Post by: @BroganSamuelWilliams
So, your muscles are tight? Perceived muscle “tightness” can often be identified as a dysfunctional, over active, “tight” muscle (origin point closer to insertion point), aka becoming “tight”. The appropriate approach in this situation would be to relieve this tight structure (static & dynamic stretching, soft tissue mobilisation, massage, ART & adjustments etc.) (Kim JH, et al., 2015) However, we cannot only stretch the “tight structure” without locating a solution to the cause. Sometimes this tightness is caused due to compensation from trauma, poor posture, bad movement habits, lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle. (Heneghan NR, et al., 2017). Sometimes the very “tightness” you perceive is not a “short & tight” muscle, as explained above (origin/insertion points closer together) BUT is a “long & tense” muscle, sometimes equally being perceived vaguely as “tight”. (Missaghi, 2004) You see, we have proprioceptors & mechanoreceptors throughout our musculoskeletal system that are responsible for detecting any alteration of movement, tightness, stretch or tension. (Purves D, et al., 2001). These receptors (Golgi Tendon Organ/Muscle Spindles), transmit information via afferent fibres to the brain and inform us when we feel “tight”. Often our bodies will create various compensations along the way, leaving us with “tense” and “weak” muscles. “Tension” is often described as a pulling force, and what better way to describe a compensating stretched, elongated, weak muscle. So, often times when a muscle is “long and tense” it’s also weak and dysfunctional, meaning that any further stretching or muscle release techniques will likely accentuate the issue. We need to strengthen the weak structure to restore proper function to the area. The key is to identify with your coach or practitioner whether you are tight OR tense, then make a plan to release the tight structures and strengthen the weak structures to get YOU moving at your best. So...next time you feel “tight”, take a moment to think... am I short & tight? or long and tense?
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