Why does the same area keep getting tight?

Have you ever had a tight neck, aching shoulders or an uncomfortable lower back that seems to keep coming back?

You might have a massage, feel noticeably better for a few days, only to find the same familiar tension gradually returning.

It’s something I see quite regularly in my work.

But why does it happen?

It’s not always as simple as having a tight muscle that needs loosening.

Muscle tension and discomfort can be influenced by a combination of things. These might include:

• Repetitive activity: Spending long periods in similar positions or repeatedly performing the same movements can place ongoing demands on particular areas of the body.
• Physical load: Work, exercise, lifting, gardening and everyday activities all place demands on our muscles and joints. Sometimes the load exceeds what we’re currently accustomed to.
• Movement habits: We can develop patterns of movement that place more demand on certain areas, while other areas contribute less than they could.
• Stress and recovery: Stress, poor sleep and insufficient recovery can influence how our bodies respond to physical demands and how we experience discomfort.

Often, it’s a combination rather than one single cause.