Massage for Muscle Knots

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Many people are familiar with the term, 'muscle knots', but it is a term that is often misunderstood. It is not actually a physical knot in the muscle, so what exactly is it? And how can one deal with it with greatest effect?

A muscle knot is an area of a muscle that has become constricted. This tension then reduces the amount of blood and oxygen flowing in the area, which exacerbates the problem. The original cause of the knot is usually seen in a muscle of the body that is continually being worked - and never having enough time for rest and repair. This overuse can produce tension throughout the body. Tight muscles can lead to a person feeling increased physical pain and tension in that particular area. The most common areas where a knot has been shown to occur at include the neck and the back areas of the body.

In management of the stated condition, massage therapy is recommended to restore the body to the optimal state of wellbeing. Through massage therapy, fresh blood and oxygen flows into the area that has the knot. By increasing the circulation, the fibers that had been affected by the knot will ultimately be relaxed, and the pain that is present will also reduce and hopefully within a few hours completely disappear. This massage treatment also serves the purpose of detoxifying the affected area that so that you feel revitalized and rejuvenated.

To relieve the stress and pain that is caused by the knot, pressure is applied in and around the affected area. This procedure is called tension release or trigger point therapy and is achieved through tissue massage, acupuncture or shiatsu.

In tissue massage, the body muscles are kneaded to produce the desired result, which is an increase in blood flow and a reduction of the pain that is associated with the knot. This method of massage is also recommended as it also relieves the stress that is normally caused by the pain that is associated with the knot.

Acupuncture and shiatsu can also be used as possible treatments, as it all comes down to the methods of therapy that increase blood flow. The reason is because all these forms of massage normally tend to work on the deeper muscles of the body and thus can reach out to main source muscle or even blood vessel that caused the knot.

Irrespective of the massage therapy that is used, it is advisable that you should always link the method with a healthy diet that should comprise of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. You should also keep your body adequately hydrated. This will greatly assist in keeping the causes and effects of muscle knots at bay.

Nigel Coates is a Remedial Massage Therapist in Australia, utilizing a variety of massage modalities from both his Katherine Massage and Gold Coast Corporate Massage ventures. He believes injury prevention through regular massage should be encouraged and publicized.