When you feel a tight spot in your muscles, it’s easy to assume it’s just a knot. Most people use that word to describe any area of discomfort, but not all knots are the same. Some of those tight spots may actually be trigger points, and understanding the difference can help you get the right kind of relief.

Knots are areas where the muscle fibers have tightened up, often due to overuse, stress, or poor posture. They can cause general stiffness and discomfort, but they usually stay localized. When you press on them, you might feel soreness or pressure in that specific area. Knots can sometimes be worked out with heat, movement, or massage over time.

Trigger points, on the other hand, are more complex. These are sensitive spots in the muscle that, when pressed, can cause pain in other areas of the body. That is called referred pain. For example, a trigger point in your shoulder might cause pain down your arm. Trigger points often form due to injury, muscle strain, or long-term tension, and they respond best to focused, therapeutic treatment.

At Double Diamond Bodywork and Massage, I tailor each session to match what your body truly needs. Whether you are dealing with general muscle tightness or more complex patterns of referred pain, I work with you to identify the source and apply the most effective techniques. Deep tissue massage, sports massage, and structural integration all play a role in this process. You don’t need to suffer through sharp or painful pressure to get results. Careful, intentional work can bring long-term relief and better movement.

If you’re not sure what’s going on in your body but you know something feels off, that’s a good time to come in. We can work together to find the source of discomfort and help you feel better in your body. Each session is designed with you in mind, every time.