Logan Steele
Muscle contractures are abnormal contractions of muscle fibres, causing pain and reduced flexibility and range of motion. Contractures are caused by scarring or fibrosis that makes tissues tighten and stiffen. They can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, inactivity, cold conditions without sufficient warm-up, excessive effort, dehydration, and inappropriate posture. Treatment options include pain management, physical therapy, stretching, heat therapy, massages, medication, casts, and in some cases, surgery.
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms of a muscle contracture, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Muscle contractures are caused by muscle fibres that remain contracted instead of relaxing, leading to pain and reduced flexibility and range of motion. While it is the least serious type of muscle injury, it is not always easy to recognise the symptoms, and it can be confused with inflammation or a torn muscle. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention to exclude any more serious injuries and receive proper care.
When you see a doctor, they will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion. They may also recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs, to get a clearer understanding of the underlying causes. The treatment options for muscle contractures vary depending on the severity and the affected area. Doctors can prescribe a range of treatments, including medicine, physical therapy, casts, and, in some cases, surgery.
Medications used to treat muscle contractures include de-contracture drugs, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. These must be prescribed by a doctor and should be taken as directed. It is important not to self-medicate or attempt to treat muscle contractures with massages or other remedies without medical guidance, as this can be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Always consult a doctor or clinically trained specialist for personalised advice and treatment options.
Physical therapy is a common treatment for muscle contractures and can involve passive and active exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion. Techniques such as serial casting, stretching, and myofascial release therapy can be used to fix contracted tissues and improve muscle function. Heat therapy is another useful approach, as it helps relax and stretch the muscles, especially in cases of chronic hypertonia or spasticity. Combining physical therapy with corticosteroid intervention has also been explored in the medical literature.
In more severe cases, or when other treatments have not been effective, surgery may be recommended. Contracture surgery aims to lengthen muscles, repair ligaments, tendons, or bones, and improve overall mobility. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and decide on the best course of action together. Remember that prevention is key, and maintaining good muscle hygiene through stretching, hydration, and appropriate physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing muscle contractures.
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Take pain medication
Muscle contractures are caused by muscle fibres remaining contracted instead of relaxing, which generates pain. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Intense or continuous effort
- Inappropriate posture
- Lack of warm-up
- Dehydration
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cold conditions
If you are experiencing pain due to a muscle contracture, it is important to consult a doctor or specialist who can advise on the best course of treatment. In the meantime, taking pain medication can help to manage the discomfort associated with this condition.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended for muscle pain. These include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (e.g. Aleve). These drugs can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making it easier to move the affected area. It is important to note that NSAIDs may cause stomach irritation and other side effects, so they should be taken with food and not on an empty stomach.
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is another option for pain relief. It is generally safer for the stomach than NSAIDs, but it does not reduce inflammation. This means it may be less effective for muscle contracture pain, but it can still help to manage discomfort.
In more severe cases of muscle contractures, where there is significant pain and loss of movement, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication. This could include muscle relaxants, which can help to reduce muscle spasms and associated pain. It is important to note that these medications can have side effects such as drowsiness and should only be taken under medical supervision.
While pain medication can help manage the symptoms of muscle contractures, it is important to address the underlying cause to prevent further issues. This may involve physical therapy, stretching, heat therapy, or other treatments recommended by a healthcare professional.
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Apply heat therapy
Heat therapy is a recommended treatment for muscle contractures. This involves applying therapeutic heat to the affected soft tissues to help them relax and stretch. Heat therapy is especially useful for those with chronic hypertonia or spasticity. The heat also promotes circulation and has an analgesic effect, helping to relieve pain.
There are several ways to apply heat therapy. One way is to use a hot water bottle or a heating pad on the affected area. This is a simple and cost-effective method that can be easily done at home. It is important to wrap the hot water bottle or heating pad in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin and to adjust the temperature as needed to avoid burning the skin.
Another way to apply heat therapy is to take a hot bath or shower. This allows the heat to envelop the entire body, relaxing the muscles and increasing circulation. Adding Epsom salt to the bathwater can further help to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation.
For more targeted heat therapy, a heated gel pack or a warm compress can be applied directly to the affected area. These can be purchased at most pharmacies and drug stores. It is important to follow the instructions on the pack to ensure safe use and to avoid burning the skin.
It is important to note that heat therapy should not be used in the presence of vascular lesions. If you have any concerns or questions about using heat therapy to treat muscle contractures, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a physiotherapist for guidance.
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Try physical therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to treat muscle contractures. It can help decrease the severity of contractures through stretching and soft tissue mobilisation to reduce muscle tightness.
Passive stretching is a technique frequently used to treat muscle contractures. However, it may not be as effective as other modes of treatment because it can activate the stretch reflex. Four other approaches are:
- Activation or strengthening of the weak opponent
- Local inhibition of the contracted muscle
- General inhibition of hypertonus
- Passive lengthening
Physiotherapy treatment will help reduce the impact that contractures have on your life and increase your independence with daily tasks. A structured range of movement programs can include passive and active movements to increase circulation, provide joint lubrication, and stretch soft tissues.
Heat can also be used to decrease muscle pain and assist with tissue lengthening before stretching. Massage will help maintain tissue mobility and nutrition, and manual techniques like joint mobilisation may be used to increase joint flexibility and decrease pain.
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Improve muscle hygiene
Muscle contractures are the abnormal contraction of muscle fibres, causing pain and reduced flexibility and range of motion. They are caused by a number of factors, including injury, inactivity, scarring, cold conditions, dehydration, and inappropriate or excessive physical activity.
To improve muscle hygiene and prevent contractures, it is important to maintain good muscle health. This includes:
- Regular physical activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can make individuals more prone to contractures when they do exert themselves. Staying active helps to keep muscles conditioned and reduces the risk of contractures.
- Proper warm-up: Before engaging in physical activity, ensure you properly warm up your muscles. This helps to prevent contractures caused by sudden or intense movements.
- Appropriate intensity and function: Avoid overexerting yourself or performing activities that are beyond your muscle's capacity. Lift appropriate weights and avoid prolonged continuous efforts that may be too intense.
- Maintaining hydration: Dehydration increases the likelihood of contractures. Ensure you are adequately hydrated and consume a balanced diet that includes water, magnesium, glucose, and potassium, which are essential for proper muscle function.
- Good posture: Maintaining inappropriate postures for prolonged periods can lead to contractures. Be mindful of your posture during daily activities and when performing physical exercises.
- Regular massages: Massages help to relieve muscle tension, increase blood flow, improve tissue recovery, and prevent the development of new contractures. It is recommended to have massages performed by a clinically trained specialist, such as a physiotherapist.
- Heat therapy: Applying local heat to the affected area can help relax muscles, reduce pain, and improve circulation.
- Physical therapy: If you have a pre-existing injury or condition that may lead to contractures, consider preventive physical therapy. This can include passive and active stretching exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion in muscles and joints.
It is always advisable to consult a specialist, such as a doctor or physiotherapist, for guidance and treatment specific to your needs. They can help diagnose, classify the contracture, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
A muscle contracture is the abnormal contraction of muscle fibres. Instead of relaxing, the fibres remain contracted, causing pain. Contractures are caused by sudden and abrupt movements, or overly-intense efforts. They can also be caused by inactivity and scarring from a previous injury.
If you suspect you have a muscle contracture, you should seek treatment from a doctor or physiotherapist. They may recommend painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, or in more severe cases, surgery.
It is not advisable to attempt to treat a muscle contracture yourself. However, you can take preventative measures such as stretching, staying active, and warming up properly before exercise.
