Muscle knots are medically known as myofascial pain syndrome; it’s a chronic disorder, wherein, when there is pressure on the sensitive points in your muscles there will be pain in apparently unrelated parts of your body. Typically, muscle knots develop after a muscle has contracted continually. This may occur due to recurrent movements used in jobs or hobbies or due to stress.
Whilst almost everyone has experienced muscle pain, the discomfort linked to muscle knots is known to persist and aggravate. Characteristic features of muscle knots in the arms include:
- Extreme pain in the affected muscle.
- Pain which perseveres or aggravates.
- A tender knot in the forearm muscle.
- Difficulty sleeping because of the pain.
What Causes Muscle Knots In Arms?
Myofascial pain syndrome occurs due to a stimulus, such as pressure, which activates the trigger points in the forearm muscles. Factors which raise your risk of muscle trigger points are:
- Sensitive areas tend to form in the muscles after overuse or an injury. These sensitive areas are called trigger points. A trigger point results in tension, strain and pain in the muscle. When the pain continues and aggravates, it’s known as a muscle knot or a myofascial pain.
- Muscle injury: An acute trauma to the forearm muscle or constant muscle stress leads to the development of trigger points. Recurrent movements and a poor posture increase your risk.
- Stress: People who are severely affected by stress and anxiety are more susceptible to develop muscle knots. One theory postulates that those leading very stressful lives are more likely to clench their muscles, a form of repetitive strain which makes your muscles vulnerable to trigger points
Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Muscle Knots
Follow these simple guidelines and self-care techniques to prevent as well as manage muscle knots successfully:
- Exercise: Gentle exercise, such as the free flowing movements of Yoga help you to deal with the pain better. Confer with your doctor about appropriate exercises that would be most suited to you.
- Physical therapy: A few sessions of physiotherapy are definitely recommended; especially when you have severe discomfort and are overwhelmed by stress.
- Relax: You need to relax and unwind. If you’re stressed and overwrought, you experience greater pain. Find ways to relax and soothe. Meditating, Yoga, Pranayama, Tai Chi, writing in a journal, gardening, dancing, music or talking with a friend is helpful.
- Take care of your body. Eat a healthy diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Get enough rest and sleep.
- Essential oils: Aromatherapy is decidedly beneficial in the effective management of most muscle-related pains and discomfort. Not only do the essential oils relieve muscle spasm, muscle tension and the related discomfort, they also soothe and calm you, making you feel less distraught and stressed. You could either float an essential oil in a dispenser or use as a mood perfume. Another effective way is an aromatherapy massage. Beneficial essential oils are – Clove essential oil, Nutmeg essential oil and Lavender essential oil.
- Ginger: Ginger is a powerful remedy for muscle tension and muscle knots. Have ginger tea on a daily basis in case you are prone to muscle knots and the associated discomfort. Boil about an inch of grated ginger in a glass of water, add some honey and have every morning.