What Are Muscle Knots—and Why Do We Get Them?

We’ve all felt them—that tender, tight spot in your back, neck, or shoulders that just won’t seem to let go. People often describe them as “knots” in their muscles. But what exactly are they?

So, What Is a Muscle Knot?

A “muscle knot” isn’t a literal knot (your muscles don’t tie themselves in loops!), but it feels like one because of tension and tightness in the muscle fibers. These areas, known as myofascial trigger points, are small sections of muscle that have contracted and stayed that way—like they’ve forgotten how to relax.

They can feel sore, achy, tight, or even cause pain in nearby areas (what we call referred pain).

Why Do Knots Happen?

Muscle knots can form for a variety of reasons, including:

• Poor posture (hello, desk life 👩‍💻)

• Stress and tension

• Overuse or repetitive movement

• Lack of movement or stretching

• Dehydration or poor circulation

Even something as simple as sitting in one position too long or carrying a heavy bag can trigger a knot.

How Massage Helps

Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat muscle knots. It works by:

• Increasing blood flow to the area

• Helping the muscle relax and “release”

• Breaking up adhesions in the fascia (the connective tissue around muscles)

• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce overall tension

I often use Swedish massage techniques to gently ease out the tension, improve circulation, and help your body let go of that tight, uncomfortable holding pattern.

What You Can Do Between Massages

To keep those knots at bay between treatments:

• Stay hydrated

• Stretch regularly (gentle yoga is great for this)

• Move your body throughout the day

• Breathe deeply—stress can tighten muscles more than we realise

Final Thought

If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn knot or ongoing muscle tension, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to just live with it. Whether it’s from stress, posture, or just life catching up with you, a focused massage can make a real difference.

Your body knows how to heal—it just needs the right support.