Often common and benign but also caused by pathologies such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, muscle rigidity can be treated with physiotherapy. What are the symptoms ? Is this a sign of deficiency?
Definition: what is muscle stiffness?
Muscle rigidity or stiffness refers to a excessive tension of one or more muscles. “Although it’s not official, we use the term stiffness more to talk about benign muscle contractures that we can all feel. The term rigidity is rather used in the specific case of Parkinson’s disease“, explains Jérémy Vincenti, physiotherapist. There are several types of muscle stiffness:
- Benign stiffness : “These are frequent and known to all. They occur as a result of stress or significant emotion, poor posture or physical activity without warming up.”
- Extrapyramidal hypertonia also called rigid or plastic : This is due to a malfunction in the extrapyramidal nervous system which controls involuntary movement. In this case, “the resistance is independent of the force the practitioner uses to straighten the joint. To do this, it is necessary to proceed gradually and like cogwheels to make the joint yield. After the release, if the elbow has for example been placed at 90°, then it will remain in the same position.”
- Pyramidal hypertonia or also called elastic or spastic : It is due to a lesion of the pyramidal pathway whose nerve fibers control involuntary movements. “A resistance depending on the speed of realization of the desired movement is felt when the joint is unfolded but it comes back on itself when released“, explains Jérémy Vincenti.
What are the symptoms of muscle stiffness?
The main symptoms are mainly a discomfort, pain, and stiffness may limit movement.
What diseases cause muscle stiffness?
Extrapyramidal hypertension is, in most cases, caused by Parkinson disease. As for pyramidal hypertonia, it may appear in certain cases of multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or hemiplegia after a stroke. Aging can also be a factor in the development of pyramidal hypertonia. “Aging causes a loss of muscle mass as well as elasticity. Without physical activity, sedentary subjects will tend to see some muscle stiffness set in.
Is this a sign of deficiency?
“In the case of non-pathological muscular stiffness, it is above all lack of hydration which can cause this stiffness because dehydration weakens the muscles which then become more sensitive to the risk of injury.
Massage, heat and posture correction are good tools to treat the most common muscle stiffness. In the case of muscular rigidity caused by a neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, physiotherapy, coupled with appropriate medical treatment, can help slow the progression. “Physical activity and targeted muscle building antagonists to those affected by the malformation are essential. Stretching and joint mobilization are also important to address this stiffness. Of course, it all depends on the stage of the pathology.” In the most advanced cases, where the patient has excessive limitations, the doctor may suggest carrying out botulinum toxin injections : this allows you to relax a very rigid muscle.
Thanks to Jérémy Vincenti, physiotherapist in Bastia.