When our clients come to us for treatment, they describe their muscles as tight, stiff, cramping and painful.
Finding ways to relieve discomfort can be difficult, especially when it is a source of discomfort. The Sanctuary on Richmond targets the muscle groups that are causing our clients pain or tightness. Our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) use a variety of therapeutic techniques to apply different degrees of pressure in order to increase blood circulation to the target area, and stretch out sore tissue which causes tightness.
Many people who suffer from tight muscles wonder why they are so tight. This article will help answer that question and provide ways to reduce muscle tension.
What causes muscle tightness and what are its causes?
You might find it difficult to describe the sensation of muscle tightness or stiffness. Muscle tightness can feel different to everyone, making it difficult to describe. Muscle rigidity, however, is the inability of muscles to relax to their normal state. Others feel a sharp pain while others experience a cramp.
There are 600 muscles in our body, which we categorize into three categories: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Muscle tightness is most common in our skeletal muscles which make up 30-40% our body mass. This group of muscles is responsible for helping us to move, function and perform our everyday activities.
Our brain sends nerve signals to the muscles of a specific part of our body when we want to move or use it. The muscles then contract. After contracting our muscles, they usually return to their relaxed state until we need them again. Sometimes, however, our muscles may remain in a partially or fully contracted state for an extended period.
Stress is one of the main causes of muscle tension. Stress can have a negative impact on the body and mind. It can manifest as tension and physical pain as well as more complex symptoms such as high blood pressure and digestive problems. Stress can affect the nervous system, and its ability to function properly. This is necessary for muscles to move from a contracted state to a relaxed one. Our muscles are often affected when our nervous system is compromised.
Other causes of muscle pain include:
- Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS): A delayed-onset muscle soreness can happen a few days after an intense workout. It can cause physical symptoms such as severe pain, tenderness and reduced range of motion.
- Dehydration: Our muscles and kidneys are 79% water, so not staying hydrated properly can cause more pain in the joints and muscles. Water helps to lubricate joints and prevents our muscles from feeling stiff.
- Inactivity for long periods of time: Due to the pandemic many of us work from home, so we spend long hours at our desk. If we do not get up and move around to exercise our muscles periodically, it can cause tightness. This makes it more difficult to move. Sedentary living can restrict muscles and cause tightness.
- Poor posture: Maintaining proper posture, whether you are standing, sitting or lying down, is important. Poor posture could cause muscle and joint pain as well as musculoskeletal balance.
- Muscle strain: When we strain a part of our body, it can cause injury to soft tissue. This can affect how our muscles and tendon function. Massages performed regularly can help to address this.
We strongly recommend you contact your doctor if you feel muscle tightness that is severe to rule out serious causes.
Stretching can be a great tool to loosen up tight muscles and keep you flexible. Regular stretching can also help to reduce the pain in various parts of your body.
Stretching is useful for a variety of body parts that feel tight. If you feel your leg muscles are tight, you might want to stretch your calves and your hamstrings. Stretches can be done for every part of your body. When performed correctly and safely, they can offer a great deal of relief.
Massage therapy in Auckland can also help to keep muscles flexible and loose. Massage therapy can have many benefits, but one of its greatest advantages is that it increases circulation and blood flow to your tight muscles.
