http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19089.htm
If we don’t exercise including stretches, our muscles, tendons and ligaments will shorten and we may lose the full range of motion. This is called contracture and
exercise including stretching will help strengthen and lengthen our muscles, tendons and ligaments and prevent contracture.
A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches muscle to bone. A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches bone to bone.
A contracture is a condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints.
- Many contractures can be prevented through exercise and stretching..
- It is best not to let contractures develop, and if they do begin to develop,
correct them as soon as possible
Multiple Sclerosis, the condition damaging the central nervous system causes spasticity. Spasticity refers to muscle stiffness and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms (sustained muscle contractions or sudden movements) which can lead to contracture. http://www.msrelief.com/about-spasticity-in-multiple-sclerosis/
Regular exercise and an active lifestyle can help prevent contractures or muscle and joint stiffness. Ask your doctor about the best exercise program for you, my doctor suggested a physical therapy device to move and stretch my muscles, tendons and ligaments.
This stretching machine will also prevent more problem areas from stiffening. It is difficult for me to stretch my legs the needed way on my own. My chiropractor suggested I buy a stretching machine and suggested the ‘Century Versaflex Stretching Machine. We sell it at our MSreliefmarketplace.com and the one I ordered will be here next week. It will be great to stretch without the need of other’s help to stretch and avoid leg contractures.
We don’t want to delay or forgo treatment that may make it difficult or impossible to regain our range of motion that will interfere with performing everyday tasks at home and work.
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