11 Tips for Overcoming Chronic Muscle Tension: Caused by Lyme & Mold Exposure
Finding Relief from Chronic Muscle Tension: My Journey
Living with Lyme disease and mold exposure can be a real challenge! Lyme and mold tell your body it’s under contact attack. And it responds with chronic muscle tension. I've been there, and I know how tough it can be to manage chronic muscle tension and pain. But I've learned that with the right tools and techniques, you can start to feel like yourself again. Get ready to feel better because I am going to share them with you today!
My Personal Experience
Let's talk about something that might sound simple but can make a huge difference in our lives: slowing down. As someone who's dealt with the challenges of Lyme disease and mold exposure, I know firsthand how chronic stress and muscle tension can take a toll on our bodies.
Even after completing my Des Bio treatments and seeing significant improvements, my latest Zyto scan showed that I'm still carrying stress and tension in my muscles. It's like my body is holding onto the memories of all those years of fighting chronic illness. But I'm determined to find ways to retrain my muscles and let go of that tension.
Here's the thing: I've realized that rushing through my daily tasks only makes things worse. When I've got a to-do list a mile long, my instinct is to speed through it all, but that just puts me into fight-or-flight mode. And let's be real, who knew that rushing could be so bad for our nervous systems?
So, what's the solution? For me, it's all about slowing down and being kind to myself. When I catch myself rushing, I take a deep breath and remind myself that there's no need to hurry. I literally make an effort to move slower, and sometimes I even hum or take some relaxing breaths. It sounds silly, but trust me, it works!
By prioritizing my well-being and finding ways to manage stress, I'm not only helping my body but also my mind. It's all about finding that balance and being gentle with ourselves. So, let's take a deep breath together and make a conscious effort to slow down. Our bodies (and minds) will thank us!
You're One Step Closer to Relaxation!
Now that we've talked about the importance of slowing down and managing stress, let's explore some additional strategies to ease muscle tension. Here are a few more tips to get you started:
1. Apply Peppermint Essential Oil to Your Tense Muscles: (The newest addition to my routine!) Dilute peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the affected area to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. I target my neck, shoulders, chest and spine! And sometimes my arms. I do this 3 times a day - morning, noon, and before bed. This retrains my muscles to relax and not tense up with simple daily tasks or when I start to work.
For convenience I make my own essential oil blend to take with me on the go with these beautiful glass 10ml roller bottles, Peppermint oil (Doterra, Young Living and Revive brands are my favorites), and Organic Cliganic Jojoba Oil! I used about 1/3 Peppermint oil to 2/3 Jojoba oil.
2. Use LifeWave Patches: Winner winner chicken dinner!! :) These may have not eliminated all my muscle tension, but boy howdy, they did stop over 5 years of chronic muscle spasms and enabled me to say goodbye to prescription drugs like muscle relaxers and LDN. LifeWave patches, such as the X39 and Aeon patches, use phototherapy to stimulate specific points on the body, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. They both help with calming the nervous system, and I've found them to be miraculous. If I had to eliminate everything else, I’d keep these!
3. Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching can help relax tight muscles and improve flexibility. I love finding videos on YouTube and stretching along with an instructor. You might enjoy a class at the gym or stretching with a friend.
4. Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help relax muscles and reduce tension. I've found that heat works best for me, but you might prefer cold - it's all about experimenting and finding what works for you!
5. Massage Therapy: Massage can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension. I highly recommend working with a skilled massage therapist like Jesse Conway in Birmingham. If you'd like his contact information, just let me know!
6. Yoga or Meditation: Practicing yoga or meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help calm tight muscles. I've found that the Gupta Program app is a great resource for free guided meditations each morning Monday through Friday.
7. Foam Rolling or Self-Myofascial Release: Using a 36 inch foam roller, chirp wheel foam roller, or self-myofascial release techniques can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation. I do this daily and love the relief it brings!
I lay on this one aligning it from my head down to my tail bone and let my arms stretch down to the ground. 5-10 minutes a day seems to be the sweet spot for me.
8. Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help calm tight muscles.
9. Warm Baths or Showers: Soaking in a warm bath or taking a relaxing shower can help relax muscles and promote relaxation. Adding Epsom salts, essential oils, and baking soda can enhance the bath experience.
Some popular bath blends include using a carrier oil:
- Relaxation: Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot
- Uplifting: Bergamot, ylang-ylang, and geranium
- Muscle relief: Eucalyptus, frankincense, and peppermint
10. Regular Exercise: Regular exercise, such as walking, tai chi or swimming, can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. I love walking and swimming, and find that it helps me feel more relaxed and centered. A good 5-10 minute back float in the summer is also absolutely amazing!
11. Dolphin Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Treatments: Dolphin VNS is a non-invasive treatment that targets the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and alleviating chronic muscle tension. Here's how it works: Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body's stress response and promoting relaxation. By stimulating this nerve, Dolphin VNS can help calm the nervous system, calm inflammation, and reduce your muscle tension. I use this tool daily for about 30 minutes. It is a great way to start my day. And I can do it while praying, meditation or washing the dishes I left from the night before! Yes, I am guilty of that.
Goal: 30 minutes a day
Additional Tips to Consider
- Play calming soothing music during the day—nature sounds can be so soothing
-Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Get regular massages or practice self-care
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like havening touch or mindfulness practices
- Consider consulting with a healthcare professional or physical therapist for personalized advice on managing muscle tension
- Work with a therapist to find ways to deal with thoughts, traumas, or memories that might be triggering tension in the body
- Learn to recognize your triggers and reframe your thoughts can help tremendously
You Got This!
As you embark on your journey to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation, remember that every small step counts. Be kind to yourself, take it slow, and celebrate your progress – no matter how small.
Healing isn't linear, and what works for one person might not work for another. That's okay! Start with one or two strategies that resonate with you and gradually add more as you feel capable.
You deserve to feel relaxed, calm, and at ease. By prioritizing your well-being and incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you'll be well on your way to a more relaxed and balanced you.
Stay gentle, stay kind, and keep shining your light!
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