Muscle contracture and muscle tear, two different things.

It is very common for athletes to suffer a severe blow or a violent "stretch" in some muscle caused by not doing proper warm-up before training, doing an exercise with poor technique, maintaining a bad body posture, or even lifting very heavy weights that exceed the physical capabilities of the person.

The truth is that this pain generated by the blow or "stretch" could be a sign of a muscle contracture, or even worse, a tear or rupture of muscle fibers; and although these injuries are usually extremely common, they should NOT go unnoticed by any athlete. For this reason, along with Kinemed, I bring you information so you can learn to differentiate them and treat them correctly.

Muscle contracture

-Contractures are palpable and tense nodules in the muscle fibers.

-The pain experienced is bearable.

-There is no limitation in sports activities as long as it is treated with physical therapy.

Muscle tear

-A tear or muscle rupture is the loss or discontinuity of muscle fibers.

-The rupture is accompanied by inflammation and intense pain when touching it.

-In this case all sports activities involving the affected area should be stopped during the time recommended by the therapist.

The protocol that is recommended to follow after both injuries is the following one:

1. Go to a physiotherapist for an adequate diagnosis and treatment (application of manual techniques and use of therapeutic equipment).

2. Apply cold therapy in the first 72 hours of the event.

3. Evaluate application of contrast therapy according to the therapist's recommendation.

4. Try to keep the affected area in a high position (especially in case of a tear).

5. Evaluate with a doctor the use of an anti-inflammatory.

Gladiators it is important to know that an untreated contracture can cause the tear of muscle fibers. A diagnosis in time allows us to avoid worse injuries and save money.

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