It’s one thing if you feel sore after a tough workout. But did you know that many Americans often experience neck, back, and muscle pain from a much less strenuous activity?
Surprisingly, sitting is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal soreness. Chronic back pain — the most common cause of job-related disability — can stem from poor posture while sitting and standing.[1] Add in stress, repetitive movements, or even the demands of everyday life, and it’s no wonder your muscles feel tight.
No matter where your soreness comes from, you deserve real relief. That’s where a relaxing massage can make all the difference. By easing muscle tension and supporting overall wellness, massage therapy can be a proactive step toward feeling your best.
Let’s dive into why muscles tighten up in the first place — and how regular massage to relax muscles can help loosen things up.
Why muscles get tight
Moving and stretching are key to keeping muscles happy, but modern life isn’t always kind to our bodies. Hours spent sitting at a desk, glued to our phone, or rushing through a hectic day can leave muscles feeling stiff and sore. Here are some of the top culprits behind muscle discomfort:
Poor posture and sedentary habits
When you spend hours hunched over a laptop or slouched on the couch, your muscles pay the price. Poor posture can cause certain muscle groups to shorten while others weaken from lack of use. Over time, this imbalance leads to tightness and discomfort. And if you're sitting most of the day, those hip flexors, neck, and shoulders are prime targets for tension.[2]
Overuse or repetitive movements
On the flip side, maybe you're constantly on the go. If you're training for a marathon or working a physically demanding job, repetitive movements can overwork specific muscles. This can lead to micro-tears, inflammation, and a buildup of lactic acid — all of which can contribute to that stiff, sore feeling.[3]
Stress and cortisol levels
It's no secret that stress can take a toll on your body. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol — a hormone linked to increased muscle tension.[4] If you tend to feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, those stress-induced knots aren't going to loosen up on their own.
Body mechanics at play
Muscle tension isn't only about what you do — it's also about how your body responds. Tightness can stem from how your muscle fibers contract and relax, how fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) holds tension, and how lactic acid builds up after physical exertion. It all works together to create that familiar "tight" sensation that can leave you feeling stiff and achy.
How massage helps
The good news is that massage can be a true game-changer for tight, overworked muscles. Not only does it relax and reset the body, but it can actually help boost your recovery and ease everyday pain. Massage benefits include its ability to:
No matter if you’re experiencing an everyday ache or lingering tension from that last workout, routine massage personalized to your needs can help keep your muscles moving and feeling their best.
Says Kevin Ramsey, Body Care Innovation Manager at Massage Envy Franchising, “Therapists use a wide range of modalities, techniques, and movements to address tightness, ease soreness, and help the body restore balance. Few professions offer such a personalized way to support muscle health, making massage an essential part of every body’s well-being.”
The right approach for muscle tension
Massage Envy franchised locations offer massage services designed to address your unique goals. Whether you’re seeking general relaxation, or targeted relief from everyday aches and pains, therapists may utilize a variety of modalities such as these to target your specific concerns and deliver the results you want:
Swedish massage
Swedish massage, one of the most popular and well-known modalities in many countries, is a gentle service that utilizes a variety of techniques to promote relaxation. Its long, flowing strokes and adaptable nature make it an excellent choice for those new to massage or anyone seeking to help reduce muscle tension and enhance overall relaxation.
Deep tissue massage
For those dealing with deeply rooted muscle tension, deep tissue massage is a standout choice. This technique involves slow, firm pressure targeting the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia — the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, and joints. By incorporating more targeted pressure than a Swedish Massage, , deep tissue massage can help ease tension and alleviate discomfort.
Sports massage
Designed with athletes and active individuals in mind, sports massage can help improve flexibility and assist in athletic performance. This modality combines various techniques to address specific muscle groups used during physical activities, and can be intuitively paired with stretch, making it ideal for those who partake in repetitive athletic activities.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release applies pressure to release tightness in the fascia, the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, and joints. This technique can help alleviate everyday pain and improve mobility, especially in individuals experiencing muscle tension or conditions like bursitis.
Trigger point
If you've ever felt a "knot" in your muscle, trigger point might be the solution. This method focuses on identifying and releasing specific tight spots within the muscle fibers that can cause pain elsewhere in the body. Through applying targeted pressure and release techniques, therapists can help alleviate these points of tension, leading to significant relief.
Rapid Tension Relief
Looking to boost your muscle relief with the latest in technological innovation? Rapid Tension Relief utilizes a percussive massage device to help target muscle tension and soreness. Highly customizable and advanced at providing focused relief for precisely the areas that need it most, this service leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Hot stone massage
Hot stone massage — including the Hot Stone Envy, Hot Stone Featuring thermabliss, or Himalayan Salt Stone enhancements — involves the use of heated stones combined with massage to warm and relax muscles. This allows your massage therapist to work relaxed muscle tissue, which can help reduce everyday pain, and tension while temporarily increasing blood flow that nourishes muscles.
Tip: Many of these massage modalities can be complemented with stretch services to help further enhance relaxation, relief, flexibility, and range of motion.
Why consistency matters
A single massage to relax can feel like pure bliss, but your muscles don’t get a break from the demands of daily life. To keep tension from creeping back in, make a long-term investment in your well-being through routine massage.
Seeing a massage therapist regularly can help alleviate issues — like tension, stiffness, and stress — before they snowball into more severe pain and mobility problems. When you see a massage therapist consistently, they can even fine-tune techniques to your body’s needs as they evolve. The benefits of relaxing massage include helping you manage routine stress, fatigue, and enhancing your well-being over time.
The science shows that massage therapy can help you relax and boost your mood.[9] Prioritize feeling your best by making massage a regular part of your wellness routine. Book your next session at your nearest Massage Envy franchised location today.