【Back Tension and Shallow Breathing｜How Myofascial Release Helps Ease Body Stiffness】
- 田澤 大輔
- Dec 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 25
"My back feels so tight, I just can’t take it anymore!"
A patient who had been visiting my practice regularly until summer returned after a long break.
When I asked what brought her back, she explained that since autumn, her workload had suddenly increased, leading to physical strain and frequent discomfort.
Feeling the toll on her body, she decided to come in again for care.
Long hours of desk work or repetitive bending postures often place extra stress on the back. Over time, the muscles around the spine stiffen, making it difficult to relax.
This patient also showed strong tension in the back muscles. Just like with shoulder or lower back pain, back stiffness can impair blood circulation, compress nerves, and lead to a wide range of health problems.
When lying down on the treatment table, I also noticed shallow breathing and overall body tension. In such a state, true relaxation is difficult, and both body and mind struggle to recover.
The patient requested myofascial release, but I felt it was equally important to also guide their breathing during treatment to address the root of the issue.
Checking Tension and Releasing the Fascia
I first checked the body carefully, moving the arms, legs, and trunk to identify areas of tension. The shoulder blades and surrounding muscles showed restricted mobility, so I applied gentle self-weight pressure to release the fascia.
Myofascial release is highly effective for reducing stiffness and restoring flexibility. Since this patient is sensitive to stronger stimulation, I worked with lighter techniques, slowly and carefully loosening the tightened fascia.
Breathing Awareness During Treatment
Encouraging deep breathing during treatment helps the body release tension more easily. Shallow breathing often keeps the nervous system on high alert, making it harder to relax.
By guiding the patient into deeper breaths, her body gradually softened, circulation improved, and she could feel their energy flow returning.
Scalp Massage for Deeper Relaxation
After the back had loosened, I performed a scalp massage to further enhance relaxation. The scalp has many acupressure points, and stimulating them improves circulation throughout the body.
As the scalp muscles relaxed, overall body tension decreased, and breathing became more natural and deeper.
Aftercare and Prevention
After the session, the patient said,
“I was worried because I suddenly felt unwell, but I feel much better now.”
Still, she added,
“I was doing fine until summer, but lately my work has been overwhelming…” - expressing some disappointment about her sudden decline in health.
From next week, she plan to return for regular sessions again. To stabilise muscle condition, consistent care is highly recommended.
For people who spend long hours at a desk or do physically demanding work, daily stretching and light exercise are important.
But most of all, listening to your body’s warning signs and seeking early care can make the biggest difference. If you feel unusual tension, shallow breathing, or persistent fatigue, don’t wait until it worsens.
Regular body care not only helps recovery but also prevents future problems, supporting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
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Azabujuban St. 7 min
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Daisuke Tazawa
BODYWORKS AZABU
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