Do you have tired, sore, tight muscles?

Tired, sore, tight muscles may make it difficult to move and hence interrupt a person’s daily life.   Muscle fatigue is a symptom that makes it more difficult for a person to move as they usually would. It may involve a dull ache in the muscles.

Common causes of muscle fatigue are:

  • Exercise
  • Dancing
  • Gardening
  • Other physical activities
  • Pregnancy
  • Ageing
  • Underlying medical condition, e.g. Addisons, fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus, flu etc
What is the best way to promote muscle recovery?
  1. Take a sufficiently long break (24 to 72 hours, depending on your training and fitness level)
  2. Get enough sleep.
  3. Drink plenty of fluids.
  4. Eat a meal with high-quality proteins and carbohydrates after your workout.
If muscle fatigue is getting you down, then why not consider a massage which may help reduce muscular aches and tensions.

 

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