Most Asked Question This Week: What is a 'knot'?
- kerrysbaxter
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 29
Understanding Muscle and Fascial Knots — How Massage Can Help.
SO, What Is a “Knot”?
When people talk about “knots” in their body, they’re usually referring to tight, sensitive areas in muscle or connective tissue (called fascia). These knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, can feel like small lumps or bands under the skin and are often painful to the touch. They may also refer pain to other parts of the body.
What Causes Knots?
In Muscles:
Overuse or repetitive strain (e.g., long hours at a desk, lifting, or poor posture)
Stress and tension, which cause muscles to contract and stay tight
Inactivity, especially when muscles are held in one position for too long
Lack of stretching or hydration
In Fascia:
Fascia is the web-like connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, bones, and organs. It should move smoothly, but it can become tight, sticky, or restricted, forming knots due to:
Sedentary lifestyle or repetitive movements
Injury or trauma, leading to scar tissue
Dehydration, which causes fascia to dry out and lose flexibility
Chronic stress, which causes fascia to tighten and hold patterns of tension
How Massage Helps Release Knots
Massage therapy is a highly effective way to reduce both muscular and fascial knots. We use massage every day at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage to treat back, shoulder, neck and limb pain.
Massage at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage works by:
Improving circulation: Brings oxygen and nutrients to the affected area and removes waste.
Releasing muscle tension: Manual pressure helps relax the tight fibres.
Breaking up adhesions in fascia: Specific techniques can soften and stretch restricted connective tissue.
Encouraging hydration: Massage draws fluid into the fascia to restore its glide and elasticity.
Stimulating the nervous system: Promotes deep relaxation and reduces stress-related tension.
How Kerry, Kate, and Lucy Help at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage
At Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage, Kerry, Kate, and Lucy use a range of therapeutic massage techniques tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you're experiencing sharp muscle pain or dull, widespread fascial tension, they have the tools and experience to help relieve discomfort.
As massage and reflexologist therapists, we specialise in deep tissue massage and myofascial release, working deeply and slowly to break down stubborn knots and release chronic tension. We also focus on trigger point therapy, applying targeted pressure to deactivate trigger points and reduce referred pain, as well as addressing fascial tension in broader areas.
Our ethos at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage is to work holistically, and we use Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, Indian head massage, hot stone massage and reflexology to help relax the nervous system and improve overall circulation. Reflexology, in particular, supports body-wide relaxation and can indirectly influence fascial and muscular health.
In Summary
Muscle and fascial knots can cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Left untreated, they can worsen over time. At Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage, Kerry, Kate, and Lucy provide expert, compassionate care using massage techniques that target both muscle tissue and fascia—helping you feel more relaxed, mobile, and, hopefully, pain-free.
If you'd like to book a therapeutic and clinical massage in Cheltenham, to help with your aches and pains you can book by clicking the button or call us on
01242 255440.
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