What causes knee pain?
Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle tension, new or old injuries, overuse, poor posture, or underlying medical conditions. The most common cause of tension is overuse of the muscles and overstress on the knee. With frequent exercise such as running, cycling, or any sport that keeps you on your toes, it is easy to overuse and tighten the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
In more severe cases of knee pain, there may be an injury or a history of injury. Overuse injuries, such as patellar tendonitis or meniscus tears, can also cause knee pain and may develop gradually over time. After recovering from an injury, such as ligament or meniscus tears, scar tissue can create adhesions, limiting range of motion, and causing knee pain.
Muscle imbalances or weaknesses in the knee or hip muscles can also cause knee pain, as the body compensates for these imbalances by putting extra stress on other muscles and joints.
How can muscle tension cause knee pain?
The knee joint is stabilized through a complex network of ligaments and tendons. When any muscle gets tight surrounding the knee joint, it can destabilize the structure of the knee, causing pain. Except in cases of acute or sudden injury, muscle tension is typically the source of knee pain.
There are a few major muscle groups that can cause knee pain to develop. The quadriceps muscles, which are located at the front of the thigh, attach to the patella or kneecap through the patellar tendon. When these muscles become tight, they can pull on the patella, causing it to track improperly in its groove on the femur bone. This can result in knee pain and discomfort, especially during activities that require bending or straightening the knee, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
Similarly, the hamstrings and calf muscles, located at the back of the thigh and lower leg, respectively, can also cause knee pain when they are tight. When these muscles become tight, they can pull on the back of the knee joint, leading to discomfort and pain in the area.
Another common cause of knee pain related to muscular tension is iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome. The IT band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the knee. When this band becomes tight or inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort in the knee joint. This pain is usually felt on the outside of the knee and can be aggravated by activities such as running, cycling, or climbing stairs.
Overall, muscular tension in the surrounding muscles can cause knee pain in various ways, from pulling on the patella to inflaming the IT band. It is essential to stretch and strengthen these muscles regularly to maintain their flexibility and prevent pain and discomfort in the knee joint.
What causes muscle tension around the knees?
Muscle tension develops through repetition. Repetitive movements performed overtime make the muscle more stiff, as it strengthens in response to the stress. There are many exercises that can lead to muscle tension developing around the knee, such as running, cycling, or anything that keeps you on your toes.
Is it possible to recover from knee pain and tension?
Yes, it is possible to recover from knee pain and tension in the long term with the appropriate therapy, patience, and self-care techniques such as stretching and strengthening exercises.
Your path to recovery may include massage therapy, which can help to reduce pain and improve mobility through loosening the tight tissue and releasing muscular tension and adhesions surrounding the knee joint. Physical therapy can also help to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint, which can help to prevent further injury and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Patience is also key when it comes to recovering from knee pain and tension. It may take some time for the body to heal and for the effects of therapy to become noticeable, so it is important to stick to your treatment plan, even if it feels like progress is slow. If the joint becomes inflamed due to the muscular imbalance, it is possible that it will take longer for the joint inflammation to calm down. Staying on track with your treatment plan is crucial to holding the space for the joint to calm back down.
Self-care techniques can also be beneficial in the long-term management of knee pain and tension. Stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the muscles around the knee joint, while strengthening exercises can help to build complementary muscle mass and support the joint. Foam rolling and using a ball for myofascial release are great ways to self massage your muscle tension. Incorporating both stretching and self massage, recovering your knee can become part of your daily routine for best results.
Can Neu Release Massage help with knee pain?
Yes, Neu Release massage can be an effective therapy for addressing knee pain. Neu Release massage is our signature deep massage and stretching method that uses a combination of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching techniques to release tight muscles and improve flexibility and mobility.
In the case of knee pain, Neu Release massage can be particularly beneficial because it targets the muscles and soft tissues that are often the source of pain and discomfort. By applying deep pressure and trigger point therapy to these areas, Neu Release massage can help to release tension and knots that may be contributing to pain. Plus, the stretching component of Neu Release massage can help to improve flexibility and mobility in the knees and hips, reducing the likelihood of further injury or strain.
Many of our guests report significant relief after just one session. With continued massage and self care, it is possible to recover from knee pain and tension over the long-term.
