Muscle tightness why

Another time when muscles tighten up is during exercise, for example, a muscle cramp. Cramps are unpleasant, often painful sensations caused by a variety of factors that include muscle fatigue, low sodium, or low potassium. When muscles contract, the muscle fibers shorten, increasing tension in the muscle. When the contraction is completed, the muscle fibers lengthen and decrease tension.

During a muscle cramp, however, the muscle fibers remain shortened and are unable to lengthen due to fatigue or improper hydration and nutrition. Forcibly stretching the muscle when it is in such a tight, contracted form can tear the muscle fibers and lead to injury.

Allow the muscle spasm to relax and recover before attempting to stretch out the cramp. In order to prevent these from occurring in the future, make sure to be properly hydrated , properly fed , and not overly fatigued when exercising.

If engaging in exercise bouts lasting longer than 60 minutes, consuming an electrolyte replenishing drink may help prevent muscle cramps. Muscles can also tighten up following exercise. This is felt as muscle soreness. Delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS can be felt as pain and stiffness in the muscles for 24 to 72 hours post-exercise. DOMS is most intense following exercises that focus on eccentric contractions where a weight is lowered or slowed.

Examples of eccentric exercises include the downward phase of a bicep curl, or downhill running. The soreness and tightness felt is a result of small ruptures within the muscle.

It can be prevented by gradually increasing the intensity of a new exercise program. While the soreness will usually disappear within 72 hours of onset, increased blood flow to the sore area, either by moderate intensity exercise or massage may help alleviate soreness. Stretching does not prevent soreness; however, it is still important to perform some static holding stretches after exercise to maintain or improve flexibility.

Proper exercise, stretching, and nutrition strategies can help prevent and correct what can be called muscle tightness. Proper posture, choice of exercises, and stretches will prevent tightness due to decreased range of motion. Proper exercise intensity, as well as pre, during, and post-exercise hydration and nutrition can help prevent muscle cramps. This is different from muscle rigidity and spasticity. Muscle stiffness usually goes away on its own.

You may find relief with regular exercise and stretching. In some cases, muscle stiffness can be a sign of something more serious, especially if there are other symptoms present. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience muscle stiffness along with any of the following symptoms:. Muscle stiffness typically occurs after exercise, hard physical work, or lifting weights. You may also feel stiffness after periods of inactivity, like when you get out of bed in the morning or get out of a chair after sitting for a long time.

Sprains and strains are the most common reasons for muscle stiffness. Sprains and strains from activity may also cause:. Some symptoms can be treated at home. Stiff muscles with other symptoms may mean an underlying condition. In addition to sprains and muscle strains, there are other conditions that cause muscle stiffness along with other symptoms:.

Tetanus is a bacterial infection, usually from soil or dirt, with symptoms that include:. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord with symptoms that include:. HIV may produce additional symptoms that include:. Infectious mononucleosis mono , which is common in teenagers, may also cause symptoms such as:.

Systemic lupus erythematosus SLE , the most common form of lupus , and polymyalgia rheumatica may also cause many similar symptoms, too. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects the eyes and skin. Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs mostly in older adults and can also cause tiredness, depression , and weight loss.

This list is just a summary of conditions that can cause muscle stiffness. Make sure you tell your doctor about all of your symptoms. They may also ask which symptom appeared first. This is to help determine the underlying cause. Your specific treatment will vary depending on the cause. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications , like ibuprofen , to lessen pain and discomfort. You may be able to treat muscle stiffness at home with rest, massage, and application of heat or cold.

Heat may work better for muscle tightness. Cold may work better for swelling and inflammation. Options include hot and cold packs , heating pads , and heat therapy patches. Apply heat or cold to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes. Let the area rest for 20 minutes before reapplying either option. To tie it all together, you may have tight muscles due to any of the above causes.

The ones we deal with on a daily basis are associated with movement pattern faults or injury. Give us a call at The Doctors of Physical Therapy.

We specialize in treating athletes from all backgrounds: golf, baseball, weightlifters, runners, CrossFitters — and would be thrilled to help get you back to your sport without pain.

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. Previous Next. Overuse Overuse typically occurs with faulty movement patterns. Dehydration Dehydration, especially here in Arizona is a very common problem. Injury Muscles tighten protectively when they feel that something in the body is at danger of being injured.

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