Why Are My Shoulders so Tense? 7 Ways to Treat Muscle Tension With Functional Medicine

7 Ways to Treat Muscle Tension With Functional Medicine

Tired of the aches and pains of muscle tension? Click here to learn your treatment options.

Many people don’t realize that physical aches and pains are actually caused by the stress we take on every day. In fact, 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. These physical symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Upset stomachs

30% of people even site muscle tension as an issue.

Instead of popping pills to treat your aches and pains, why not treat the underlying issue instead? With these seven ways to treat muscle tension using functional medicine, you can avoid pills and heal your body naturally.

Ready to unwind and relax? Try these seven treatment options today to treat tense muscles and unrelenting pains!

1. Massage Therapy

Who doesn’t love a relaxing deep tissue massage? Massage therapy has existed as one of the preferred muscle tension treatments around the world for centuries.

Massages treat muscle tension by addressing the muscle tissue directly. A massage therapist will help your muscle release its contraction, which will then ease the muscle tension. As a result, massage therapy is able to help treat stiff and sore muscles.

There are plenty of massages you can choose from, too. Both deep-tissue massages and Swedish massages can treat tense muscles, tension headaches, and neck stiffness. While Swedish massages involve a gentle touch, deep-tissue massages are more effective for deeper muscle tension.

You can speak to a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist for a local recommendation.

2. Take Up Yoga

Yoga is also effective in treating muscle tension throughout the body. In addition to easing tension, yoga also helps relieve stress, which is sometimes the root cause of your pain.

Practicing yoga consistently can help you learn how to face daily stresses with positivity.

Yoga can also help you control your breathing and improve your posture.

3. Soak Up

After a yoga session, soak up in a warm bath or your gym’s whirlpool tub.

The hot water will help your muscle fibers loosen and relax. Try adding Epsom salts to your bath as well, which can lessen the lactic acid building up in your muscle fibers.

However, it’s important you don’t soak for too long. You might dehydrate yourself, which can cause dizziness.

4. Relaxation Techniques

Mental stress can add to physical pain throughout the entire body. By using relaxation exercises to calm the mind, you can reduce the amount of stress hormones coursing through your blood.

Then, you can relax your muscles and improve your body’s overall sense of well-being.

There are a number of relaxation techniques you can choose from. Try a few and see what works best to relax you.

To start, focus on your breathing by:

• Taking a deep breath, expanding your abdomen like a balloon filling with air
• Inhaling to the count of four and holding for four seconds
• Exhaling to the count of four and holding for four seconds

Repeat these steps 10 times to relax the body and mind. In addition to relieving mental tension, the foursquare breathing technique can treat tense muscles and shoulders as well.

You can also try guided imagery. Again, focus on your breathing. Then, imagine a relaxing scene where you feel safe and relaxed.

During this exercise, explore your scenes. Immerse yourself in the moment. You can try this relaxation technique five to 10 minutes each day.

Self-talk can also help relieve tense muscles by changing how you perceive pain. Instead of thinking about the shortcomings you experience while you’re in pain, flip the script. Remind yourself you’re not perfect and that your pain can’t control your life.

Hypnosis and mindful meditation can also help you relax. During a meditation session, take notice of your pain or thoughts, then shift your focus to your breathing. Try this for 20 minutes each day.

Additional relaxation techniques to naturally treat muscle tension include music, gardening, or talking with a friend.

5. Sleep Hygiene

A lack of sleep can also contribute to your muscle tension.

To improve your sleep hygiene, start by establishing a schedule. Improve your natural Circadian sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each morning and night.

Remove electronics such as a TV and phone from the bedroom. Instead, read a book before bed.

Improving your sleep hygiene can help you relax. As a result, you can recharge your body and naturally treat muscle tension.

6. Stretch & Exercise

Physical activity can also strengthen your body. If you have chronic pain, make sure to adjust your exercise program so it suits your abilities. Don’t strain yourself.

Instead, start with a warm-up. Stretching can help you work your muscles without strength training, so you can avoid potential injury.

Try to get in 30 minutes of exercise every day. You can also use low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming, to strengthen your body while easing your pain.

Make sure to take breaks as needed and stay hydrated, too!

7. Aromatherapy

Certain smells can help relax our bodies from the inside, out. Whether you’re stressed or want to treat muscle tension, aromatherapy can help.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from varying herbs and plants. These oils are then used along with massage therapy or added to a compress. You can even mix some of the essential oils in your bath water for a soothing hydrotherapy treatment.

While there are hundreds of essential oils to choose from, the ones commonly used to treat tense muscles include:

• Ginger
• Helichrysum
• Peppermint
• Marjoram
• Thyme

Try applying these oils to your pulse points. The next time you experience spasms, inflammation, or muscle tension, use one of these essential oils to soothe your pain.

Herbal Medicine

The same herbs used for essential oils can also help relieve your muscle pain.

Herbal medicine uses herbs such as arnica, ginger, and comfrey to treat muscle tension. You can use these herbs in topical form or take supplements to help ease your pain away.

7 Ways to Treat Muscle Tension with Functional Medicine

Say goodbye to sore muscles and hello to overall wellness. With these seven functional medicine tips, you can treat muscle tension and get back to living pain-free.

Get started on the path to wellness. Request a free consultation from our offices today!