What Causes Muscle Knots?

Although knots can result from an injury, many other factors can lead to tense muscle fibers, including:

• Lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle)
• Improper or poor posture
• Poor nutrition
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Lack of water (dehydration)

Muscle knots can develop anywhere in the body, where you have muscle or fascia (connective tissue). They form frequently in the legs and the postural muscles (neck, shoulder, back, and pelvis).

Although the knots may be painful and make you uncomfortable, in most cases they do not pose a threat to your health. However, occasionally knots are a symptom of a chronic pain condition such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or myofascial pain syndrome. In other cases, knots in a muscle can cause painful symptoms seemingly unrelated to the hard bump in the muscle, such as headaches, earaches, or toothaches.

How Does Massage Therapy Help Knotted Muscles?

Massage therapy is a non-invasive treatment for muscle knots.The pressure applied to the muscle and the body promotes relaxation which can aid in relieving tension in the muscles.  

An experienced massage therapist can recommend the best type of massage therapy to help resolve a knotted muscle. Common massage techniques that are effective at eliminating muscle knots include: 

• Sports Massage
  Athletes who develop knots often develop them in the muscles they use during training and competition. As such, a sports massage will focus on these specific muscles.

• Myofascial Release
  Fascia is the connective tissue covering all muscles and organs.  When this soft tissue becomes restricted, it can cause muscle tension that forms knots. Skin rolling and cross-handed massage techniques are used to release fascia.
• Trigger Point Therapy
  Knots in the muscles are also called trigger points. These hard lumps refer pain to other areas of the body.  Massage therapists apply pressure to these points during Trigger Point Therapy to release tension and improve muscle function.
• Swedish Massage
  A Swedish massage promotes relaxation using long smooth massage strokes, along with kneading, and cross-fiber strokes to help release tension in the muscles.

Ready to Book Your Experience?

To learn more about a massage experience, contact About Touch Massage & Acupuncture today. Discuss your preferences, sensitivities, and specific areas of focus. Many spas and wellness centers offer a variety of essential oil options, allowing you to customize your aromatic journey. In the pursuit of holistic well-being, the addition of aromatherapy to a massage proves to be a harmonious union. The therapeutic benefits, ranging from stress relief to enhanced sleep quality, make it a valuable enhancement to the massage experience. As you sink into the massage table, enveloped in the soothing scents of carefully selected essential oils, you embark on a sensory journey that not only rejuvenates the body but also nourishes the soul. At About Touch, we use aromatherapy to transform a routine massage into an aromatic symphony, inviting you to escape, relax, and indulge in the holistic benefits of this sensory delight. Our top-reviewed massage and acupuncture clinic also provides massage therapy for stiff muscles, muscle knots, injuries, and relaxation.  Book your appointment now or call 541-484-3055.

Tip 1: Know What You’re Looking For

Here’s the first thing to think about, before you go online and search for “massage near me”: what kind of massage are you looking for?

We’ve covered different types of massage service before, but here’s a quick refresher.

• Swedish massage: this is the default type of massage service, characterized by long, sweeping strokes coupled with kneading of the muscles. Swedish massage is wonderfully versatile, and a great general-purpose option.
• Deep tissue massage: if you’re having trouble with chronic aches and pains, a deep tissue massage may be the right massage service for you. Your massage therapist will warm up your muscles with lighter pressure, and then use more intensive massage techniques to reach deep into the muscle.
• Trigger point therapy: if you have one particularly painful spot, maybe in your back or neck, consider trigger point therapy.
• Ashiatsu massage: this is a Japanese barefoot massage treatment, in which your massage therapist will use overhanging bars mounted on the ceiling to carefully apply barefoot pressure to your muscles. Many people who try different types of massage find that Ashiatsu produces a lot of relief in a short amount of time.
• Neuromuscular therapy: if lower back pain or other muscle spasms are your issue, look into neuromuscular therapy when you search for “massage near me.” Your massage therapist can use concentrated pressure to relieve pain by restoring blood flow to your muscles.
• Sports massage: this is a type of massage service that focuses on one area of the body, typically a part of the body having a strong association with one sport or another. You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy this particular massage service, though!
• Pregnancy massage: if you’re a mom-to-be, a pregnancy massage or prenatal massage can help you to relax, and has benefits for relieving anxiety, depression, and aches and pains. The relaxation you’ll feel will also be good for your baby!

Tip 2: Know What to Expect

Many people have questions about what to expect during a massage, and there are also a lot of popular misconceptions. We have addressed many of these questions before, but let’s briefly look at a few here:

• Do I Have to Get Undressed? This is fundamentally up to you: while many people do choose to get undressed, you should feel free to undress, or not, to whatever level you are comfortable. A key thing to remember is that you need to be comfortable to get the most out of your session.
• What About Covering With a Sheet? Draping with a sheet is standard practice during a massage, in order to protect your privacy and help you to relax. Your therapist will only uncover the parts of your body you want them to work on, with your permission of course.
• How Long Will it Take? Plan on about an hour for a full-body massage treatment, or 60 to 90 minutes if you want to ensure you relax as much as possible.
• How Often Should I Go? This is fundamentally up to you! Some people want to try a massage as a one-off to see if they like it; others get one every 3-6 weeks. If you have a specific condition you need addressed, going more often may be best, at least at first.
• Can/Should I Talk? You should absolutely feel free to talk to your therapist during your session if you want. If you don’t want to, that’s fine too. Here at About Touch, we’ve found that a lot of people start out talking, and then fall silent as the treatment progresses.
• Am I Healthy Enough for a Massage? For the vast majority of people, the only reason to avoid getting a massage is a contagious disease—in which case, simply wait until you’re better. Other than that, you should ask your doctor if you have a special condition, such as cancer, some heart conditions, and pregnancy, to make sure you’re good to go.

Ready to Book Your Experience?

To learn more about a massage experience, contact About Touch Massage & Acupuncture today. Discuss your preferences, sensitivities, and specific areas of focus. Many spas and wellness centers offer a variety of essential oil options, allowing you to customize your aromatic journey. In the pursuit of holistic well-being, the addition of aromatherapy to a massage proves to be a harmonious union. The therapeutic benefits, ranging from stress relief to enhanced sleep quality, make it a valuable enhancement to the massage experience. As you sink into the massage table, enveloped in the soothing scents of carefully selected essential oils, you embark on a sensory journey that not only rejuvenates the body but also nourishes the soul. At About Touch, we use aromatherapy to transform a routine massage into an aromatic symphony, inviting you to escape, relax, and indulge in the holistic benefits of this sensory delight. Our top-reviewed massage and acupuncture clinic also provides massage therapy for stiff muscles, muscle knots, injuries, and relaxation.  Book your appointment now or call 541-484-3055.