Stress and overload often result in stiff, tense muscles in the neck, back, shoulders and jaw. When the level of stress are chronic, and the muscle tension becomes more or less constant, it becomes increasingly more difficult to relax. This chronic muscle tension and stress can often result in a range of conditions including headache, jaw pain, ‘mouse arm’ and back ache.

Physical therapy

Physical problems and injuries should be assessed and treated by physiotherapist.

Training/exercise

A physical problem or injury may indicate that there is weakness in that area. As soon as you are able, based on the recommendation of a physiotherapist, you should commence exercises to treat the injury and to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Vicious cycle

On the road to burn-out, several factors combine in a vicious cycle:

• stress, overload and reduction of energy leads to tense muscles
• tense muscles make it difficult to relax, and can impair sleep quality
• without good quality sleep, energy levels drop and fatigue sets in
• tiredness and lower energy lead to increased muscular tension
• and it gets more difficult to relax and even more energy is consumed…

If this pattern continues uninterrupted, then the downwards spiral towards burn-out will also continue.  There are several strategies that may be undertaken to break the cycle. For best possible effect, a combination of all these strategies is recommended.

• sick leave or reduced workload to lower stress and overload
• acupuncture to increase energy levels
• take steps to improve the quality of sleep
• massage to loosen tense muscles (this also has a positive effect on energy levels)

Blood flow and energy

Massage leads to improved circulation of the blood. Good blood flow and lowered muscular tension are essential to regenerate energy.

"Locked” muscles “eat” energy

Massage is good for physical injuries and problems that “eat” energy; for example in the condition known as binocular vision. In binocular vision the eye muscles can “lock” or get stiff when you use them. The amount of strain that the muscles can tolerate before they “close up” is an indication of the seriousness of the problem. Locked muscles are very exhausting for the body, and therefore massage and training can be essential for restoring energy and recovering from burn-out.

Evening massage and heat

Gentle massage in the evening can help you relax and improve the quality of sleep. The use of either a massage machine/appliance or a hot-pack can help if you have tense muscles.