Can you show me your source for this material?
Member
Chronic Muscle Tension
Hello Mark,
I'd like to know your thoughts on chronic muscle tension, specifically why you think it occurs and if strength training can help release tension. I've heard some people claim that lifting heavy weights can create more tension in the muscles, but I am skeptical of this because I think that moving the muscles through their full range of motion might actually help in releasing the muscles.
From my understanding, chronic muscular tension is an inability or difficulty in relaxing a set of muscles due to the muscles being in a semi-contracted state for prolonged periods of time. This could often be years of bad habits or emotional stress that create the sustained contraction. For example, the shoulders and abs can tense under social pressure, and if done countless times, can create a chronic holding pattern.
TMPHBITEU
Can you show me your source for this material?
Starting Strength Coach
Your theory needs some cleaning up, but, succinctly, resistance training is likely the most effective treatment for myofascial pain syndrome, and all other treatments provided should be done with the end goal of returning the person to regular, high intensity weight training.
Member
http://reichiantherapy.info/book%20i...ome%20Book.pdfOriginally Posted by Mark Rippetoe
Check out the table of contents. The book consists mainly of exercises for releasing muscular tension.
I can give you an example: People hold muscles in different positions chronically. Consider someone in my family who chronically holds his forehead in contraction where you can see the skin separation in the forehead, and if he does relax it, the lines appear permanent. He's been using this holding pattern for years to cope with stress.
Other people constantly hold their stomach in chronic tension, which affects proper diaphragmatic movement. Some breathe from the chest only. Others suck their stomach in when they breathe. All are the result of (in theory) emotional coping mechanisms.
This body-based approach (non-verbal) to therapy is quite powerful. It utilizes deep breathing and muscle contraction together in order to learn to release these tension areas. What often happens with this type of therapy (upon muscular release over time) is character change (which is the goal, not emotional release .. which tends to occur within the practice too).
TMPHBITEU
It sounds like a very powerful approach indeed.
Member
Isn't it evident that people hold tense faces and other muscles for hours because of chronic stress? Wouldn't contracting the muscles release them?
Starting Strength Coach
Got it. He came on here to ask a loaded question to which your response gave the opening for him to post a link to the product he wishes to put forward.
Member
A fairly common point of discussion, even in neurology circles, especially given the nasty issue of long hours in chairs and facing computer screens in highly controlled ambient conditions and visual monotony. the belief is that upper back, trap , and neck muscles adopt chronic isometric contraction etc. Eyes required to focus for hours on screens at close distance (some feel that vision evolved to be most efficient at long distances)...increasing myopia over time etc.
Just one big mess....with everything including headaches, opthalmic migraines, radicular symptoms, jaw and tooth pain. I left out a lot of stuff.
TMPHBITEU
But the product is free! I think I'll post the link again: http://reichiantherapy.info/book%20i...ome%20Book.pdf
This is Coast 2 Coast AM-level gibberish, and you guys should get a few laughs. Beliefs are certainly powerful.
Member
No, Mark asked me for the source of my information. That is why I posted it. It's a long book, so I felt the need to explain the theory behind it.
I did not get any clear answer from Rip about what chronic muscle tension is, if he thinks it even exists, and what to do about it if it does.
Thank you for the civil response.
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