Intro:
Whether you’re an athlete or someone who works in the office most days of the week, tight muscles can affect anyone. In order to avoid or soothe tight muscles after the fact, we’ve rounded up a few tools to help alleviate the pain.
1. Stretching
Perhaps the easiest way to relieve tight muscles is to simply take some time to stretch. Ideally, a person would stretch daily, especially before any physical activity. However, in cases where you’re suffering from tight muscles, carefully stretching the muscles by doing different positions can provide relief. If you’re looking to implement stretching into your routine to hopefully prevent sore muscles in the future, look to activities such as yoga for whole-body approaches.
2. Preventative Training
In order to help prevent stiff muscles, adding regular strength training can be key. In making your overall body stronger and better equipped to handle the strain, you may be able to limit pain. Strengthening, even if a short end to a workout, helps to prepare your muscles, bones, and joints for further use, which can help to keep your body limber and healthy!
3. Apply Heat
Whatever heat method you have access to, whether a heating pad or warm bottle, can be very beneficial. Heat therapy has long been used to help soothe pain in the body, and in the case of a small heating device, you can find localized relief. You’ll need to review your specific heat method’s guidelines, but generally, a 10-15 minute heat application session can provide major relief.
4. Consider Microdosing
One potential solution for easing tight muscles is microdosing cannabis. Cannabis is notorious for helping to soothe individuals’ bodies and providing relief. This is evident in the medical cannabis industry, in which patients are often prescribed cannabis products, such as CBD, to help provide relief. To better understand the microdosing process, you can find more information at Veriheal.
5. A Massage Gun
If you’re unable to find relief with natural methods, it may be time to bring in a tool. Massage guns have risen in popularity in recent years as a targeted relief for deep therapy. Massage gun technology can be automated, requiring less work on the person’s behalf, but they’re not the only option. Some non-motorized massage tools can require a little more effort but have deeper effects.
6. A Soak
Similar to the heat approach, you may find relief in an extended soak for all-over relief. Generally, hot water will provide the most soothing results as heat promotes blood flow and soothes muscles. On the other hand, some experts recommend a cold dunk for relief following a strenuous workout. Because the cold can slow down inflammation, you’ll often see top-tier athletes taking ice baths or doing cryotherapy to prevent stiffness from coming on.
7. Visit the Masseuse
While this may not be a reality for many, visiting a massage clinic for muscle relaxation can be effective. The masseuse can help to target sore areas and work out any knots or problem areas to help you find relief. Plus, it can be deemed as self-care – a perfect (and justifiable) excuse from time to time.
8. Rest
When possible, take some time to rest your body. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep or a day off from the gym can do for the body. If you’re someone who is constantly pushing your body to its limits, it can be difficult for your body to find the energy it needs to heal injured areas. After all, tight muscles usually arise from overstraining and inflammation. The body is usually great at correcting those issues, so long as you give it the space to do so!
9. Hop in the Sauna
To help loosen up tight muscles, a sauna or steam may provide the relief you’re looking for. Not only does the heat help to promote blood flow and healing, but the moisture will help to help your body do all of the work it needs to. Heat, just like in the case of a warm bath or similar, can be monumental in healing!
Conclusion
Tight muscles can affect anyone, and the discomfort can be life-altering. However, they are common. Luckily, there are a few methods out there to help provide relief. The best method is the one that works for you. If you find that your tight muscles are not relieved after different treatment methods, it may be time to contact your doctor for further help.
