Muscle Knots are a real issue for everyone. For those of us that work on a computer they are a daily pain in the neck. Alternatively if I do any physical labor I am sure to have muscle cramps everyone where including on my lower back. This is indicative of muscle knots that are caused when muscle fibers get stuck in a contracted state. In turn this causes aches, pains and restricts my movement. If I do not go to a masseuse this could become a permanent issue no matter how much I stretch or massage them myself.
A Massage Helps Untangle Muscle Knots
Thankfully a good masseuse can help alleviate these knots in just a few sessions. When a therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to the affected area on my body it helps smooth out and release muscle knots. The feeling I get from a good massage cannot be expressed enough. The fact that I can turn my head and move my arm without aches and strain is all thanks to a good massage.
Muscles are Organs
Like any other part of our bodies, muscles need tender love and care. These organs are made up of muscle fibers that are connected by stretchy tissue webs called fascia. It helps our muscles slide smoothly while we move. Unfortunately, whenever we stress our muscles, injure them or keep poor posture it puts pressure on the fascia tissues. This creates the awful knots we want to avoid.
By gently coaxing them back in place a therapist can help you get to a relaxed state.
- Using Gentle Pressure: Therapists soften your tissue using their hands or special tools. They do this while applying mild, continuous pressure to the strained area. The processes is not meant to have the masseuse apply a lot of pressure. Rather to gradually warm up the tissue and to soften it in a steady careful manner.
- Stretching: As the muscle tissue releases the therapist will use stretching techniques to help improve movement and restore your fascia to its original state.
- Movement: A therapist will take their time, using deliberate movements during the release to help improve flexibility and restore the fascia’s normal function.
What are the Common Causes of Muscle Knots?
I would like to confess that I am at fault for my muscle knots. The reason we may create this discomfort for ourselves is our way of life and how we work. In order for me to help you understand I will list several reasons for your discomfort due to knots.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching over a computer can strain muscles, causing knots.
- Repetitive Motions: Regularly doing the same movements, like typing or lifting, can lead to stress points in muscles.
- Stress and Tension: Daily life can be stressful, in turn our body can physically affect our muscles, commonly visible when you clench or strain over due to emotions.
- Injuries: Past injuries can create scar tissue that damage our muscle fibers.
- Overuse: Engaging in new, intense activities without warming up first or not resting before continuing an activity can also cause knots.
Conclusion
I hope these examples help you understand the common causes and how to change your routine in order to lessen the burden on your body. That is where massage therapy comes into play. No matter your situation, a good massage will help. With a good Deep Tissue massage you can have a therapist target specific areas that are prone to knotting. This massage involves slow and firm strokes that reach the deeper layers of your muscle fibers. This in turn helps reduce tension and inflammation around the knots allowing for better blood flow. I would also suggest a Swedish massage, known a myofascial release or a sports massage to help with muscle knots. If you play sports like many of us but sit around at work you know all too well the day after pain. This is lactic acid release that happens after heavy muscle use and these massages help remove it and other waste products from our bodies.
Remember massage therapy is most effective when performed by a professional.