Muscles and ligaments are stressed throughout like; constructed to adjust to varying levels of activity.  But, when they are exposed to higher-than- usual levels of stress, they are prone to short-term injury or long-term damage.

            However, what many people fail to realize is, problems also develop when these tissues aren’t exposed to the sufficient levels of stress, needed to maintain functional health.  The levels are placed on the following scale:

-         Paralysis: where muscle and ligaments are not used at all and their ability to function has diminished.

-         Immobilization: where use is temporarily put on hold and muscle strength and size diminishes over time.

-         Sedentarism: This is when muscles and ligaments are only minimally used, which leads to obesity, deconditioning, hypertension, and poor fitness, common in all age groups.

-         Normal use: which varies widely.  In this level all of the muscles and ligament are used for daily activities.

-         Strenuous use: which includes regular exercise, participation in recreational sports and leading and active lifestyle.

-         Progressive overload: which consists of people, such as athletes, who continuously push their bodies to limit to improve performance and build strength.

Overuse and damage can occur in any of the above groups, at varying degrees.  When muscles and ligaments are stressed, they respond by repairing and strengthening; but if the overload is frequent, damage may result. Trauma, or sudden stress, to a ligament beings with pain, swelling and results in a degree of lost function.

            Injuries and damage need proper treatment in order to heal rapidly.  Rest is important; which includes days of immobilization of damaged area, followed by reintroduction of movement and activity.  Reactivation is also necessary – which consists of exercise and guidance, which your Chiropractor can provide.

SOURCE: “Adjunctive Therapies to the Adjustment: Ligament and Muscle Stress,” Dynamic Chiropractic, March 26, 2001, Vol. 19, No. 7,pp. 16-17.

David Singer Enterprises, 1130 Cleveland St., Suite 210, Clearwater, FL 33755

For more information on this topic contact       

Dr. Dave Khuu D.C.  408-541-1609

270 E. Java Drive

Sunnyvale CA 94089

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