Muscle knots

, also referred to as myofascial trigger points are areas within the muscles themselves that can cause constant pain. As a matter of fact, the tightening up of the muscles is not an uncommon phenomenon and no matter what good care a person might take of his/her muscles, this condition may become inevitable.

What Causes Muscle Knots?:

As a matter of fact, research is still under way as to what exactly causes this problem of the muscle knotting up.

• One of the proposed theories though is as following. The muscles in our body constantly keep shifting between active and passive states. But at some times, there is a possibility that a muscle tends to remain in an active state, meaning the muscle would never tend to relax.
• Remaining in a constant active state would cause the muscle to develop spasms which eventually would develop into knots.
• So, muscle spasms can be counted as a cause for the muscle to get constricted and cause pain.
• Another factor that doctors have been able to identify is the deposition of proteins within tissues.
• Weightlifters and people who are into intense workouts are vulnerable to developing this problem.

Treatment for Muscle Knots:

The following techniques can help alleviate the pain caused by knots.

• Both ice and heat packs are known to be useful to treat muscle knots. But depending on the reason for the knot, one would have to choose between ice and heat techniques. For instance, if the knot is the resultant of an injury, ice should be used and if it is only a tightened muscle, heat should be used.
• Massaging is another e way in which the knots can be treated. But unfortunately, most people experience knots either in the shoulder or the neck region making it difficult for themselves to massage the region. Seeing a masseuse would help or else one can stand under a hot shower and use a massaging pillow.
• Topical creams can provide some temporary relief.
• See a doctor if the pain caused by the
  

  muscle knots

  does not reduce as he/she can prescribe a few non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ultrasound treatment and electric stimulation may also be suggested by a doctor.