Libra Sun Integrated Therapy

🔈 MUSCLE CRAMPS FACTS

1. A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax.
2. Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle; cramps of the leg muscles and feet are particularly common.
3. Almost everyone experiences a muscle cramp at some time in their life.
4. There are a variety of types and causes of muscle cramps.
5. Muscle cramps may occur during exercise, at rest, or at night, depending upon the exact cause.
6. Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps.
7. Numerous medicines can cause muscle cramps.
8. Most muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched.
9. Muscle cramps can often be prevented by measures such as adequate nutrition and hydration, attention to safety when exercising, and attention to ergonomic factors.

TREATMENTS AND METHODS OF PREVENTION FOR LEG CRAMPS IN PARTICULAR

a) A relaxing bath before going to bed will ease muscle tightness.
b) Put a heating pad on the affected area.
c) Try an acupuncture treatment to ease tight leg muscles.
d) Make sure that you have enough magnesium or potassium in your body.
e) Stretch your legs before you go to bed.
f) Avoid high-heeled shoes and wear ergonomic shoes
g) Rise slowly and walk around – you can improve your blood flow by shaking your legs.
h) Massage the area by making circular movements.

🔈 HIP LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLE IMBALANCE

The hip joint is strengthen by three capsular ligaments: the iliofermoral ligament and the pubofemoral ligament are on the anterior aspect of the joint, while the ischiofemoral ligament is on the posterior aspect. As the hip is flexed, all three ligaments relax. However, in extension all three ligaments are tight, with the inferior band of the iliofemoral ligament being placed under greatest tension as it runs almost vertically. It is this ligamentous band which limits posterior tilt of the pelvis.

During adduction, it is the turn of the superior band of the iliofemoral ligament to become tighter while the pubofemoral ligament and ischiofemoral ligament relax. In abduction the opposite occurs. In lateral rotation both the iliofemoral ligament and pubofermoral ligament are taut, while medial in rotation the ischiofemoral ligament tightens.

SCREENING EXAMINATION

Hip conditions may refer pain anywhere within the L3 dermatome, over the front of the thigh and down to the knee. Initial observation includes resting position, muscle wasting, leg length and gait. Functional activities may also be revealing. Lying in bed with the affected side uppermost (hip adduction and medial rotation) places a stretch over the iliotibial band (ITB) and lengthens the posterior portion of the gluteus medius. This may be a consideration in ITB syndrome and for muscle imbalance over the hip.

MUSCLE IMBALANCE AROUND THE HIP

In the hip region, the Thomas test and the Ober manoeuvre are used to assess for muscle tightness of the hip flexors (re**us fermoris and iliopsoas) and hip abductors (TFL and ITB). Inner range holding ability of the gluteus medius is assessed with side-lying hip abduction, and of the gluteus maximus with the prone-lying hip extension movement.