Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck, tight shoulders or aching hips, even though you haven’t done any exercise?
You’re not alone! Muscle tightness isn’t just caused by working out. Our daily habits, stress and lack of movement can all contribute to how our bodies feel.
So, what causes it, and what can you do about it?
- Sitting for too long
Spending hours at a desk, driving or looking at your phone can leave your neck, shoulders, back and hips feeling stiff.
Remaining in the same position for long periods can contribute to discomfort and reduced ease of movement. A sports massage or deep tissue massage to help alleviate all these symptoms. Personal training sessions with individualised exercise for strength will also help.
- Stress and tension
When we’re stressed, we may unconsciously tense our shoulders, clench our jaw or change our breathing. Over time, this can contribute to muscular discomfort.
Sports massage helps with relaxation and relief from tension-related discomfort. Once a week massage for 3 weeks is recommended, ideally progressing towards a maintenance package consisting of a monthly massage to keep on top of stress and tension.
- Not moving enough
It might seem surprising, but doing very little physical activity can contribute to stiffness. Our bodies benefit from regular movement, and muscles need strength as well as flexibility to support everyday activities.
A combination of walking, mobility exercises and strength training can help maintain movement and build strength for everyday life. Training sessions are individually designed to your needs.
- Poor sleep and recovery
A poor night’s sleep can make us feel more sensitive to aches and discomfort. Stress and fatigue can also affect how well we recover.
Good sleep habits, regular activity and allowing ourselves time to recover all contribute to our overall wellbeing. A combined package of personal training and sports massage can contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing and comfort.
How can sports massage help?
Sports massage may help some people manage muscular discomfort, relax and move more comfortably. It’s not just for athletes — office workers and people with physically demanding jobs also benefit.
However, massage isn’t a solution for every cause of stiffness. Combining appropriate treatment with regular movement, strength training and good recovery habits can provide a more rounded approach. Contact me to discuss all options of physical movement programmes.
The good news is that understanding your body’s needs is a great first step towards feeling and moving better.
If you’re struggling with recurring muscular discomfort or want to improve how you move, personal training and sports massage is worth exploring as part of an individualised approach. Contact me for further information.