Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Relieve Muscle Tightness?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There is an abundance of muscle in the human body, and it’s only natural for some of the muscles to feel tight from time to time. Some people notice muscle tightness after physical activity. However, it can even affect those who sit behind a desk all day, and psychological stress may contribute to it as well.

One way of relieving tight muscles is by stretching. For example, a person may notice that his leg muscles feel tight after sitting for a long period of time. He may do hamstring, quadricep, and calf stretches to not only relieve tightness, but also to increase his flexibility and range of motion. Doing leg stretches and keeping the leg muscles in good shape can even help to prevent back injuries. Stretching can help to relieve tight, achy muscles in not only the legs, but also in the rest of the body.

Epsom salts can help with muscle tightness.
Epsom salts can help with muscle tightness.

Massage therapy is another treatment for muscle tightness. Massages can help to relax tired, tight, achy muscles. A person may go to a professional massage therapist for a tightness-relieving massage, or he may ask a friend or family member to do it for him. There are many books and videos available that teach different types of massage techniques. As an added bonus, a person may also enjoy stress relief as a direct result of massage therapy.

A massage can often help relieve tight muscles.
A massage can often help relieve tight muscles.

Some people swear by a soak in a warm bathtub for relieving muscle tightness. Soaking in warm water may provide some relief from the achiness of tight muscles. Like massage, soaking in a tub of warm water can also be a good way to relieve stress. Many people like to add something to the water, such as Epsom salts. Relaxing in a Jacuzzi® can be good for relaxing tight, tired muscles as well.

A cold compress may offer relief for pain.
A cold compress may offer relief for pain.

Often, tight muscles are accompanied by mild to moderate pain, which can be treated with over-the-counter medications. For example, a person may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain caused my muscle tightness. Tight, strained muscles may also benefit from rest and cold compresses. This method involves resting the strained muscle and applying ice wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes at a time, leaving the ice off the area for a minimum of 20 minutes after each application. In lieu of ice, a person may use a specially designed cold pack or even a bag of frozen vegetables to enjoy the same effect.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon990263

ART or Active Release Techniques is the best method I have been able to find.

anon347510

How much is muscle rub and where do you find it?

cupcake15

SauteePan - I agree that a new mattress can make a difference in the way your body feels and the amount of restful sleep you receive.

I have a problem with neck muscle pain and it is usually due to stress, so what I try to do is go for a jog for about thirty minutes and then I feel great afterwards.

I also stretch before and after I exercise because it will make me less likely to experience any muscle soreness afterward.

SauteePan

SurfNturf- I have tried muscle rub, but I hate the smell.

I also wanted to add that lower back muscle tightness might be attributed to an older mattress.

If a mattress is about ten years old or older it might be time to get a new mattress. That is exactly what happened to me.

I was sleeping on an older mattress and could not understand why I started developing lower back pain.

Then I switched my mattress for a new one I never had a problem again. The older mattress no longer offered the support that the newer mattress had which is why I no longer felt that discomfort with the new mattress.

I bought a Kingsdown mattress that has a twenty year warranty so I hope this one lasts.

surfNturf

Whenever I get muscle pain tightness I usually try to apply some muscle rub. It is an over the counter medication that you apply to the affected area and within a few minutes you start to feel relief.

The medication penetrates deep into the skin and it helps you by applying heat to the area which then numbs the feeling so that you no longer feel any pain.

I use it when I strained my muscles because of weight lifting. It really makes me feel better right away.

I know that this works well for lower back pain too.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Epsom salts can help with muscle tightness.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Epsom salts can help with muscle tightness.
    • A massage can often help relieve tight muscles.
      By: dgmata
      A massage can often help relieve tight muscles.
    • A cold compress may offer relief for pain.
      By: rimglow
      A cold compress may offer relief for pain.
    • Tight muscles may cause chest pain.
      By: ruigsantos
      Tight muscles may cause chest pain.
    • One way of relieving tight muscles is by stretching.
      By: and.one
      One way of relieving tight muscles is by stretching.
    • A person may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain caused by muscle tightness.
      By: Geo Martinez
      A person may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain caused by muscle tightness.
    • A warm-up session before strenuous exercise can help muscles relax.
      By: godfer
      A warm-up session before strenuous exercise can help muscles relax.
    • Relaxing in a hot tub or Jacuzzi® may alleviate muscle tightness and pain.
      By: Karramba Production
      Relaxing in a hot tub or Jacuzzi® may alleviate muscle tightness and pain.
    • Yoga can help relieve muscle tightness.
      By: sanneberg
      Yoga can help relieve muscle tightness.