Muscle Pain Treatment in Cardiff
Tight, sore or knotted muscles can leave you feeling stiff and uncomfortable all day. Whether it's your shoulders, back, hips or legs, muscle pain can affect your work, your sleep and how much you enjoy being active.
At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors don't just treat the tight spot. We look at why the muscle is working so hard in the first place. We then build a clear, hands-on plan to ease tension, improve movement and help stop it building up again.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
"A tight muscle is often protecting something else."
What causes muscle pain?
Muscle pain is very common and usually very treatable. Often a muscle tightens because it is overworked, or because it is protecting a stiff joint nearby.
Common types include:
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Muscle tension and knots – tight, tender areas, often in the neck, shoulders and back
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Muscle strain – a sudden pain after lifting, twisting, stretching or a heavy session
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Muscle spasm – a sudden, sharp tightening that can stop you moving
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Overuse pain – aching from repetitive tasks at work, in sport or around the home
Things that commonly contribute:
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Long periods of sitting, or the same posture all day
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Stress and poor sleep
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A sudden increase in training, gardening or DIY
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Stiff joints nearby that the muscles are working to protect
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Not enough recovery between sessions
How we can help
We look at the sore muscle and the joints and movement patterns around it. Your plan usually combines:
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Soft tissue therapy and massage to release tight, tender muscles
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Spinal and joint adjustments to free up stiffness the muscles may be protecting
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Stretching and strengthening exercises to help the muscle cope with load
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Practical advice on posture, recovery, sleep and managing stress
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £60. It includes:
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A full case history: your symptoms, health, work and lifestyle
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A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
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A clear explanation of what we think is going on
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Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and cost £42.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Many people feel a difference after the first session or two, while longer-standing tension can take longer to settle. Our aim is to get you managing well on your own, and we'll always be upfront about what to expect.
What you can do in the meantime
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Keep moving gently. Light activity helps tight muscles more than rest.
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Change position often and break up long periods of sitting.
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Use heat on tight, achy muscles if it feels comfortable.
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Gentle stretching within a comfortable range can help ease tension.
When to get urgent help
Most muscle pain is not serious, but get medical help if you have:
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Pain, swelling, warmth and redness in one calf – call NHS 111 or go to A&E
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Severe muscle pain with very dark urine, especially after intense exercise – go to A&E
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Widespread aches with a high temperature or feeling very unwell
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Muscle aches after starting a new medication – speak to your GP or pharmacist
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Is this just a massage?
No. Soft tissue work is part of it, but we also assess and treat the joints and movement patterns that may be causing the tension, so it's less likely to come back.
Will I be sore after treatment?
Some people feel a little sore for a day or so, much like after exercise. This usually settles quickly.
How do I stop it coming back?
Building strength, moving regularly and managing your recovery are key. That's why exercises and advice are part of every plan.
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
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