Muscle contraction is the tightening, shortening, or lengthening of muscles when you do some activity. It can happen when you hold or pick up something, or when you stretch or exercise with weights.

Editor’s note: Dana Santas, known as the “Mobility Maker,” is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, and is the author of the book “Practical ...

Depending on the cause, physical therapy, massage, stretching, yoga, relaxation, heat, or other therapies may help release chronically tight muscles. Various factors can cause chronically tight or ...