At Body and Soul we perform home massages in the Estepona and Marbella area. If you need a massage to improve your wellbeing, call us today and book your appointment.
What are muscle contractures?
Muscle contracture is a contraction of the muscle, which causes a sharp pain or spasm in that muscle or a group of muscles. It feels as if the muscle is in a knot. As the muscle and its tendons shorten, we lose flexibility.
This contraction is involuntary and when it is sustained over time, the muscle is under constant tension. The truth is that this is a fairly common injury, both in athletes and sedentary people.
It can also occur when a muscle is not used for a certain period of time, for example if it has been immobilised due to some other injury. During this time, it may have stiffened and caused problems when we want to use it normally again.
Causes of muscle contractures
Muscle contractures can be caused by a variety of factors, from something as simple as maintaining a bad posture for a long time, to psychological problems such as stress or anxiety. The most common causes tend to be:
- Due to cold: low temperatures or not warming up the muscles properly can lead to muscle contractures.
- Due to overexertion: the aforementioned bad postures that we maintain over time without allowing the muscle to rest, as well as sudden efforts without proper warm-up also generate contractures because the muscle is not prepared or is exhausted.
- Lack of hydration: Our body is largely water, and if we do not hydrate it we can suffer various symptoms of dehydration, including contractures.
- Anxiety or emotional stress: It may come as a surprise, but psychological problems such as stress and anxiety can lead to physical injuries due to accumulated tension.
- Advanced age: as we get older we lose muscle mass and elasticity, and this, together with a sedentary lifestyle, facilitates the appearance of contractures that make day-to-day life even more difficult.
If you feel identified with us, contact us and request your massage at home.
Symptoms of contractures: how to know when you have a muscle contracture
Having muscle contractures can be very painful and we will notice instantly when we have one. In any case, these are some of the warning signs to realise that some part of our body is contracted and we need a decontracting massage:
- Pain in the affected area that is worse when the muscle is moved or touched.
- Swelling
- Tingling sensation or numbness.
- Muscle weakness
The pain may be felt as a burning sensation, warmth or as a stabbing pain in the affected area and may come and go, but can sometimes be felt for days or weeks.
Occasionally, cramps occur. In addition, if the contracture is severe, you may not be able to move the affected joint.
Benefits of a decontracting massage
A decontracting massage can offer numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. Below are some of the main benefits:
- Relieves pain. One of the most common benefits of a decontracting massage is pain reduction. It has been shown that these massages can relieve back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as joint and muscle pain.
- Improves circulation. Another important benefit of a decontracting massage is improved circulation. This is because these massages help to relax the muscles, which in turn allows the blood to flow better.
- Reduces stress. These massages can help relax the body and mind, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improves sleep. It has been shown that these massages can help improve the quality of sleep, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improves flexibility. Another important benefit of a decontracting massage is improved flexibility. These massages can help to increase the flexibility of muscles and joints, improving mobility.
Home decontracturising massage
Muscle contractures are painful and often debilitating. Fortunately, a good decontracting massage can relieve pain and tension.
Contact Body and Soul to request a decontracting massage at home or send the following form.