Muscle strength is lost when soft tissue adaptively shortens over time. The muscle is tight, yet functionally weak and no longer capable of strong or ballistic contraction. A more severe condition results when scar tissue is laid down between otherwise normal muscle fibers and ties down the motion and function of the muscle. Chronic inflammation in the muscle can cause fibrotic adhesions to form throughout the musculature, reducing its contractility and extensibility. Pain Relief Stretching exercises can be of great benefit in providing relief from pain arising from the muscles or the fascia.
Fascial contracture occurs when muscles and their connective tissues tighten abnormally.
Age, chilling, inactivity, and muscle strain cause contractures that put pressure on nerve pathways as they transverse through muscle. This abnormal pressure results in pain and limits the power the muscle would be capable of producing during work. When muscles are stretched with consistently repeated exercises, some of the elongation achieved remains after the exercise is completed. The stretching exercises must be gradual and progressively more demanding. Gentle and progressive stretching relieves pressure on local nerves, thus reducing discomfort.