Examples of Muscular Pathologies

Pathology of the Muscular System!

Spains & Strains

Twist or pull in the muscles or tendons can either be sudden, or, over a period of time, may cause sprains and strains. Back and hamstring muscles are commonly affected.

This is one of the muscular system diseases that cause pain, swelling and difficulty in movement. Rest and ice compress are advised. It’s important to keep the area immobile and take medicine for the pain.

The image is one example, other parts of the body can experience strains/sprains, such as elbow, wrist, shoulders, any other areas where there is a joint.

Vigorous, intrusive massage to a new or acute injury may exacerbate inflammation and tissue damage. Offering careful massage, at the appropriate stages of healing can be an important factor in recovery, only by a trained therapist.

Muscle Cramps

Cramps in muscles can occur suddenly and involuntarily, in one or more muscles.

It can happen late night or after exercising and can be caused due to a variety of reasons, lasting for seconds to minutes.

Overusing a muscle or pinching nerve can cause a cramp.

Gentle massage helps temporarily, to reduce spasms and cramps, steroids or medicines can also be prescribed. The image is an example of cramp.

Acute muscle cramps can often be relieved through stretching and massage to their attachment sits. After the cramp releases and pain is resolved rigorous massage is safe and useful for local circulatory exchange.

A client taking pain killers or muscle relaxants for muscle spasm will not be able to give accurate feedback to the therapist about their pain or stretching limitations.

Myofacial Pain Disorder

This is a chronic pain disorder of the muscles. It causes aching and burning sensation on trigger points which are sensitive spots of muscles.

It can cause joint stiffness, knot in the muscles and sleeplessness due to pain.

This can be managed by corticosteroids, injections of botulinum, massage, and physiotherapy.

The image is to help visualise this type of pain and is an example. This disorder can happen on other parts of the body.

Careful massage, by trained Therapist, can be effective by relaxing the spasms and encouraging circulation of toxins, but care should be taken if client is taking pain killers or muscle relaxants.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating muscle disorder.

It causes pain, fatigue, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles.

It is considered a genetic disorder and affects more women than men.

There is no known cure and pain is managed via medication, oral and topical and massage can help. The image is a few examples of where pain can be felt by suffers.

Massage can offer an amount of pain relief, sleep quality, improved mood and reduce anxiety. It is important not to exacerbate any pain so light techniques over tender areas, no aggressive or deep movements. Remember, again, client may be using pain killers to manage pain so may not be able to offer accurate feedback.

Muscular Dystrophy

In this genetic disease, a group of muscle diseases cause the damage of muscle fibre.

There is no specific cure for it and the symptoms include weakness, immobility, and imbalance.

The common diseases under this category are Duchenne, Myotonia, Becker, Limb Girdle and Oculopharyngeal.

A client with MD, may have general fragility, in muscle contractures. Massage and physical therapy may be recommended as part of treatment. Passive stretching can be useful. Remember, the client, using pain killers may not give accurate feedback.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a very common congenital disorder that affects the posture, balance, and motor functions.

Muscle tone is lost during pregnancy or during child birth.

Physical tasks become difficult because of this disorder.

Massage can be a wonderful addition to the health care plan. It can be used to help manage pain, stress, muscular efficiency, digestive function, and muscle tension.

Client’s may not be able to communicate verbally, so therapist should use non-verbal signs and signals to communicate. Careful not to be intrusive or rhythmic, with the massage movements, and not to trigger any seizures.

Dermatomyositis

In this condition, there is inflammatory myopathy affecting skin and muscle.

It is an autoimmune disease harming the connective tissue and weakening the muscles.

There is no cure for this condition, but the progression can be controlled by taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.

Therapist should be careful not to exasperate the condition. Using chamomile type products and light effleurage techniques may be beneficial on any part where the skin is not weeping/broken.

Do not massage any broken/weepy areas of the skin.

Tendonitis

When a tendon gets inflamed or irritated, it results in tendonitis and the inflammation can occur in any tendon of the body.

However, it is seen more commonly in wrists, elbows, shoulders, and heels.

It causes pain, mild swelling, tenderness and can be treated with pain relievers, rest, and ice compress. Therapist should not massage on the area but can offer light massage around the inflamed tendon.

Talipes

Talipes is also known as flat feet in which the muscles supporting the arch weaken and cause flattening of the arch due to the downward pressure.

There are 2 types of flat feet: rigid and flexible.

Flexible one is not painful and does not have symptoms. It can be treated by wearing corrective footwear, exercise, and massage.

Massage can only help manage pain and circulation of the area. Removal of toxins and increase oxygen and nutrients to the region. Passive circumduction of the ankles may also be beneficial.

Client may be on pain killers so may not be able to offer accurate feedback.