How Stress Affects Your Muscles (and How Soft Tissue Therapy Can Help)

We all know what it feels like to be stressed the racing thoughts, the tight chest, the feeling that you can’t switch off. But what a lot of people don’t realise is how much stress affects the body, not just the mind.

That stiffness in your shoulders or tension in your jaw after a busy week? That’s stress showing up in your muscles.

What Stress Does to Your Body

When you’re under stress, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. It releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your body for action. The problem is, most modern stress doesn’t involve actual danger. You’re not running from a tiger, you’re just trying to get through a workday.

But your body doesn’t know the difference. Your muscles stay tense, your breathing gets shallow, and your posture often changes without you realising.

Over time, that can lead to:

• Tight shoulders and neck pain

• Headaches

• Jaw tension (especially if you clench your teeth)

• Lower back pain

  
  

How to Ease the Effects of Stress

Below I've listed a few simple ways of which can help ease the effects of stress;

1. Move More

Exercise is one of the best ways to release tension and clear your head. Even a walk or some gentle stretching helps.

2. Breathe Deeply

Taking slow, deep breaths can switch your body out of “stress mode” and help muscles relax.

3. Take Short Breaks

Step away from your desk, phone, or emails for a few minutes when things start to feel overwhelming.

4. Try Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy helps calm the nervous system and release the physical tension that builds up during stressful periods. Many people find it’s not just good for the body, but also helps them switch off mentally and feel more balanced.

Final Thoughts

Stress is part of life, but constant tension doesn’t have to be. Paying attention to how your body feels, and giving it the care it needs can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.