Muscle knots or trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in the skeletal muscle that are linked to tangible nodules in the tense muscle fibers.
Inexplicable pain often radiates from these trigger points of local tenderness to wider areas, occasionally far away from the trigger point itself. Compression of a muscle knot elicits local tenderness, referred pain, or local twitch reaction.
Tight muscles in the shoulders are a source of extreme pain and can even cause headaches. Getting rid of muscle knots may take some time and some work, but the resulting respite is worth it. Treating muscle knots takes constant effort and a range of techniques, depending on what works most effectually for you.
What Causes Knots In Shoulder Muscles?
Myofascial trigger points is the medical terminology for muscle knots. The precise cause of the problem is debatable and not clearly known. Experts say that an abnormal accumulation of protein after a release of lactic acid is the causative factor.
Muscles that form knots are basically those that have gone into a spasm either because of overuse, trauma or a sedentary lifestyle, and then they remain in that tense state.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Muscle Knots In Shoulders
The following guidelines will help manage as well as prevent the occurrence of muscles knots successfully:
- Muscle knots occur due to inflammation in the muscle; ginger is the best home remedy for inflammation. Have a glass of ginger tea daily. It will reduce the inflammation and swelling and consequently reduce the pain and discomfort effectively. Having ginger tea every once in a while is recommended as it will ward off the development of muscle knots.
- If you have only a few knots, the most optimal way to get rid of them is to massage briefly several times a day. Massaging the knots reduces the inflammation and the pain and helps your muscles to relax. If you have very painful muscle knots and too many of them, the best thing to do is to see a licensed massage therapist. In fact, it is a very good idea to book yourself for weekly or fortnightly massages; they yield brilliant results.
- Aromatherapy is wonderful too. Certain essential oils when massaged allay pain and discomfort almost instantly and soothe tired muscles. Experts recommend ginger essential oil, clove essential oil, nutmeg essential oil and lavender essential oil. These can be blended or used singly with base oil such as sesame seed oil or olive oil.
- If you’re getting muscle knots and pain too frequently, it could be due to deficiencies. Potassium and calcium prevent muscle knots; thus make sure you are eating ample foods that provide these minerals or talk to your physician about starting a supplement.
- Water is another very important factor. Poor water intake causes muscular pain. So stay well hydrated.
- Stretching and regular exercise keep the muscles flexible. Consider starting tai chi or yoga, it will yield significant benefits.
- Become watchful of the way you move your body. Do not hunch, and when you are at work, take regular breaks to walk around. Stretch well before and after exercise, and do not do exercises which are painful.