02/10/2024
MUSCLE CONTRACTURES
Muscle Contracture is permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and nearby tissues that causes the joints to shorten and become very stiff, This prevents normal movement of a joint.
There are three distinct types of joint contractures, each based on the specific underlying tissue involved: Myogenic contractures, Arthrogenic contractures and Soft tissue contracture. But today we are only going to educate yourself on Myogenic/ Muscle contractures
Myogenic / Muscle contractures are defined as muscle shortenings resulting in the muscle's inability to relax normally, in extreme cases, it causes joint deformation, joint pain, strength loss, and muscle atrophy. It can occur for various reasons including: stroke, cerebral palsy and after a prolonged period of immobility such as bed confinement in the intensive care unit.
Physiotherapy Management of Myogenic/ Muscle Contractures
The passive movements and stretches would help in avoiding contractures resulting from the inability of individuals to move joints. Passive Movements can be administered using mechanical devices or manually by carers and therapists. Prolonged stretch can be administered through positioning programs, splints, standing frames, and orthoses.
Casts are non-removable external devices, made of plaster or casting tape, applied to change structural or functional characteristics of the neuromuscular system. The affected joint is heated, using moist heat, and manually stretched to obtain a maximum range of motion. The cast is applied by the therapist and left on for two to seven days, It is removed so that the skin can be checked for pressure sores and then reapplied in a new position of greater stretch for several days more until the contracture eases
Positioning, Proper positioning of the joints while lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair also can prevent contractures, A firm mattress can maintain normal alignment of the joints.
Credit: Physiopedia
