Does Length Really Matter? Yes! When It Comes To Muscle Length

I've used this example for the last 20 years & it still one of my favs to help my clients visualize what muscle length is: imagine putting on a shirt that’s two sizes too small and then trying to lift your arms. If there isn’t enough fabric, you’ll be restricted. Your movement will be limited, uncomfortable, and awkward. The same principle applies to your muscles. If they’re too short or tight, you won’t have the range of motion you need to move properly.

As an Orthopedic Massage Therapist, muscle length comes first when going through my mental checklist. When a client comes in describing a feeling of “a nagging ache that they just want to pull on or dig into.” One of my main focuses during that session is to look for muscle length restrictions and limitations for the source of their pain.

Muscle length is basically how much a muscle can stretch while still doing its job. When your muscles are the right length, they can fully contract and relax. Which allows your joints to move the way they’re supposed to. But when muscles get too tight or shortened (for example from sitting too much, injuries, or even working out), they limit how far you can move. Other muscles have to step in and help, which throws everything off balance.

Think of your body as a factory. Every muscle is a worker, each with a specific role in their department. Now imagine one of those workers, aka-your muscle, “calls in sick” (maybe that muscle doesn’t have proper length, it’s tight, or restricted). Just like in a real workplace scenario, it doesn’t just affect their output, it everyone’s workflow. Some muscles now have to take on that extra work. Others couldn’t do their job correctly because they rely on their muscle “co-worker” to hold up their end. 

Over time, these imbalances could be expressed through, you guessed it...aches & pain. It’s your body’s internal workforce waving red flags. Trying to tell you something’s off and their voices need to be heard.

Remember: muscles depend on each other to do their job. They don’t work in isolation. They’re layered, connected, and collaborative, like many moving parts in a workplace. So the next time you see your therapist for lower back pain for example, they may start working on your glutes, hamstrings, and feet. You may start thinking “Wait it's my lower back hurting, why are you working on that!” Just remember your ability to move smoothly requires many muscles and their other “co-workers” to function well. If one area is restricted or shortened, the others needs to pick up their slack and may need to be addressed.

Does muscle length really matter? Yes, length really does matter. Keeping your muscles at a healthy length helps your whole body move better. While on your fitness journey, strength is important but don’t forget your muscle length. Your body will thank you. 

Article Written by Diana Gordon LMT, OMMT

 Hi, My name is Diana Gordon and I’m a Licensed Massage Therapist with 23 years experience sharing what I’ve learned working with the body. I’m not a doctor or pretend to be one, so if you have pre-existing conditions or any medical concerns it is always best to first consult your medical physician.