Muscle spasm, tightness and cramps

Muscle spasm, tightness and cramps

Overview

A muscle cramp occurs when a muscle or group of muscles contracts suddenly and intensely. Often referred to as a "charley horse," these cramps can be quite painful. Physical activity, particularly in hot conditions, can trigger them, and certain medications or health conditions may also contribute[1]. Cramps result from muscle spasms, which are involuntary tightening or contractions of muscles. While leg cramps and spasms are the most common, they can also occur in the hands, feet, arms, and even the abdomen[2]. 

Causes of Muscle spasms, tightness and cramps

These are some of the triggers for muscle cramps[2]:

  1. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to muscle cramps, as dehydration affects muscle function and fluid balance.
  2. Sitting or standing: Staying in one position for too long can strain muscles, leading to spasms or cramps.
  3. Overuse of muscle: Excessive physical activity, especially without rest, can tire muscles and trigger cramps.
  4. Mineral deficiency: A lack of key minerals like potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disrupt muscle function and cause cramping.

Signs of Muscle spasms, tightness and cramps

These are common signs associated with muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps[3]:

  • Mild spasms: These may feel like a muscle is twitching or moving on its own, sometimes visibly noticeable.
  • Severe spasms: The muscle may become extremely tight, almost as if it’s knotted, with leg cramps being a common example.
  • Lingering pain: After a strong cramp, you might experience soreness or discomfort in the affected area for a couple of days. 

Muscle spasms and TCIH Approaches

In addition to conventional treatments, several complementary therapies can support the healing process and help manage muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps more effectively:

  • Balneotherapy: Soaking in hot mineral-rich water, can be highly effective in easing muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps. The warmth helps relax tense muscles, while the minerals promote healing and reduce inflammation. Whether you're dealing with a chronic condition or recovering from an intense workout, this therapeutic method can provide significant relief and improve muscle function[4]. 
  • Bowen therapy: Bowen therapy can be highly effective for relieving muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps by using gentle, precise movements that trigger energy surges within the body. These movements send electrical impulses to the nervous system, signalling the body to restore normal function in muscles, tendons, and joints. This process helps alleviate spasms, while also boosting blood and lymph circulation[5]. 
  • Deep tissue massage: Deep tissue massage is effective for easing muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps by addressing the root cause—muscle tension. By applying focused pressure deep into the muscle tissues, it helps stretch, loosen, and relax the muscles, breaking down tension and promoting better circulation. This process alleviates discomfort and improves flexibility, providing relief from spasms and stiffness[6].
  • Swedish massage: Swedish massage can help alleviate muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps by improving circulation. The massage involves gentle strokes and friction that stimulate blood flow to the affected areas. Since poor circulation can lead to a build-up of waste products and a lack of oxygen in muscles, Swedish massage enhances blood and lymph circulation, allowing for better oxygen delivery and nutrient exchange. This helps to relax the muscles, reduce spasms, and promote healing[7]. 
  • Yoga therapy: Yoga therapy helps relieve muscle spasms, tightness, and cramps by improving spinal alignment and balancing the nervous system. Postures like inversions release nerve compression, while forward bends stretch and calm the nervous system. Restorative poses reduce muscle tension, and pranayama breathing strengthens nerve channels and balances the brain, promoting overall relaxation and healing[8]. 

Therapies that may assist this symptom:

Physiotherapy Sports Massage Therapy Deep Tissue Massage Balneotherapy Acupuncture Aromatherapy Ashtanga Yoga Biochemic Therapy Bowen Therapy Chinese Massage Chiropractic Colour Therapy Corporate Yoga Cryotherapy Dru Yoga Hatha Yoga Herbal Medicine Hot Stone Massage Iyengar Yoga Japanese yoga Kids Yoga Kundalini Yoga Laughter Yoga Lymphatic Drainage Magnetic Field Therapy Myotherapy Osteopathy Personal Training Polarity Therapy Pregnancy Yoga Raja Yoga Remedial Massage Rolfing Samvahan Satyananda Yoga SCENAR Therapy Swedish Massage Tai Chi The Feldenkrais Method® Traditional Thai Massage Traditional Tibetan Massage Tension and Trauma Release Exercises® Vinyasa Yoga Yoga Therapy Earthing Anusara® Yoga Chair Yoga Hilot Show all

References

1. Muscle cramp. Mayo Clinic; 2023.

2. 4 Things That Trigger Muscle Spasms and Cramps. Scripps Health; 2023.

3. Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps). Cleveland Clinic; 2023.

4. What Is Balneotherapy, and Does It Work for Muscle Pain? Prevention; 2023.

5. The Bowen Therapy Technique. A balanced body with Bowen; 2025.

6. Reduced Muscle Spasm. physio.co.uk; 2025.

7. Massage to Treat Muscle Spasms. Circle 8 Massage; 2022.

8. Yoga Therapy for Spasticity (Muscle Stiffness). Andiappanyoga.com; 2025.

Show more
Find in