and assimilation of food rather than muscular function or support. Therefore, the correct answer centers around the musculoskeletal system as it is the primary area that muscle therapy seeks to address and improve.