Are You Holding Tension In Any of These Places?

Are You Holding Tension In Any of These Places?

Are you feeling exhausted, struggling to make it through the day with a lingering sense of holding tension in your body that won’t seem to go away? Too often as busy adults, we’re so focused on our to-do lists and meeting deadlines that we forget about tending to our mental and physical health. If you’ve been feeling like this lately, perhaps it’s time for taking stock of where the tension is manifesting itself in your body – neck stiffness, shoulder pain, or headaches. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring why these areas are susceptible to muscular tension, what causes them, and ways to find relief.

What Causes Tension?

The direct cause of tension can be caused by several factors, some of which include:

  • A job or activity that requires repetitive movements
  • A strenuous workout
  • Excessive psychological stress

How Stress Causes Tension

Your body and mind are truly connected – when negative emotions like stress flood your brain, they can manifest in physical responses. Your body reflects the rush of cortisol that’s been triggered while activating a fight or flight response. Take some time to pause and reset; make sure you give yourself space for healthy self-care during high-emotion times!

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, but sometimes our bodies can go into overdrive and cause unwanted muscle tension. It’s as if they’re trying to protect us from harm – even when that danger doesn’t really exist! This reaction may be different for each person, however, it’s important that we take the time to recognize any physical signs of stress before they start taking their toll on our well-being.

Our bodies are telling us something. From our shoulders to low backs, tension can reveal itself in various forms throughout the body – and it’s important for us to pay attention! To ensure we’re taking care of ourselves from head to toe, let’s explore how this tension is manifested in different areas.

Upper Body Tension

Tension in the upper body is most commonly held in the headjawneck, and shoulders.

headache

HEAD

Stress is the most common trigger for tension-type headaches. When the tension in your head builds up, it can give rise to a specific type of headache. This kind of pain is usually described as mild or moderate and feels like an intense band around the skull. Interestingly enough, there are two main types – episodic headaches which last anywhere from half an hour to one week but occur less than 15 days each month. Chronic headaches appear more often and with greater duration (upwards of several hours).

Massage therapy has proven to help with tension headaches. Gua Sha massage, in particular, may help.

JAW

Feeling tension in your jaw can be a sign that something is off. You may have unknowingly tensed or clenched it due to stress, and over time this could lead to discomfort with TMJ disorder. Don’t worry though – there’s still hope! Taking care of yourself by getting a TMJ-specific massage can provide relief from the pain and help manage the problem.

Holding Tension

SHOULDERS

Easy Fixes for a Tight Neck and Shoulders

After a long day at work, do your neck and shoulders feel tense? You’re not alone; stress-related tension in this area is very common. Muscle spasms can suddenly or slowly cause pain due to the nerves and joints located there. It’s important to remember that job-induced stress isn’t something we have control over – but luckily our bodies tell us when it’s time for some well-deserved TLC! Easy Fixes for a Tight Neck and Shoulders

Working on screens or using technology too much can strain your upper back, neck, and shoulders. That imbalance builds tension in the body which is linked to pain! Thankfully there are massage techniques that help realign these muscles, improve blood flow and release any accumulated stress for longer-lasting relief.

Mid-Body Tension

Tension in the middle of the body typically shows up in the stomach and hips.

STOMACH

Is stress taking its toll on your stomach? You may find your abdominal muscles contract when you’re feeling anxious, leading to uncomfortable feelings. But don’t worry – by engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, can help minimize these effects and ease any tension that builds up. And if ever the pain doesn’t improve after trying some self-care practices, make sure you check with a healthcare practitioner for their advice too!

Holding Tension

HIPS

Our hips play an important role in our physical and mental well-being. The tightness can be caused by everyday factors like sitting for too long or working out frequently, but it may also be triggered during stressful times as a result of the body’s “fight or flight” response. Interestingly, yoga practices suggest that stretching these muscles could help release any emotions we have tucked away – demonstrating how much impact tension from stress has on this area!

Holding Tension

Lower-Body Tension

Lower-body tension is typically found in the legs and feet.

LEGS

Our legs work tirelessly to support us each and every day, so it’s important for us to ensure we’re looking after them. Muscle tension in the lower limbs can be caused by overuse if you’ve been walking a lot or working out often at the gym – but on other occasions, even extended rest periods can contribute towards feeling stiffness and pain due to lack of movement. The key is finding an all-important middle ground that allows your muscles some time off while still providing enough activity needed! It’s also worth noting that stress brings with it various factors which could result in tense leg muscles too; such as panic attacks or sleep difficulties like tossing/turning throughout the night.

Can Massage Help with Sciatica?

Holding Tension

FEET

Our feet are an incredible network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons – but if you spend a lot of time using them or have an active lifestyle it’s no surprise that tension can often build up. When stress strikes our body produces adrenaline which forces vital organs to take priority, leaving your ankles and soles feeling the strain. To reduce tightness in these areas promote circulation through massage – not only will this let go of lingering pressures from physical activity or worrying thoughts; it gives us a chance to relax too!

Foot Massage Therapy

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 517-898-2899  or book online.

We look forward to helping you feel better and have a more pain-free lifestyle.

Avoid Surgery: Massage Can Help with Back Pain

Avoid Surgery: Massage Can Help with Back Pain

Are you experiencing back pain? You aren’t alone. Eighty percent of adults experience back pain sometime in their life. Not sure if that makes you feel better, but it certainly doesn’t make the back pain go away. The good news is that massage can really help.

