What Causes The Knots In My Muscles?
A knot in a muscle can occur when some or all of the muscle fibers in that muscle are in a state
of hyper contraction.  This can be caused by overworking the muscle (as in repetitive movement
or holding one position for along time), by injury (hyperextension or trauma).  Knots can also be
formed by scar tissue or adhesions, in a specific area of the muscle that has been injured to the
point that the soft tissue was torn or cut.

How Can I Get My Muscles To Relax?
Muscle tension can involve a small area of a muscle as in a knot, an entire muscle or many muscles over the entire body including the organs that are made of muscle such as the stomach and small and large intestine.  When an entire muscle or groups of muscles are habitually tight it can be from poor posture or body mechanics.  Sitting at a computer for long hours without moving the
shoulder and back muscles is a common problem.  These muscles have to contract constantly to
support posture and the use of other body areas.  If a contraction is held long and often enough then it will become unconscious and a habit.  Sometimes, intervention is needed to help our muscles reverse their habitual patterns.  Massage, ice and heat are very helpful by relaxing and increasing circulation in the affected area.  Getting the muscle moving again is important.  Resist the urge to hold postures for too long, roll your shoulders around 2 to 3 times an hour when you are sitting at the computer.  Continuing to overwork an injured muscle will lead to more injury.  If you have been injured, respect the injury and rest or if needed seek professional help with your rehabilitation.  All of our muscle tissue is susceptible to the effects of stress.  It is part of the stress response for our muscles to contract, including the stomach and intestines (the stress response also closes the valves in our digestive organs so that more blood can be sent to the contracting muscles needed for movement).  Reducing stress is one of the most effective ways of reducing overall muscle tightness.  Pick your favorite stress reducer and repeat often.  Meditation, long walks on the beach, playing, having fun, listening to music etc.  If you suspect that emotional trauma is the cause of or is contributing to your physical discomfort you may want to seek the help of a professional or spiritual counselor or advisor who has the training and tools to help you.

How Many Massages Will It Take For Me To Get Better?

Unfortunately there is no set timeframe.  The forces that affect your ability to heal come from many directions.  Consider that you spend 60 to 90 minutes in a massage session.  That is 60 to 90 minutes of intervention and healing.  In your life outside of your session you are spending on the average of 16 hours a day involved in various activities that may be contributing to your injury or discomfort.  Hopefully, some of these activities involve relaxation and self care which will increase the affects of your massage therapy session.  Reducing the frequency of activities that are contributing to your muscle discomfort is very helpful.  The more frequently you receive massage the more healing intervention you receive thus increasing your chances for a speedy recovery.  Carrying out the self care advice of your massage practitioner is crucial to making progress.