Many people are accustomed to dealing with the occasional or chronic ache and pain. Muscle knots can be uncomfortable and can make mobility and the enjoyment of everyday life difficult. Massage therapy is a helpful solution to mitigate discomfort, allowing for stress and pain relief. Here's a quick guide with some more helpful information.  

What Are Muscle Knots?

Muscle knots should really be called tensions or spasms, since the muscle isn't actually twisted into a knot, even though it feels that way. Sitting a particular way, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or working out in the incorrect form can all lead to muscle knots. The repetition of these behaviors is usually the culprit. These spasms usually occur in the upper back, shoulders, or legs, and they can feel sore, tender, or painful to the touch. 

What Kind of Massages Are There? 

Massage therapy can mean several different things. Depending on the location and severity of the muscle knot, your massage therapist might try one of three methods. The first is deep-tissue kneading, which involves slow, steady, and firm motions meant to stimulate blood flow and disengage the severity of the tension.

The second is a trigger point massage, which is usually chosen if the knots are painful to the touch. In this method, a massage therapist is able to work the various trigger points in your body, which send signals to other areas, allowing for the same blood flow and tension release as a deep-tissue massage without directly touching the sensitive spots.

Another choice is a sports massage, which is best if the knots have been sustained through rigorous and repetitive athletism. This body work is given by someone who has a deeper understanding and training of the body, enabling them to access the muscles and tissues that are most impacted. 

How Can Massage Therapy Help?

The body tends to engage in repetitive movements and habits, making it common to retain muscle knots, and also making it difficult to mitigate the issue on your own. Massage therapy can help relax both mind and body, while releasing the spasm or tension and allowing for the muscles to return to a pleasant stasis. Without this body work, the knot worsens, making it that much more difficult to eradicate. 

If you're experiencing discomfort due to muscle knots, turn to the team at Aloha Massage Spa in Honolulu, HI. These skilled therapists practice in a clean, relaxing environment at the McCully Shopping Center and offer several massage therapy treatments, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes long. They'll take the time to understand your condition before starting, so they'll know how to adjust their technique to meet your specific needs. Call (808) 942-5000 to schedule an appointment and ask about their current specials, and explore their services online.