If you are thinking about surgery to ease your back pain, often massage therapy and chiropractic care can help you avoid surgery. But not always. Regardless, massage can absolutely help with the symptoms before, after or as an alternative to surgery.

There are several reasons, or causes, that contribute to back pain and most of them are mechanical. This means that there is something physically wrong with your spine, discs, muscles or nerves.

Main Causes of Back Pain

The following are common and mechanical reasons that your back hurts:

Sprains and strains (overworked muscles). Weekend warriors, athletes, and let’s be honest, adults in general, often injure their backs in a mild way that can cause a lot of pain. This can happen from twisting or lifting something the wrong way, lifting something too heavy, or overstretching. This may also trigger muscle spasms which can be really painful.

Sciatica. This is a burning pain in the lower back that usually also radiates down one leg. The technical cause for this is compression of the large nerve (sciatic nerve) that travels through the buttocks and extends down the back of the leg.  Yikes!

Intervertebral disc degeneration. This is one of the most common mechanical causes of low back pain. It is caused by the normal process of aging where the discs in your back lose their rubbery flexibility and start to deteriorate.

Herniated or ruptured discs. This happens when intervertebral discs are compressed and bulge outward (herniation) or rupture, causing low back pain.

Spinal stenosis. This occurs when the spinal column narrows, which puts puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This often results in pain or numbness when walking and can lead to weakness of the legs and even loss of sensation.

Radiculopathy. This condition is caused when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed, inflamed and/or injured. Pressure on the nerve root can cause numbness (or a tingling sensation) that can travel to other areas of the body that are served by that nerve. This is sometimes a result of spinal stenosis or herniated/ruptured disc.

Skeletal Misalignments or Irregularities. Congenital anomalies of the spine can cause back pain over time. Sometimes the pain doesn’t show up until adulthood. This can include scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) and lordosis (an abnormally accentuated arch in the lower back.)

Non-Mechanical Causes of Back Pain

In addition to structural issues with the back, there are other causes of back pain that require additional medical attention due to the nature of the cause. This can include:

Kidney stones. These can cause sharp pain in the lower back, usually on one side.

Inflammation. This can include arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoporosis. Reduced bone density over time.  

Endometriosis. The buildup of uterine tissue in places outside the uterus.

Fibromyalgia. A chronic pain syndrome involving widespread muscle pain and fatigue.

How Does Massage Help with Back Pain?

Massage is a gentle, non-invasive way to help ease back pain. It also helps to relax the mind and promote good sleep. Chronic, or long last pain, can be very emotionally stressful as well as physically daunting. Here are some the main ways massage can help with back pain:

Increased blood flow and circulation. This is like feeding injured and sore muscles and tissues. It decreases muscle soreness from physical activity or soft tissue injury (such as muscle strain). When muscles are more relaxed they are more flexible.

Increased endorphin levels. This is the body’s natural pain medicine. The “feel good” chemicals in the brain are release with enhances moods and can decrease depression and anxiety. This helps reduce pain and speeds up recovery. If you have chronic back and/or neck pain you understand how much joy can be had from a few hours of relief.

Improves Sleep Quality. Sleep is very important, especially when recovering from and injury or dealing with pain. Quality sleep is crucial. Massage facilitates physical and mental relaxation that aids with better sleep.

The Best Types of Massage for Back Pain

There are three main types of massage that are helpful in easing back pain:

If you would like to talk more about massage and back pain or would like to book an appointment for yourself or someone you know please call Bilky at 517-898-2899  or you can email at bilky@allbodykneads.com.

Massage for Truck Drivers

Massage for Truck Drivers

Do you know a truck driver who could use a massage? Please share this article with them.

Most of us are familiar with the back ache and stiff legs that come from a long road trip. You get out, stretch your back, walk a bit, shake your legs out. It is uncomfortable, but eventually you get to your destination and all is well. Imagine that a never-ending road trip was your way of life.

Massage for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers and long-haul semi-drivers experience chronic back pain. There are a lot of health hazards that come from sitting in one position for long periods of time. These include:

  • Shortened leg muscles
  • Backaches
  • Neck strain
  • Shoulder discomfort 

Massage therapy can alleviate these symptoms and put you back in the driver’s seat!

Leg Pain and Truck Drivers

Another source of leg pain for truck drivers (and anyone who drives for long period of time) is door handles and other abrasive objects. Often times drivers get in the habit of resting their left leg against the door. If there is a handle or other object that sticks out from the door, it could irritate your leg over time. This can become such a habit that drivers don’t notice the pain until it is chronic. Sometimes a bruise or abrasion also occurs.

Massage therapy can help with this sort of leg pain.

Good posture, muscle tone, stretching and exercise are key to counter acting the affects of long-term truck driving. The last piece of the puzzle could include massage for truck drivers. There are so many benefits to massage, some of them are physical and some of them include managing stress and improving sleep.

Related: Massage and Sleep

Strategies for Massage for Truck Drivers

Regular massage will help alleviate the chronic issues associated with truck driving. Don’t wait until your back, neck or shoulders hurt so bad you are unable to work. It is important that you maintain your body just as you would your truck. If you have a regular route, a good practice would be to have a standing weekly, bi-weekly or monthly massage appointment that works with your schedule. It will also be something you can look forward to when you are on the road.

Many massage therapists have weekend and evening hours to accommodate employees’ schedules.

Related article: Massage for Factory Workers and Warehouse Employees

Need more convincing?

Can’t you just feel your back and shoulders relaxing already?

At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best.

Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.

You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.

We’d also be happy to talk to your work place about at in-house wellness and chair massage program.

Feel better today!