News: May 2026

"You're Really Tight": This Common Phrase Needs To Go

"You're really tight" is probably the most common phrase used in massage therapy. It sounds meaningful, like a specific problem has been identified. But in reality, it's not very informative.

It makes sense to assume that tight muscles explain pain, stiffness, or limited movement. But the evidence for that is inconsistent and unreliable. People with very hard, "ropey" muscles can have no pain at all, and people who feel extremely stiff and sore can have soft or unremarkable tissue. There's no clear pattern. In fact, tightness doesn't necessarily indicate that there's anything wrong.

The phrase "you're really tight" is not a clinical observation. It sends the message that there's something wrong with your tissue, and the massage therapist is here to fix it. It's convincing, but it's often wrong. It even acts as a subtle sales pitch, implying both a problem and a solution in one sentence.

What about that feeling of tightness or stiffness we feel in our own bodies? These terms describe a subjective sensation that doesn't reliably correspond to anything we can measure in the tissue. They are not clearly linked to tissue pathologies or a limited range of motion. (More on this in an upcoming newsletter.)

It's this uncomfortable tightness or stiffness that can make us actually want a massage therapist to tell us we're tight. It can be validating, and offer an explanation for what we're feeling. I've had countless clients ask me, "Am I really tight?" or "Do I feel tighter than most people?"

But hearing such a comment can also have a negative impact. It can lead us to believe we have a problem we never knew about. I once saw a client who told me that he had very tight hamstrings. I asked what activities made his hamstrings feel tight. He told me he didn't feel it at all, but a massage therapist once told him his hamstrings were really tight. Since then, he thought he had an issue that needed fixing.

An experiment published in the Journal of Pain found no relationship between tender points and hardness of tissue. In fact, the most sensitive spots had the least amount of palpable tension. If a therapist is feeling for tension in the body, they might actually miss the most sensitive areas.

Far too many therapists think tightness means a problem for them to address. It's an easy trap to fall into, even with years of experience. Massage therapists are very good at perceiving patterns that aren't actually meaningful - a phenomenon called palpation pareidolia. The therapist might feel like they are detecting something precise, even when they're not. And when they speak up ("Aha! Here's the problem."), it sounds like they know what they're doing.

"Tightness" is one of the most overused and least meaningful ideas in massage therapy. It can describe a sensation, but it doesn't explain your pain or guide treatment in a reliable way. That doesn't mean massage is ineffective. Massage has a myriad of benefits for people with pain and anxiety. But if a therapist tells you "you're really tight," don't worry. It doesn't mean much.

Source: painscience.com

Self-Massage for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Reduce Aches, Muscle Tension & Anxiety

If you live with fibromyalgia, or simply feel like your whole body aches, this guided self-massage routine is for you.

Fibromyalgia isn't just muscle pain. It's often an overactive, hypersensitive nervous system. In this gentle, step-by-step session, I'll show you how to ease pain, muscle tension, fatigue, and stress safely - without triggering flare-ups.

You'll learn how to work with common tender points associated with fibromyalgia, including the neck, shoulders, chest, and hips, using slow pressure, mindful movement, and calming breathwork to help relax muscles and settle the nervous system.

In this video, you'll learn:

• Simple, specific self-massage techniques
• How to calm widespread pain without aggravating symptoms
• How to reduce anxiety and nervous system overload
• Ways to create safety and comfort in your body

This routine is also wonderful for anyone experiencing chronic pain, muscle tension, persistent body aches, stress and anxiety.

Get comfortable, and let's begin.

What's new with me ...

We had a lovely April, enjoying the warmer weather (finally!) Highlights included seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom on Roosevelt Island, and a hilarious stand-up comedy show at the Beacon Theater, starring two of my favorite comedians - John Oliver and Seth Myers