Muscle Knots

What is a muscle knot? It is a common term to describe an area that hurts and feels like a lump or bump. Muscle knots may also be called trigger points, myofascial trigger points, palpable nodules, or knots.

So, what are muscle knots? The answer is debatable; if they exist and are as common as massage therapists claim, they likely involve sarcomeres becoming stuck in a contracted state. Ultimately, at the core of what people refer to as muscle knots are areas of the body that are experiencing pain.

I Will Never Say You Have A Knot

When working with my clients, I NEVER tell them they have a knot. If they inform me of one, I will listen, but I will never confirm the presence of a knot. This is why,

Our bodies are asymmetrical. A cursory glance at our bodies will reveal that both sides are not identical. Just because one side is different, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
I could be wrong. Just because I feel something, it doesn’t mean it is there. What if I misremember how a muscle feels or where it is located? What if I were experiencing palpatory pareidolia? Pareidolia is when we see or experience things that aren’t actually present.
I want to uplift my clients, not tear them down. Every day, the world wants to tear us down and make us feel negatively about our bodies; I want to inspire you to live your best life, not contribute to your strife.

Pressing On “Knots” Can Lead To Persistent Pain

If I tell you that you have a knot, later, when you are hurting, you are going to say, “If I could only get rid of this knot, all of my pain would go away.”

Then you will press on that area over and over, each time creating pain. Eventually, your brain will identify a pattern of pain and cause more pain to protect you.

Your brain is saying, “Stop hurting yourself, or I am going to hurt you until you stop hurting yourself!”

Most Knots Are Not Knots

Just because you feel a bump or lump, it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong. Most people don’t know how the body is supposed to feel when they touch it, even their own.

If you feel something that seems off, it doesn’t mean that it is. There could be many reasons why one side is different from the other. One muscle could be thicker or stronger than the one on the other side. The area that feels like a knot could be a thin sheet of muscle over a bony landmark. It might hurt because you are creating a vice that is crushing the muscle between your finger and the bone.

If there is actually a bump that concerns you, go see a doctor to have it checked out instead of trying to squish it.

The BPS Pain Model

Massage therapists who hunt for palpable knots unknowingly ascribe to the biomedical model of pain. This is the belief that pain solely arises from tissue damage.

As holistic practitioners, we should be operating from the biopsychosocial model of pain. The BPS model posits that pain may be a byproduct of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

While I might not use the term “knot” to describe what I feel when massaging you, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it to describe how something feels.

When someone describes the sensation of a knot, it helps me decipher what your body is asking for to feel better.

Schedule A Massage

What many people call muscle knots is often increased tension and protective sensitivity, not something that needs to be forced to release. Pain management massage works with these patterns by providing clear, carefully paced sensory input that helps the area feel safer and less guarded.

If you would like to explore how this approach may apply to your situation, you can learn more about pain management massage.

Disclaimer

Information provided on this website, including educational materials, pain neuroscience explanations, treatment suggestions, and any other content shared during sessions, classes, or coaching, is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

You should always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you receive here.

Jennifer Brand Spa

Pain Management at 2717 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368