Soft Tissue Compression
Have you ever felt your arm or leg go numb after sitting in the wrong position?
That tingling or numbness is not random. It is your body telling you that blood flow is being restricted.
The reason? Soft tissue compression.
Soft tissue is everything in your body that is not bone. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, fat, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. It gives your body shape.
When soft tissue gets compressed because of posture or clothing, the vessels carrying oxygen get restricted. They can no longer do their job.
Blood is life. Every cell in your body depends on it for oxygen and nutrients. When flow slows down, waste products like carbon dioxide and lactic acid accumulate.
The result is pain, weakness, or pins and needles.
If compression persists, tissues can become damaged. Athletes often experience this when muscles swell after intense exercise. In extreme cases, doctors call this compartment syndrome.
But what about daily life?
Think of the hours we spend sitting in front of a desk. Our hips, thighs, and lower back remain under constant pressure. Over time, the reduced circulation contributes to stiffness.
Your muscles and nerves cannot thrive without proper blood supply.
So, what can you do?
Movement is medicine. Standing up every 30 minutes allows blood to circulate.
Stretching relieves the pressure on fascia and vessels. Hydration improves the fluidity of your blood.
Even something as simple as loosening your belt helps. I take my shoes off at every opportunity I can.
So what is your body telling you?
It is not designed for stillness. Instead it is made for movement. Restricting blood flow is like pinching a garden hose. Water trickles but it's not enough.
Your tissues are no different. As soon as you move and the compression is released you go back to normal.
So if you ever experience stiffness, pay attention. Otherwise cells die.
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