When you have muscle stiffness, especially after rest, your muscles feel tight, and moving about is harder than usual. Muscle aches, cramps, and discomfort are some potential side effects. Muscle stiffness and rigidity are not the same as this. When you experience these two sensations, your muscles remain rigid even when you are not moving. It normally takes time for muscle stiffness to go gone. Regular exercise and stretching could provide some relief. Sometimes, especially if other symptoms are present, muscle stiffness can be a sign of something more serious. In addition to pain, cramping, and discomfort, stiff muscles might also occur.

What causes muscle stiffness

Exercise or any form of strenuous physical work is a common reason for muscle stiffness.

Frequently, stiffness might develop after beginning a new fitness program or routine or after upping the duration and intensity of an existing one.

Because of the additional work that must be done as a result, the muscle fibers suffer microscopic injury, which manifests as stiffness or discomfort. Delayed onset muscle soreness is a term that is occasionally used to describe this kind of damage (DOMS).

Ways to treat muscles stiffness

• Stretching

Stretching can be crucial for releasing muscle stiffness, but it’s advised to do it slowly and statically toward the end of an activity. Stretching that is done and held for a predetermined amount of time is known as static stretching. Holding a stretch will short-term impair muscle strength while improving muscle length. Injury may result from the stretched muscle losing some of its power if high-intensity exercises are performed after static stretching.

• Foam Rolling

The foam roll is used for self-massage and may be applied to nearly all muscle groups, but it is most frequently employed on the muscles in the lower body. Many athletes employ the self-massage practice of foam rolling after a workout. It facilitates muscle stretching and massage. This style of self-massage can assist in releasing trigger points that are difficult to reach or in releasing tight muscles. Any muscle can benefit from using a foam roller, however, the quadriceps, gluteal muscles, IT band, hamstrings, and calves are the most common. This kind of massage can aid in the healing of muscles following a strenuous weightlifting workout, a long run, or just regular tightness.

• Strengthening

As was already mentioned, muscle weakening can cause a sensation of “tightness” in a muscle. Tight muscles can be improved by increasing muscular balance and strength. You could attain muscular balance and lessen stiffness in a particular muscle by strengthening the surrounding muscles and the affected muscle.

• Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins from your body and prevent dehydration, which can make muscle soreness even more painful. While there is no consensus on how much water you should drink, somewhere around 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water per day is a good starting point.

Reach out to a physical therapist

As always, if your muscles begin to pain when you’re exercising, pay attention to your body. You should also ease into new hobbies to prevent muscle injuries. Do not be reluctant to contact one of our physical therapy clinics to arrange a free consultation with one of our therapists if the pain continues. We’ll conduct a consultation, address any queries or worries, and offer suggestions for care to relieve your tense muscles.