If you’re dealing with mysterious musculoskeletal pain, muscle tension might be the culprit. There are many reasons why you might develop muscle tension, and treating it effectively involves addressing the underlying causes and contributing factors–which is something the team at Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery can help you navigate.
Most people with muscle tension will experience a dull ache in the affected area. However, tension can also cause sharp or shooting, long-lasting, and rapid pains. Any discomfort within the muscles could be associated with tension.
Our osteopathic therapists offer several techniques for addressing tension, all with the goal of helping to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall function. We create personalized treatment programs that combine several different methods, including manual techniques and targeted exercises.
Today, we want to explore muscle tension in more depth, including diving into some of its causes. We also want to share some of the ways we can help you find relief. Keep reading to learn more!
Common Causes of Muscle Tension
Repetitive Movements
- Repetitive movements due to work, sports, or other activities can contribute to tension. Wear and tear that develops over time doesn’t allow muscle fibers to properly repair themselves, leading to tension, chronic pain, and a higher risk of acute injury.
Postural Issues
- Improper posture can strain your muscles, leading to tension problems over time. This is particularly true for muscles along your neck and back. Frequent sitting is a common culprit!
Underlying Conditions
- Muscle tension can also be the result of certain chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome.
Stress
- Stress doesn’t cause muscle tension, but it can worsen your symptoms. Our body’s natural response to stressful situations is to tense up our muscles. If you’ve already strained or weakened those muscles, stress can worsen the pre-existing damage.
Manual Osteopathic Treatments for Muscle Tension
At Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery, our holistic approach to care means we’ll consider the physical and mental reasons you might be experiencing pain from muscle tension. One primary way we do this is through osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
This hands-on approach includes about 40 different manual techniques in which the specialist applies pressure to certain areas of the body. OMT helps improve various biomechanical issues within the joints and muscles, which can help relieve tension and chronic pain.
Your therapist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and overall well-being during your first appointment. We’ll then create a comprehensive and individualized care plan to address the underlying reasons for your tension.
Find Relief Today
Muscle aches can be a painful and frustrating condition. Your symptoms can make it more challenging to enjoy life and engage in daily tasks. However, working with the osteopathic therapists at Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery can help you find the relief you need.
Ready to start your recovery journey? Schedule an appointment at our Victoria BC, or Burnaby, BC clinic today.
