Your Body Is Talking. Most People Aren’t Listening
Pain Is Rarely Random
Most people believe pain arrives out of nowhere. A stiff neck after sleep. Tight shoulders after a long week. Hips that ache “for no reason.”
But what I see in the clinic at BSPOKR, pain is rarely random.
Your body adapts to the load you place on it. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Muscles respond to repetition, stress hormones, posture, and even unspoken tension. Over time, these adaptations become patterns.
As a remedial massage therapist, I don’t just treat sore spots. I assess patterns.
And patterns tell a story.
The Most Common Stress Holding Patterns I See
1. Shoulder & Upper Back Tension
Often linked to:
- Long hours at a desk
- Driving
- Phone posture (this is a huge one in so many ways)
- Carrying responsibility (yes, emotional load shows up physically)
The upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles tighten under sustained stress. When cortisol stays elevated, muscles remain guarded. This creates chronic stiffness and tension headaches.
2. Jaw Tension & Headaches
Clenching and grinding (bruxism) are strongly associated with nervous system overload. Many clients don’t realise they clench until they come in and tell me their face hurts like it's been through a workout. This is purely because they are clenching their masseter and temporalis muscles.
Jaw restriction is often paired with:
- Poor sleep
- High cognitive load
- Perfectionist tendencies
- Anxiety
Remedial massage techniques targeting the jaw, neck and upper cervical region can significantly reduce tension-based headaches.
3. Hip Tightness & Lower Back Discomfort
Sedentary work, strength imbalance, and emotional guarding frequently present as tight hip flexors and glute inhibition.
When the psoas remains shortened due to prolonged sitting or stress response, it can contribute to:
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic imbalance
- Reduced mobility
Targeted soft tissue therapy combined with strength work restores balance. - If you have seen my posts on instagram about seeing a Physio this will explain a bit more.
Stress Lives in the Nervous System, Not Just the Muscles
Muscles don’t tighten independently. They respond to signals from the nervous system. When you live in a low-grade fight-or-flight state:
- Breathing becomes shallow
- Shoulders elevate
- Jaw tightens
- Recovery slows
Research around nervous system regulation shows that sustained sympathetic dominance increases muscle tone and reduces tissue elasticity. This is why relaxation alone isn’t enough.
Remedial massage works by:
- Reducing protective muscle guarding
- Improving circulation
- Stimulating parasympathetic response
- Supporting tissue repair
It is not indulgence. It is regulation. It should be done regularly and consistent. Book in monthly at a minimum.
Why I Don’t Wait Until I’m in Pain
As a business owner, mother, and someone who strength trains consistently, (when I'm not injured) I treat bodywork as maintenance.
Recovery is scheduled. I prioritise:
- Strength training
- Mobility work
- Nervous system resets
- Regular remedial treatment
Because pain is a lag indicator. By the time you feel it sharply, the pattern has been building for months.
The Maintenance Model vs The Emergency Model
Most people book a massage when they are desperate. The maintenance model looks different:
- Treatments are spaced intentionally
- Tension is addressed early
- Movement patterns are corrected
- Long-term tissue health is prioritised
This is what we aim for, I will always mention once you are feeling better you should still come in for your massage. Don't let it build up again. Just as you service your car before it breaks down, your musculoskeletal system requires proactive care.
Signs Your Body Is Asking for Support
- You wake up stiff most mornings
- One shoulder is consistently tighter
- You experience recurring headaches
- Your hips feel restricted
- You rely on stretching but tension returns quickly
These are not minor inconveniences. They are signals.
How Remedial Massage Restores Balance
A structured remedial session includes:
- Postural and movement assessment
- Targeted soft tissue therapy
- Trigger point release
- Myofascial techniques
- Recovery advice tailored to your lifestyle
The goal is not temporary relief instead the goal is functional longevity.
Your Body Whispers Before It Screams
Pain is rarely sudden. It builds through:
- Stress accumulation
- Repetition
- Poor recovery
- Ignored signals
When you learn to listen early, you move differently. You recover faster. You perform better — in training, in work, in life.
Your body is speaking.
The question is: are you listening?
If you’re noticing recurring tension patterns, consider shifting from reactive care to a maintenance model. Regular remedial massage supports long-term strength, recovery, and nervous system balance.
Book intentionally. Treat proactively. Move well.