Why That Tight Spot Always Comes Back — and What You're Likely Missing

If you’ve ever experienced that frustrating tight spot — the one that seems to ease after a massage or a stretch but stubbornly returns soon after — you’re not alone. It’s a common story for many people I work with here in Barnstaple. You get relief, sometimes even great relief, but then that nagging tension or discomfort creeps back in.

So why does this happen? And what might we be missing?

Let’s break it down in simple terms and explore how understanding this can help you find longer-lasting relief

What Is That Tight Spot, Really?

First off, what we call a “tight spot” is often more than just a muscle that’s short or tense. When you get a massage, it’s easy to think the goal is just to knead out knots or loosen stiff muscles. While that helps, it’s only part of the story.

Those tight areas usually develop because your body is trying to protect itself. It’s a response to:

• Overuse or repetitive movements (think running, cycling, typing)

• Muscle imbalances or poor posture

• Previous injuries or strain

• Stress and tension held in the body

In other words, that tightness is often a symptom, not the root cause.

Why It Keeps Coming Back

Here’s the key: If you only treat the symptom — the tightness itself — without addressing the underlying causes, the tight spot will likely return.

For example, say you have tightness in your upper back. You come for a sports massage, and I work on that area, releasing tension and improving blood flow. You feel better for a while, but a week later it’s back.

What might be happening is:

• Other muscles are compensating for a weaker or inhibited area, causing extra strain

• Your posture at work or home is reinforcing the tension

• You’re not moving enough in ways that promote mobility and balance

• Stress is keeping your nervous system in a heightened state, causing muscle guarding

If these factors aren’t addressed, the tight spot becomes a recurring issue.

What We’re Likely Missing

This is where a tailored approach makes a big difference.

1. Movement Patterns Matter
During treatment, I don’t just focus on the tight spot itself. I assess how you move — how you sit, stand, walk, and train. Sometimes a weak muscle or limited joint mobility somewhere else is forcing your body into a pattern that overworks the tight area.

2. Nervous System Involvement
Muscle tightness isn’t just physical — your nervous system plays a huge role. Stress, anxiety, or even poor sleep can keep muscles tense long after the physical cause is gone. Learning to relax and reset your nervous system can be as important as the massage itself.

3. Recovery and Lifestyle
Massage is a fantastic tool, but it works best alongside good recovery habits. This includes hydration, sleep, gentle movement, and even nutrition. Together, these support your body’s ability to repair and maintain muscle health.

What You Can Do To Help

Here are a few practical tips I share with my clients that can help keep tight spots at bay between sessions:

• Incorporate gentle mobility exercises and stretches targeted to your needs

• Be mindful of your posture throughout the day — small changes can make a big difference

• Practice breathing techniques or mindfulness to calm the nervous system

• Stay hydrated and get good quality sleep to support muscle recovery

• Use self-massage tools like foam rollers or massage balls, but avoid overdoing it

If you’re unsure what’s best for your specific tight spots, I’m always happy to guide you during your massage or suggest a simple home routine.

How Sports Massage Helps Beyond Immediate Relief

When you book a session with me at Chris Colwill Sports Therapy in Barnstaple, it’s not just about loosening muscles for a moment. I take a holistic view — looking at your whole body and movement patterns to address the root causes.

Massage helps by:

• Improving circulation to speed up recovery

• Releasing muscle tension and breaking up adhesions

• Encouraging better muscle function and flexibility

• Resetting the nervous system to reduce muscle guarding

That’s why regular sessions, combined with the right lifestyle habits, can help you finally keep those tight spots from making unwelcome comebacks.

Ready to Break Free from Recurring Tightness?

If you’re tired of the cycle — the tightness, relief, then return — and want to find a longer-term solution, I’m here to help. Whether you’re an athlete, office worker, or somewhere in between, we can work together to keep your body moving freely and feeling great.

Feel free to get in touch or book a session here — let’s tackle those stubborn tight spots for good.

Chris
Chris Colwill Sports Therapy, Roundswell, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 3XA