Why do I hold so much tension in my body?

Holding tension in your body is usually your muscles staying switched on when you are stressed or busy, rather than letting go between tasks. Shoulders creep up, the jaw clenches, the back tightens, and it can stay that way for hours. Movement, slower breathing and hands-on care all help the muscles relax.

Stress keeps the body switched on. Calm settles it.

What does "holding tension" actually mean?

The line in the image is jagged and busy, then it settles toward a calmer, flatter shape. That is a fair picture of a body under stress and a body that has relaxed. When you are wound up, the muscles across your shoulders, neck and back brace and stay braced, even when you are sitting still or trying to rest. This is muscle tension, not anything to do with your nerves or your health beyond it. Most people feel it as tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a stiff neck or a back that will not soften, and it often builds through a busy day without you noticing until you stop.

Why can't I just relax it away?

Tension is a habit the body slips into, and habits are hard to drop on command. Stress keeps the muscles switched on, and once they have been tight for a while, they stop letting go on their own, so telling yourself to relax often does not do much. What helps is giving the body a different signal. Moving regularly, a few minutes of slower breathing, and taking real breaks all coax the muscles down from their guard. Hands-on care works on the tight areas directly and helps a wound-up body relax, and at Back In Sync we look at where you hold the most tension and what keeps feeding it.

When should I get it looked at?

Everyday tension eases once you move and unwind. It is worth speaking to your GP if stress is weighing on your sleep, mood or daily life, if you get frequent or severe headaches, or if the tension comes with chest tightness, a racing heart, numbness or weakness. A sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had before needs urgent care. These are less common, but worth taking seriously rather than pushing through.

If you carry tension in your body most days and want help easing it, we can help. Back In Sync sees people from across New Malden, Wimbledon and Motspur Park. You can book online through Jane, or get in touch first with any questions.

Back In Sync, 167 South Lane, New Malden, KT3 5ES. 020 8942 5901.