Flexibility is an important physical attribute that can make you feel healthier and more athletic while preventing pain and injuries. If you feel like your muscles are tense or tight, you might try loosening them up with stretching. Even though this kind of tightness, also known as mechanical tightness, is actually quite common, there are many other forms of this issue to consider.

Neurological tightness is another type of tightness that can occur. If you are trying to loosen your muscles and body, you should consult with a stretch practitioner to know more about whether your limited flexibility has a neurological cause.

Explanation of Neurological Tightness

If the muscles have become too contracted and have to be extended, then this is mechanical tightness. This is something people experience after exercising and overworking their muscles or muscle groups. To alleviate the tightness, try implementing a regular stretching routine.

Conversely, neurological tightness happens when muscles have been overstretched. The brain sends signals that cause the muscle to contract when overstretching is suspected. You can receive a thorough exam from a stretch practitioner to find out what kind of tightness you're dealing with.

Options In Care

Mechanical tightness can be alleviate with stretching and massage therapies but neurological tightness requires alternative forms of care. With this kind of tightness, you will have to be examined carefully by your provider to determine the actual source of the problem. This usually occurs when the nerves have been stretched. There are a number of options in therapy that can be used to alleviate pain and massage the nerves.

Continued Assistance

While the nerve care will be helpful, the stretch practitioner will also be able to provide you with ongoing support. This will likely require you to continue to go to therapy for a period of time. However, they will also be able to provide tips to help you to avoid the issue from recurring.