If you’ve ever had a muscle knot in the upper back, then you’re familiar with the discomfort that appears to be calling for a good massage.

What are muscle knots?

These uncomfortable areas, also known as trigger points or myofascial pain, are sometimes referred to as muscle knots. It is essentially a specific localized location where the muscle is not relaxing as it should. Muscle strain can put pressure on nerves and create discomfort.

Muscle knots can form everywhere, although they are most typically found between the shoulder blades and upper back, as well as in the lower thigh.

How can you develop a muscle knot?

A muscle knot can form for a variety of causes, including:

  • Intense exercise.
  • Muscle tension.
  • Overuse, such as using the muscle daily at work or in a sport you participate in regularly.
  • Bad posture. And this might be taxing on your muscles.
  • Sleeping in an awkward posture.
  • Anxiety or stress. When you’re nervous or concerned, your muscles may stiffen up, which can develop into knots over time.

Safe and effective ways to treat muscle knots

You can frequently treat a muscle knot at home. Here are some basic techniques for relaxing your muscles and relieving pain:

Stretching

Getting up and moving or doing simple stretching exercises can help to ease a knotted muscle caused by staying in an unpleasant posture for too long. Stretching might also help to avoid knots. If you notice certain areas knotting up often, ask your doctor about stretches to loosen those muscles and lower the chances of more knots.

Ice and Heat

Ice (in the form of an ice pack) is beneficial for an acute injury, such as a muscular knot. It can dull the discomfort. Heat also can assist with a long-standing injury or knot that has become chronic. The heat will cause an increase in blood flow to the region. Heat relief can be obtained through a heating pad, a hot tub, or a hot shower. You can alternate between heat and cold solutions or concentrate on whichever one provides you with the most relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles to particular places on the body to alter the flow of qi or energy. And this can lower stress and increase the production of pleasure-inducing endorphins, a kind of hormone produced by the body. Acupuncture, for example, increases blood flow to the affected spot and improves communication between the overworked and the body’s healthy areas.

Trigger Point Massage

Firm pressure can sometimes induce muscular release. You can apply pressure with your hands or a foam roller. Simply locate the knot and apply as much pressure as you can stand. Repeat this several times a day until the muscle is relieved.

Professional Massage

A competent massage therapist might be beneficial. Inform them of the location of the knot and what may have caused it. Your therapist can concentrate on that muscle and identify any places nearby that may be contributing to the discomfort.

Foam Roller

Foam rollers allow you to self-massage by loosening up tight muscles. A foam roller may be used to relieve muscular knots in the legs, hips, and back.

Exercising the Muscle Knots

Your initial reaction may be to avoid exercising if you have a painful muscle knot. You don’t want to rest too much because regular physical exercise is excellent for your entire body. The catch is that you may need to change your routine to prevent exacerbating the pain.

You may probably do the following while getting therapy for your muscular knots:

  • Mild Yoga
  • Stretching
  • Tai chi
  • Walking
  • Running 
  • Biking
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Do you want to know more? Contact Massage Rx right away! We have been in the industry for years now providing relief from muscle knots. Also, we are best known for our safe, effective, and affordable lymphatic drainage massage therapy!