QSMHH is one of the leading massage therapy schools in Oahu that offers a course on holistic massage techniques. This program is certified by the Hawaii Board of Massage
Muscle stiffness is also called muscle rigidity, rigor, or tension that’s accompanied by chronic pain, discomfort & cramping. This is a very common problem mostly found in people of all age groups. This stiffness occurs when the muscles can’t relax normally. According to reputable massage therapy schools in Oahu, muscle stiffness can be severe if it’s not treated at an early stage. In this article, we will focus on major causes of muscle rigidity & how to prevent it.
Major causes of stiffness
Muscle stiffness occurs anywhere in the body. This is very painful and often it’s triggered by excess stress. Here are some major causes of stiffness or rigidity:
- Hard physical exercise
One of the major causes of muscle rigidity includes hard physical labor & too much exercise. During exercise, our muscles work harder & effectively causing damage to the microscopic fibers, resulting in soreness or muscle rigidity. In medical science, this is known as DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness which is mainly caused by:
- Running or jogging downhill for a long period
- Lifting heavy weights frequently
- Doing squats and push-ups
2. Sprains & strains
Another major reason for muscle rigidity is sprain or strain that can badly affect our ligaments & muscles as well. A strain occurs when the muscle fiber starts stretching & it’s particularly found in the lower back and leg areas. On the other hand, a sprain occurs when our ligaments start stretching or twisting. Common areas for sprain or strain include knees, ankles, wrists, and thumbs. You may feel the following symptoms if it occurs:
- Sharp pain
- Swelling & bruising
- Tenderness
- Redness
3. Polymyalgia rheumatic
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a common medical condition that effectively causes muscle stiffness and chronic pain. It mainly affects the upper portions of our body including necks, shoulders, & arms. Polymyalgia rheumatica is mostly found in older people & the actual cause of this disorder is still unclear. Common symptoms include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficult to wear cloths
- Unable to move
- Sharp pain
4. Specific health conditions
Some particular health issues also cause muscle stiffness or muscle rigidity. They include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Exertional compartment syndrome
- Fatigue syndrome
- Claudication & dehydration
- Dystonia
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus and Lyme disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bacterial & viral infections
How to prevent it?
Muscle stiffness is a common problem that can be treated in many ways. Maintaining a healthy diet, doing proper exercise, practicing good posture & wearing the right footwear can prevent unwanted muscle stiffness. Apart from that, if you need more relaxation, proper massage therapy is required. In this therapy, experts use a combination of kneading, deep circular motions, gentle strokes & tapping to release muscle knots.
Massage therapy is a safe and painless procedure that helps to remove muscle stiffness, strain, and muscle pain effectively. Experts use different types of massage techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, foot reflexology, and more. Each session takes 50 to 60 minutes to complete.
Final words
Our body is full of muscles. When we move any part of our body, our brain sends a specific signal to the muscles & it causes muscles to contract or tighten. Taking a massage session can be effective to heal chronic muscle pain and stiffness. If you want to be a professional & licensed massage therapist, register at Quantum School of Massage & Holistic Health.
QSMHH is one of the best massage therapy schools in Oahu that offers a complete course on holistic massage therapy. This course will give you the perfect knowledge of different massage techniques & all courses are perfectly delivered by experienced teachers. The certificate will be provided to candidates after completion. Book your seat today.