5 Everyday Habits That Cause Muscle Tension (and How to Fix Them)

Muscle tension isn’t just something athletes or gym-goers deal with. Most of us carry it around every day without even realising it. That nagging tightness in your shoulders, the stiff neck, or the dull ache in your lower back often comes from little habits we repeat day in, day out.

The good news? Once you know what’s causing the problem, it’s much easier to do something about it.

Sitting for Too Long

Our bodies aren’t designed to sit for hours on end, but modern life pretty much forces us into it. Whether it’s at a desk, in the car, or on the sofa, long periods of sitting tighten up the hips and back and leave the shoulders rounded forward.

Fix: Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around. Even a couple of minutes every half hour can stop things from seizing up.

Poor Posture

Slouching over your phone or laptop doesn’t feel like much at the time, but it slowly puts a lot of strain on your muscles — especially in the neck and upper back.

Fix: Think about stacking your ears over your shoulders when sitting or standing. It might feel odd at first, but your body will thank you.

Carrying Heavy Bags

That big shoulder bag or rucksack you drag around every day? It can easily throw your body off balance, making certain muscles work harder than they should.

Fix: Travel lighter where you can, or swap sides regularly so one shoulder isn’t taking all the load.

Stress

We often forget how much stress affects the body. When you’re tense or anxious, your muscles tighten without you even noticing — especially around the shoulders and jaw.

Fix: Breathing exercises, stretching, or even just stepping away from a stressful situation for five minutes can make a big difference.

Not Enough Movement

Even if you don’t sit at a desk all day, a generally inactive lifestyle leads to stiff, tight muscles. Movement is what keeps them healthy.

You don’t need hours in the gym — walking, light exercise, or even just taking the stairs instead of the lift all help keep things moving.

How Soft Tissue Therapy Can Help

Sometimes tension builds up to the point where stretching and moving on your own isn’t enough. Soft tissue therapy can help release tight areas, restore mobility, and prevent those everyday habits from turning into long-term problems.

If muscle tension is holding you back, book a session and let’s get you feeling more comfortable again