Dissolve A Contracture: 5 Tips
Contracture is the involuntary contraction of one or more muscles in any part of the body. It generally occurs in the cervical area (the neck), shoulders and lower back. In this article we give you some tips to dissolve a contracture.
Contracture causes immobility of the affected area, discomfort and pain. However, releasing a contracture is easy, provided you know how to do it.
Therefore, if you are looking for the way to dissolve a contracture quickly and effectively, do not miss this article in which you will find more than one answer !
What exactly is a contracture?
The muscle, in a normal state, contracts and stretches, but in some cases it cannot relax and remains contracted. Contracture is an involuntary muscle contraction, which causes a swelling, also known as a muscle knot. The area remains hard and swollen.
The contraction reduces movement and can be very painful. In addition, it can affect adjacent muscles, creating more contractures, in a kind of vicious circle.
To stop this situation and relieve pain, it is necessary to dissolve the contracture.
What are the causes of a contracture?
Contractures can occur due to various factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, postural static, as well as somatization (derived from stress or anxiety), but also by the following:
- Strokes or trauma.
- Abrupt movements.
- Overexertion by exercising (without warming up) or lifting heavy objects.
How to dissolve a contracture?
Although there are specific drugs to treat contractures, such as prescription muscle relaxants, we can provide relief by using a few simple methods.
Of course, these measures cannot replace the medications or recommendations suggested by the practitioner. Although they may be effective, they should only be used as a complement to the treatment prescribed by the practitioner.
1. Dissolve a contracture: never strain the muscle
The first thing to do in case of contracture is to avoid forcing the muscle or the affected area. In this sense, it is good to perform gentle movements and rest as much as possible, in order to avoid further damage.
This measure should be maintained until the muscle has completely healed. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid work that requires effort, high physical impact activities or any type of excessive muscular effort.
2. A little stretching
It is essential to practice a little stretching every day, not just to avoid a contracture (or when it is already in progress). Of course, they should always be done gently and slowly to avoid further complications.
If your doctor has already indicated the best stretches for you, follow his advice. On the other hand, if in doubt, consult a physiotherapist.
3. Dissolve a contracture with hot water
Hot water packs and showers can help relieve pain and other discomfort in the case of a muscle contracture. In addition, they generally help to relax the body with a pleasant effect.
To reduce the discomfort of contracture, we advise you to keep the affected area under the hot water jet for 5 minutes several times a day.
4. Apply rosemary and clay
Just as warm compresses can help relieve muscle pain and tension, some substance-based compresses and ointments are thought to be equally useful.
An example of this is the mixture of rosemary and clay, to which anti-inflammatory, relaxing and antispasmodic properties are attributed.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of rosemary (50 grams).
- 200 grams of white clay.
- A glass of water (250ml).
Preparation
- In a saucepan, pour the water and rosemary.
- Put on the fire and let it boil for 10 minutes.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Transfer the liquid combined with the rosemary into a plastic container.
- Add the clay and mix thoroughly until all lumps are eliminated.
- Leave to rest for at least 2 hours.
Method of application
- Apply the mixture directly on the affected area.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Repeat twice a day.
- To get more benefits, we advise you to apply a natural oil after removing the mixture.
Important note : do not use metal objects to prepare the mixture, as they alter the properties of the clay.
5. Dissolve a contracture with chamomile
Another useful remedy in case of muscle contracture or discomfort is the classic chamomile infusion. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, relaxing and slightly sedative properties.
Attention, the chamomile infusion, alone, is not able to eliminate the pain of contracture, but it can contribute to the relief and relaxation of the body. Drink them with a little honey or, if you prefer, with a few drops of lemon.
How to avoid a contracture?
To avoid contractures, we advise you to follow some daily habits. Let’s see some of them below:
- Avoid straining the muscle if fatigued and let it rest if it is weakened.
- Exercise regularly.
- Always maintain good posture, not just during exercise.
- Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.
- Try to manage thoughts and emotions to avoid somatization in the shoulder area and other parts of the body.
If you think you have a contracture or similar problem, see your doctor if you follow his or her directions. In addition, you can also contact a physiotherapist.
