Knots are comprised of tense muscle fibers. Muscle knots are actually hyperirritable spots in muscle or fascial tissue (bands or sheets of connective tissue) known as myofascial trigger points.Trigger points typically fall into one of two categories:
Active. These active trigger points produce intense pain in the body.
Latent/hidden. You don't feel pain from these latent/dormant trigger points unless you press on them, resulting in tenderness or a dull aching sensation.
Causes of myofascial trigger points
Several factors that can lead to painful trigger points, including:
Injuries from overuse, heavy lifting or repetitive motions
Poor posture, which often results from a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
Tension from mental and emotional stress
Direct injury such as a break, strain, tear, twist or strain
Prolonged sitting or bed rest
What you can do to get rid of muscle knots
At home, you can try massage or stretches. If the pain continues, see a physician, who may refer you to a therapist. Massage therapist, Physical therapists and Chiropractors have a range of pain-relieving techniques, including:
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic stretching techniques
Dry-needling
Low level laser therapy
Electrostimulation
Pulsed ultrasound
Mechanical vibration
Ischemic compression
"Spray-and-stretch" cooling spray
To prevent myofascial trigger points in the first place, take time to relax, increase your physical activity, take stretch breaks and walk as musch as possible. Need to make an appointment with a Momentum Massage Therapist? Save time, book online.
