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Muscle knots, sometimes referred to as trigger points, are common areas of muscle tension that can contribute to discomfort, stiffness, and limited movement. They can develop in different parts of the body and may sometimes cause discomfort that extends beyond the area where the tension is located.

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Understanding what may contribute to muscle knots and how registered massage therapy (RMT) can help may make it easier to manage muscle tension and support your overall physical well-being.

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At Evolve Therapeutic, our registered massage therapists provide personalized treatments designed to address muscle tension and other concerns based on your individual needs.

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What Are Muscle Knots?

Muscle knots are areas of increased muscle tension that can feel tight, tender, or sensitive when pressure is applied. They commonly occur in areas such as the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and glutes.

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Muscle tension can develop for a variety of reasons, including prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, physical activity, stress, poor posture, or muscle strain.

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While muscle knots are common, persistent or severe pain should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.

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What Causes Muscle Knots?

Several factors can contribute to muscle tension and the development of sensitive areas within the muscles, including:

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• Poor Posture: Sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods can place additional stress on certain muscles.
• Stress: Stress can cause you to unconsciously tense muscles, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
• Muscle Overuse: Repetitive movements or intense physical activity can cause muscles to become fatigued and tight.
• Injuries: Muscle strains and other injuries can result in increased tension around an affected area.
• Lack of Movement: Spending long periods sitting or being inactive may contribute to stiffness and muscle tension.
• Physical Activity: New or increased exercise can temporarily cause muscle soreness and tightness.

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Identifying what may be contributing to your muscle tension can be an important part of managing recurring discomfort.

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Common Symptoms of Muscle Knots

Muscle knots can feel different from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

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• Localized Tenderness: A specific area of the muscle may feel sensitive or painful when touched.
• Muscle Tightness: The affected area may feel tense or difficult to relax.
• Stiffness: Muscle tension can make certain movements feel uncomfortable or restricted.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Tight muscles may make it more difficult to move comfortably.
• Discomfort in Other Areas: Tension in certain muscles may contribute to discomfort in surrounding areas.

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If muscle tension continues or begins interfering with your daily activities, an RMT can assess the affected areas and develop a treatment approach based on your needs.

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How RMT Can Help With Muscle Knots

Registered massage therapy can be one option for managing muscle tension and supporting mobility. Your RMT can use different massage techniques depending on the location, severity, and nature of your symptoms.

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1. Targeted Massage Techniques

Your RMT may use techniques such as deeper massage, trigger point techniques, or myofascial techniques to address areas of muscle tension. Treatment pressure and techniques can be adjusted based on your comfort level and individual needs.

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2. Personalized Treatment

At Evolve Therapeutic, every treatment begins with an understanding of your concerns, activity levels, and treatment goals. Whether you're experiencing tension from sitting at a desk, physical activity, repetitive movements, or an injury, your RMT can develop a treatment approach tailored to you.

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3. Supporting Mobility and Relaxation

Massage therapy may help reduce feelings of muscle tightness and support comfortable movement. Many people also find massage therapy relaxing, which can be particularly helpful when stress is contributing to muscle tension.

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4. Self-Care Recommendations

Your RMT may also provide recommendations you can incorporate between appointments. Depending on your situation, this could include stretching, movement breaks, posture adjustments, or other strategies to help manage muscle tension.

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Making small changes to your daily routine may help complement your massage therapy treatments.

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5. A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care

Muscle tension doesn't always have a single cause, which is why different types of treatment may be appropriate depending on your individual needs.

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Evolve Therapeutic offers a range of services, including registered massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or kinesiology and active rehabilitation, clinical counselling, and other therapeutic services. When appropriate, different approaches can complement one another as part of a broader plan for your health and well-being.

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When Should You See an RMT for Muscle Tension?

Occasional muscle tightness is common, particularly after physical activity or spending a long time in one position. However, if muscle tension is persistent, recurring, or affecting your ability to work, exercise, sleep, or participate in everyday activities, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional.

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An RMT can assess areas of muscle tension and determine whether massage therapy may be appropriate for your needs.

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Manage Muscle Tension With Evolve Therapeutic

Muscle knots and ongoing muscle tension can make everyday movement less comfortable, but there are treatment options that may help.

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At Evolve Therapeutic, our registered massage therapists provide personalized care based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Whether you're looking to address muscle tension, support recovery from physical activity, or simply make movement more comfortable, we're here to help.

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Get in touch with Evolve Therapeutic today and take the next step toward feeling your best.

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