Spasm is an area of tissue tension within the muscle that can create pain and discomfort. Spasms might be from a specific injury or abnormal skeletal structure and muscular imbalance. Exercise promotes general muscular health, improving overall strength and function. Stretching exercises might produce a general relaxation of the effected tissue, allowing for a subsequent decrease in tightness and spasm.
Passive Stretching
Passive stretching is the movement through a range of motion without help from your own muscular contraction. A partner will move the joint related to the effected muscle until you feel a gentle stretch, and she will hold for a minimum of 10 seconds. For example, if you have a calf spasm, have a partner push your toes back toward your shin and hold. This will stretch the calf muscle and allow for relaxation.
Active Stretching
Active stretching is moving your own joint through a range using muscular contraction. Once you reach a comfortable stretch, hold your position for a minimum of 10 seconds, allowing the neurons to discontinue firing so that you get a better stretch. Release the stretch, and repeat until the spasm is completely gone.
Contract/Relax Stretching
Contracting the muscle against a stretch allows for increased muscle relaxation. This exercise requires assistance from a partner. Your partner will move your body part into a comfortable stretch and will resist as you contract back against him for 10 seconds. Upon release of the contraction, he will then stretch a bit further. Good communication is imperative to avoid over-stretch and injury.
General Exercise
Participation in a regular exercise program is beneficial in creating a decreased incidence of muscle spasms. Adequate strength and flexibility will reduce excessive stress to the muscular system while helping maintain appropriate posture and structural balance. The health division of ABC News reports that people who are active and well-conditioned are less likely to suffer from pain caused by muscle strain, as regular exercises stretches the muscles so they are less likely to strain, tear or spasm
