ME - Contracture Flashcards
What is muscle contraction
Shortening and/or development of tension in muscle
What is a contracted muscle
A physiological response to neuromuscular excitation that prevents the muscle from reaching its normal relaxed length
What is a contracture
Tightening or shortening of muscle leading to joint stiffness and restriction in motion
What does Sherrington’s law state
When one set of muscles is stimulated, muscles opposing them are simultaneously inhibited
What is the Golgi Tendon Organ
A spindle-shaped end organ within a tendon that provides information about muscle tension
What occurs during a concentric muscle contraction
The muscle contracts while the distance between origin and insertion decreases
What happens during an eccentric muscle contraction
The muscle contracts while the distance between origin and insertion increases
What defines isometric muscle contraction
The muscle contracts while maintaining the same length between origin and insertion
What is isotonic muscle contraction
The force of contracted muscle is maintained at the same amount throughout the contraction
What is isokinetic contraction
Concentric contraction against resistance with a constant angular rate of joint motion
What is isolytic contraction
Eccentric contraction where a stronger counterforce lengthens the muscle, often used for treating fibrotic or shortened tissues
What are monoarticular muscles
Muscles that cross one joint, often key in maintaining Type 2 segmental dysfunctions
What are polyarticular muscles
Muscles that cross multiple joints, often key in maintaining Type 1 group dysfunctions
What is the goal of post-isometric relaxation
Muscle relaxation
What is the proposed mechanism of post-isometric relaxation
After an isometric contraction, the neuromuscular apparatus enters a refractory state, allowing passive stretching without strong opposition
What is the first step in post-isometric relaxation
Position the bone, joint, or muscle at the feather edge of the restrictive barrier in all three planes
What should the patient do during post-isometric relaxation
Contract in the direction of ease for 3-5 seconds
What is the role of the physician during post-isometric relaxation
Reposition to the feather edge of the new restrictive barrier after the patient relaxes
What is joint mobilization using muscle force aimed at
Restoration of joint motion in articular dysfunction
What is the mechanism behind joint mobilization using muscle force
Gapping or reseating distorted joint relations with reflex relaxation of hypertonic musculature
What is the goal of reciprocal inhibition
To lengthen muscle shortened by cramp or acute spasm
What triggers reciprocal inhibition
Gentle contraction of the antagonist muscle, causing reflex relaxation of the spastic muscle
What is the crossed extensor reflex
A reflex where contraction in one limb results in the relaxation of the flexor and contraction of the extensor in the contralateral limb
What is the goal of crossed extensor reflex
To treat muscles located in extremities that are severely injured and not directly manipulable
What is the goal of isokinetic strengthening
To re-establish normal tone and strength in muscles weakened by reflex hypertonicity of the opposing muscle group
What defines isokinetic strengthening
Isokinetic contraction where length change occurs at constant velocity, typically using concentric contractions
What is the goal of isolytic lengthening
To lengthen muscle shortened by contracture and fibrosis
What is the mechanism of isolytic lengthening
Vibration is used to affect myotatic units, with mechanical and circulatory effects
What is the force of contraction in isolytic lengthening
Maximal contraction that can be comfortably resisted by the physician (30 to 50 lb)
What is the goal of using muscle force to move one region of the body
Achieve movement of another bone or region
What is the purpose of post-isometric relaxation repetition
Further stretching and lengthening the muscle
What should be reassessed after post-isometric relaxation
The muscle and joint position after returning to neutral
What is the purpose of joint mobilization
To reduce reflex hypertonicity and restore proper joint function
What is the significance of the feather edge in muscle energy techniques
It is the initial point of resistance where the technique is applied
What happens during muscle relaxation after contraction
The muscle can be passively stretched with less opposition
What is the common use for isolytic contraction
Treatment of fibrotic or chronically shortened myofascial tissues
What is the importance of Golgi Tendon Organs during muscle contraction
They provide feedback on muscle tension and trigger reflex relaxation
What is the outcome of increased muscle tone compressing joint surfaces
Thinning of synovial fluid layer and adherence of joint surfaces
What is the role of the physician in joint mobilization
To anchor and resist movement at one end while permitting motion at the dysfunction level
What is the purpose of muscle energy techniques
To restore normal muscle length, joint mobility, and overall function
