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Muscle Knots, What Are They?
General Information
First of all, most of the areas where you can feel these famous knots are located in skeletal muscles, which have contractile properties (contraction) while being elastic.
A muscle is made up of several muscle fibers and fascia (the fascia is a fibrous sheath covering all muscles and their muscle fibers). It’s a bit like an electrical wire. If you strip it, you will discover that it is made up of several other mini wires. It’s the same for skeletal muscle.
The fibers slide over each other, contract (take a shortened position), stretch (take an elongated position), and do the same with adjacent tissues (such as the fascia).
Formation of Knots
We often misuse our muscles in daily life: repetitive small movements at work, sustained muscle contractions related to stress, poor posture, etc.
This results in muscle stress and fatigue. The muscles are always contracted, overused, and poorly vascularized. The muscles in question are not stretched, meaning they are not used to their full length. We no longer listen to the messages sent by the affected muscle group. The muscle fibers and adjacent tissues slide less over each other, adhesions begin to form, and... there you go! The formation of a muscle knot starts to set in.
A typical example we often give to our clients: a stressed person often tends to have elevated (contracted) shoulders throughout the period of stress. We will often find "knots" in the upper trapezius muscle due to its sustained shortened position.
Unfortunately, some knots intersect with a nerve pathway. This knot is then also called a "trigger point". When touched, an unpleasant sensation can radiate, for example, to the arm, head, back, etc., depending on the trajectory of the nerve trapped under the muscle adhesions. This could be numbness, pain, fatigue... all variable in intensity.
What to Do?
First of all, becoming aware of the issue/situation is already a big step forward. Then, it is wrong to say that only a multi-hour massage of the "knot" area will solve the problem. It is rather advisable to release the affected area in its entirety using various means (massages, mobilizations, stretches, etc.). Despite everything, the knot will generally persist. What we are looking for here is to reduce symptoms to improve the client's quality of life. Therefore, the client will need to be aware of the factors that generate or worsen their pain: their posture, work method, sedentary lifestyle, stress management, etc. For these elements, part of the work to be done lies with the client.
If necessary, do not hesitate to make an appointment at PhysioMedic if you have any questions or need treatment related to your knots!