What is a muscle contracture?
It is a muscle contraction or contraction of some of the muscle fibers that is generated involuntarily, which can be permanent or long-lasting. It can be caused at the moment of exertion and some of the most common symptoms are pain in the muscle or inflammation in the affected area.
What are the most frequent causes of muscle contracture?
There are several reasons that can cause a muscle contracture:
- Incorrect posture for a prolonged period of time. This is undoubtedly one of the most frequent causes.
- Performing an exercise in a forced manner. A very clear example is when we take on more weight than we can bear, but it could also be doing an inadequate physical activity for our age.
- Emotional stress. Mainly due to tension, anguish or anxiety. This emotional tension causes reactions that affect the nervous system, generating stiffness and muscle tension.
- Lack of hydration. Muscle cells need water, glucose, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Our body, when it is not properly hydrated, lacks magnesium and potassium.
What can we do to avoid muscle contracture?
- Stretch your muscles. It is common to sit for several hours in the office, for example. For this reason it is important to get up, stretch our legs and back.
- Work on stretching the muscles. Doing a good job with our flexibility will optimize muscle recovery after training.
- Warming up. Performing good warm-up exercises is an effective way to prevent muscle contracture.
Treatments for muscle contractures
If we suffer a muscle contracture and it becomes chronic, the best option is to go to a specialist (physiotherapist). He/she will suggest the best treatment for the injury, among which the following stand out:
- Dry needling
- Massage therapy
- Ultra sound
- Stretching
- Kinesiotape
- TENS
- Infrared
For more information contact a specialist.