Soft tissue pain can occur in the body for a variety of reasons. Soft tissue refers to the body's connective tissue and muscle. According to the Mayo Clinic website muscle spasm and cramping can be caused by dehydration, sprain or strain or overuse.
Muscle spasm can lead to trigger points that are quite painful and can interfere with normal quality of life. Most muscle spasms and cramps are not too serious and usually resolve on their own.
Treatments
Muscle soreness and spasm is commonly treated by stretching, massage and using forms of physical therapy to decrease inflammation and ease the pain. Some examples of the types of therapy used include heat, cold, trigger point therapy and techniques that stretch and massage the tight muscles, according to the "Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Handbook".
Types of Heat Therapy
Heat is primarily used to bring blood to the injured area. This allows oxygen and other healing properties to penetrate the area. Heat is generally used to relax tight muscles. You should not heat an area too long because if an area is already injured and inflamed, heating for too long will bring too much blood into the area and cause even more inflammation; 15 to 20 minutes is common. Heat is primarily delivered using heating packs and covered with thick terry towels, according to "Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Handbook". Other forms of heat used include paraffin bath, infrared and diathermy.
Types of Cold Therapy
The use of ice and other cold therapy is used to reduce inflammation, which in turn decreases pain. When an injury is acute it is always good to start with ice to decrease inflammation. Ice, like heat, can cause an increase in inflammation if left on too long. About 15 to 20 minutes of ice is considered ideal, according to "Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Handbook". If left on the body too long, the body will be tricked into thinking it is freezing and will force more blood into the area to keep the body temperature up. This will cause an increase in inflammation. Types of cold therapy used include ice packs, ice massage and alternating cold and heat.
Hot and Cold Therapy
By alternating the effects of ice and heat, you can help with muscle spasm and inflammation. According to the book "Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Handbook", this causes a vascular exercise which alternates the effect of both heat and ice. This is usually done for a period of 20 to 30 minutes beginning with heat for 4 to 6 minutes and then alternating cold for 2 to 5 minutes and repeating until the desired time is accomplished.
Muscle Therapy
Muscle stretching, trigger point therapy, and massage are performed to relax the muscle and encourage blood flow to help with the healing process. These are usually performed by a professional.
Expert Insight
Muscle spasm and cramping is usually not too serious. The use of heat and ice can help with the symptoms along with rest. If the symptoms are related to an injury or if they do not resolve, it is important to seek the opinion of a professional.
After completing a session of cold therapy or hot therapy, it is important to let the body tissues heat up to normal temperature by waiting at least one hour until the session is performed again.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Muscle Cramp
- "Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Handbook"; Vizniak NA; 2003.
