What makes your muscles feel tight?
It’s not actually tight in the muscle, but in the surrounding fascia. Muscle tissues are encased in fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs in the body. It consists of a network of fibers and can become thickened or tightened with repetitive stress, injury, or inactivity. When fascia thickens, it can restrict movement and lead to stiffness and pain in the affected area.
Tension can develop over time in both the muscles and surrounding fascia. As muscles are used and contracted repeatedly, the fibers within them may become more tightly bound together, leading to a sensation of tightness or stiffness. Similarly, when fascia thickens, it can become less pliable and flexible, leading to restrictions in movement and increased tension in the surrounding muscles.
Over time, this tension can become chronic and lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, reduced range of motion, and muscle fatigue. This feeling of tension represents a real restriction happening to the muscle. The muscle tissue is being held in a state of tension, until the fascia is softened and released.
How to release muscle tension
Muscle tension can be released through a variety of techniques, the best of which is receiving deep massage. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on releasing tension in the deeper layers of muscles and fascia tissue. This type of massage uses slow and deep pressure to help break up knots and adhesions in the muscles, which can relieve pain and improve mobility. The pressure applied during deep massage can also relax the nervous system, helping to reduce any residual muscular holding and tension.
Self-massage techniques can also be effective for releasing muscle tension. Unlike a professional massage, self massage techniques are something that you can do every single day for the most relief. These techniques involve using your own hands or a tool such as a foam roller or massage ball to apply pressure to specific areas of tension in the muscles. By applying pressure to these areas, you can help to release knots and adhesions, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Stretching is another effective way to release muscle tension. When you stretch a muscle, you are lengthening the muscle fibers and creating more space between them. This can help to reduce tension and improve mobility in the affected area. Additionally, stretching can help to lengthen the fascia fibers, which are the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs in the body. When fascia becomes tight or thickened, it can restrict movement and lead to tension in the surrounding muscles. By stretching, you can help to lengthen the fascia fibers, creating more room for the muscle tissue and reducing tension in the affected area.
Can Neu Release Massage help with muscle tension?
Here at Neu Release Massage, muscle tension is our bread and butter. Our specialized massage technique combines deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching to effectively release muscle tension, improve flexibility and mobility.
To further improve outcomes, it’s essential to adopt healthy self-care activities, such as regular stretching and exercise, as well as postural adjustments, which can contribute to preventing further muscle tension and discomfort. With consistent care, you can significantly reduce the recurrence of muscle tension, and ultimately maintain overall physical wellness.
