Stress-Related Muscle Tension
in Horsham
Hands-On Soft Tissue Therapy for Tension, Tightness & Overload
Stress doesn’t just live in the mind — it settles into the body.
If you’re dealing with ongoing muscle tightness, aching shoulders, jaw tension, headaches, or a general feeling of physical overload, stress-related muscle tension may be the underlying cause.
At Myotherapy Clinic in Horsham, I treat stress-driven tension using hands-on soft tissue therapy, helping the body reset, unwind, and move more freely again.
Does This Sound Familiar?
You might notice:
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Constantly tight shoulders or neck
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A feeling of holding tension without realising
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Jaw clenching or headaches
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Upper back or chest tightness
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Lower back ache with no clear injury
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Poor sleep or waking up stiff
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Pain that moves around rather than staying in one place
Often people say:“I didn’t realise how tense I was until someone worked on it.”
That’s very common.
How Stress Creates Muscle Tension
When stress is ongoing — whether from work, life pressures, poor sleep, or emotional load — the nervous system stays switched on.
Over time, this can lead to:
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Muscles remaining partially contracted
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Reduced circulation and recovery
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Restricted movement patterns
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Increased sensitivity to pain
The body adapts to stress by bracing.
Eventually, that bracing becomes the problem.
Why Stress-Related Tension Doesn’t Resolve on Its Own
Stretching, rest, or time off can help but often only briefly.
That’s because:
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The nervous system hasn’t fully down-regulated
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Tension patterns have become habitual
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Certain muscles are doing too much work for too long
Hands-on treatment helps interrupt this cycle by giving the body clear physical feedback that it’s safe to let go.
Treatment may include:
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Soft tissue massage to overloaded areas
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Myofascial release to reduce holding patterns
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Gentle trigger point work
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Medical acupuncture or cupping where appropriate
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Addressing breathing, posture, and load where needed
The aim isn’t to “push through” tension it’s to allow the body to reset.
What People Often Notice After Treatment
Clients commonly report:
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Feeling physically lighter
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Improved movement and posture
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Reduced headaches or jaw tension
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Better sleep
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A calmer, more settled feeling overall
It’s not about switching stress off — it’s about stopping it living in your muscles.
Who This Treatment Is For
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This approach is particularly suitable if:
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You feel tense most of the time
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Pain doesn’t have a clear injury cause
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Stress seems to make symptoms worse
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You’re mentally coping, but physically paying for it
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You want treatment that’s effective without being aggressive
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You don’t need to be “broken” to benefit.
What to Expect
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Book online at a time that suits you
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Complete a short intake form before your visit
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Calm assessment and hands-on treatment
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Clear explanations and practical guidance
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Sessions are designed to help you feel safe, supported, and listened to — not rushed.
About Myotherapy Clinic
Myotherapy Clinic is a sole-practitioner clinic based in Horsham, West Sussex.
All treatments are carried out by me personally.
No conveyor-belt massage.
No pressure to “relax harder”.
Just experienced, hands-on care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is stress-related muscle tension?
Stress-related muscle tension occurs when the body stays in a heightened state of alert for prolonged periods. Muscles remain partially contracted, leading to tightness, aching, restricted movement, and fatigue — even without a specific injury.
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Where does stress-related tension usually show up?
Common areas include the neck, shoulders, upper back, jaw, chest, hips, and lower back. Some people also experience headaches or a general feeling of physical heaviness or stiffness.
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Is this just relaxation massage?
No. While treatment can feel calming, it is therapeutic soft tissue work focused on reducing overload, restoring movement, and helping the nervous system down-regulate not spa or relaxation massage.
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Can stress really cause physical pain?
Yes. Ongoing stress can change how muscles behave, reduce recovery, and increase sensitivity to pain. Over time, this can create real, persistent physical symptoms.
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I don’t feel stressed mentally can this still help?
Yes. Many people cope well mentally but carry stress physically. Muscle tension often builds gradually and becomes normalised until it starts causing pain or restriction.
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How many sessions will I need?
This varies. Some people notice improvement after one or two sessions, while longer-standing tension patterns may require a short course of treatment. This can be discussed after assessment.
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Is this suitable if I’ve had symptoms for a long time?
Yes. Many clients attend with tension or pain that has been present for months or years, especially when symptoms fluctuate or don’t respond well to rest alone.
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Will treatment be painful?
Treatment is adapted to your comfort and tolerance. The aim is to encourage the body to release tension, not to force it. Communication during the session is encouraged.
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Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book directly online without a referral.
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Is this a replacement for medical care?
No. Soft tissue therapy does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are unusual, worsening, or unexplained, you should consult your GP or healthcare provider.