What is Muscle Imbalance?
It means just what it says; a person’s musculoskeletal system is not in proper balance causing restriction in healthy joint and musculoskeletal movement. However, it is a little more complicated then this.
The skeletal muscles work together to allow movement. For many reasons some of our muscles can become what is known as “HypERtonic” and when this occurs corresponding (paired) muscles will become “HypOtonic.”
Without getting too technical, a muscle that is Hypertonic it is a muscle that is shortened and tight, and over time (sometimes also weak) and is unable to “relax” or “release” the contraction fully when needed. It can develop into a muscle that begins to exist in a state of chronic, semi-contraction, which the body recognizes as suffering with a mini muscle spasm all the time. The paired Hypotonic muscles become chronically “over stretched” and weak and are unable to contract when needed. Of course, this set-up decreases correct movement of the joint causing it to move in an altered way, which can lead to joint breakdown.
FACT: A muscle that is chronically semi-contracted causes metabolic dysfunction within the muscle tissues. It also squeezes blood vessels and nerves running through the muscle. This interferes with healthy blood supply and proper nerve signaling.
An Example of How Muscles Work in Opposite Pairs
Muscles exist as “agonists” and “antagonists.” This is another way of saying – Muscles move the skeleton and joints by working in opposite pairs. For instance, if you bend your elbow to touch your shoulder, your biceps (muscles on the front of the upper arm) contract, and the triceps (muscles on the back of the upper arm) relax. It works the other way when you straighten your arm - the triceps contract while the biceps relax
What Causes Muscle Imbalances?
There are more reasons than we can cover in this article but here are some of the most common. See if you can relate to any
1. A lifetime of poor posture which gets poorer as we age. This can start from birth and become a pain and disability problem as early as our teens and twenties.
2. Jobs or activities that require a lot of forward bending (flexing) and/or lifting/twisting from that forward bend.
3. Jobs or activities requiring long or excessive use of extension (bending backwards)
4. Jobs that require static position or repetitive motion – like computer work, cashiering, etc,
5. A lack of exercise. Over exercise, and Incorrect exercising.
6. Repetitive Stress - Both Physical and Emotional - Just think about defensive attitudes, confidence, shyness and aggression. These immediately affect our musculature and it all shows up in our body’s posture.
7. Lack of restorative sleep
8. Of course it can also result from an accident injury
9. Here is a catch-22. Another cause of muscle imbalance results from the very injuries caused by muscle imbalances. Once injured, the pain and physical reactions to that injury can create further imbalanced muscle problems if not properly treated.
