According to Dr. Rivi, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pain Management Expert serving the Upper East Side of Manhattan, muscle tightness occurs when muscles contract and remain contracted for an extended period. Muscle stress and tightness have the potential to disrupt your daily or regular routine as it can -

• Reduce joints’ range of motion.
• Create intermittent or chronic pain.
• Make it more challenging to move.
   

Causes of Muscle Stress or Tension

Muscle tightness may be caused by poor posture (i.e., slouching or hunching over a laptop), waking up after sleeping in an awkward position overnight, or even cold temperatures, which may cause muscles to contract. Other potentials include-

• Engaging in strenuous physical activity without appropriate rest, conditioning, or warm-ups can cause microscopic muscle fiber tears, which may cause swelling and discomfort.
• Physical injury (e.g., strain or sprain) can cause tension as the body tries to protect the injured region.  
• Emotional stress, defined as anxiety, excessive worry, or elevated tension, can manifest physically in the body through the release of flight-or-fight hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, etc.), which are the body’s natural response to danger.
• Prolonged periods of inactivity and sitting for hours at a desk may cause your muscles to weaken and grow stiff.
• Not drinking sufficient water can create muscle tightness and tension because hydration is vital for muscles to function properly.  A lack of essential nutrients (e.g., potassium, magnesium, etc.) can also contribute.
• Medical Conditions - fibromyalgia, arthritis, or muscle disorders can manifest symptomatically as chronic muscle tension and pain.
   

How Can Dr. Rivi Help?

Dr. Rivi is trained to help restore your physical abilities while assisting you in reducing or eliminating symptoms. The techniques and specialized exercises provided are sourced from a comprehensive and extensive network of therapeutic theoretical frameworks that help manage pain and joint motion. 

Dr. Rivi’s objective is to allow you to regain your range of motion and function while supporting your body’s natural healing capacity, using these multi-faceted approaches to health and inner peace -

• A body-mind-focused approach
• Soft tissue and joint mobilization through gentle stretching
• Yoga/ Pilates techniques
• Posture re-education and gait training to prevent future issues
• Dance/movement therapy
• Meditation/guided imagery
   

Contact a Leading Manhattan Physical Therapist for Joint Motion/Pain Relief

For more information, contact Dr. Rivi or a professional staff member at our Upper East Side location at 212-486-3070 by email or online.