What are tight muscles?
Having tight muscles can be a painful experience but can also restrict range of movement. In extreme cases muscle tightness can also affect the quality of life and can affect functional activities and hobbies.
What causes tight muscles?
Muscle tightness may be due to prolonged periods of inactivity due to work commitments, bad posture such as sitting at a desk for a considerable amount of time. For instance when sitting at a desk the torso is in a flexed position so the muscles at the front of the hip become shorter over time. Incorrect posture at a desk or seating position or just in general may shorten the front muscles of the chest which causes the muscles on the back to lengthen and become weaker than what they should be, causing stiffness, tightness and pain.
Above: Trigger point massage of gastrocnemius to release knotted muscle and tightnessTight muscles maybe due to:-
- Bad posture
- Incorrect alignment
- Incorrect technique during exercise
- Incorrect stretching technique
- Ergonomic reasons
- Delayed on set muscle soreness
- Lack of stretching
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Inactivity
- Over activity
- Rehabilitation
Above: Massage and stretch of glenohumeral joint to ease tight musclesWho may suffer with tight muscles?
Anybody can suffer with tight muscles; it may be a long term problem that has persisted over an extended period of time or due to an increase in the muscles work rate during activity. Tight muscles are associated with stiffness and pain, but through the treatment modality of massage it can decrease the effects that accompany tight muscles and increase range of movement and functional movements.
People who suffer with tight muscles:-
- Athletes of all levels
- Sedentary people
- Lack of exercises
- Injured individuals
How do Liverpool Physio asses tight muscles?
The specialists at Liverpool Physio use their extensive knowledge and vast amount of experience to pin point the exact place where the tightness is coming from. Although the tightness may seem superficial the underlying deeper structures may have a build-up of tension and have become tight over a period of time. The specialists at Liverpool physio use their wide knowledge on anatomy to find the deeper structures which may need releasing. A great depth of knowledge is important when accessing the deeper structures as incorrect diagnosis and massage may increase the symptoms of pain and cause injury.
How does massage work for tight muscles?
The use of different techniques of massage is used to provide a decrease in muscle tightness and an increase in range of movements. An assessment of the range of movement will help to identify exactly how tight the muscles are prior to the massage and what is causing the tightness. . Through the use of massage it can increase the flexibility and help the muscles to relax and encourage the muscles to return to its normal length. When massage is applied it removes waste that has been built up which can also add to muscle soreness.
Above: Massage and stretch of acetabular joint to ease tight hip musclesThe benefits of massage for tight muscles
The use of massage itself is a beneficial form of treatment in tight muscles release.
Massage can:-
- Decrease adhesions due to micro tears
- Reduce cramps
- Improve muscle tone
- Improve Flexibility
- Increase range of movement
- Decrease peripheral resistance
- Improve joint alignment
- Reduce pain
- Increase relaxation
Summary
Overall, a thorough massage with a Liverpool specialist will make their clients realise their true potential after the restrictions of having tight muscles. A type of massage that targets the tight muscles should be incorporated into all different types of regimes that puts the individual at risk of having tight stiff muscles.
How to book an appointment
To arrange an instant booking with one of our highly qualified massage therapists then email us on office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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