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  • Emma B

Old Injuries: Lingering Effects on Your Movements

We all know that old injuries can have lasting effects on our bodies, but did you know they can also affect your movements and exercise? Whether it's a sprained ankle or an old shoulder injury, these past injuries can have significant implications on our current physical activity. From short-term pain to long-term mobility limitations, the lingering effects of old injuries should be carefully considered when attempting new exercises or activities.



What is the healing process like for an injury?


The healing process of an injury is a complex and dynamic process that can be affected by many different factors. When an individual experiences an injury, their body begins to repair the damaged tissues and structures. This process involves a series of biochemical reactions, cellular responses, and tissue remodelling that work together to restore the injured area back to its original function. The length and success of this healing process depend on various factors such as the severity of the injury, age, overall health status, nutrition level, and more.


One critical aspect of the healing process is scarring tissue formation. Scar tissue forms when there is excessive collagen deposition in the injured area. While scar tissue plays an essential role in sealing off wounds and protecting them from infection or further damage, it can also limit mobility if it forms excessively or in areas where it shouldn't be present.


How can scar tissue affect the muscles?


Scar tissue can develop in muscles because of injury or surgery, and this scar tissue can lead to muscle imbalance. When scar tissue forms within a muscle, it creates an area of dense, fibrous tissue that is less elastic than the surrounding healthy muscle fibres. As a result, the scarred area loses some of its ability to stretch and contract during movement.


Muscle imbalances occur when there is unequal strength or flexibility between opposing muscle groups. Scar tissue can contribute to these imbalances by altering range of motion and reducing overall muscle function. For example, if scar tissue develops in the quadriceps muscle after knee surgery, it may limit the ability of that muscle group to fully extend the leg. This can lead to compensatory movements from other muscles which can cause further imbalance.


How can muscle imbalance affect movement?


Muscle imbalance can have a significant impact on movement during exercise. The human body requires balance and coordination to perform physical activities effectively, and muscle imbalances can disrupt this harmony. When certain muscles are overdeveloped or underdeveloped relative to other muscles, it creates an uneven distribution of force in the body. This can lead to altered biomechanics during movement, which can increase the risk of injury.


One way that muscle imbalances affect movement is by altering joint mechanics. For example, if the quadriceps are much stronger than the hamstrings, it may cause excessive strain on the knee joint during movements like squats or lunges. Similarly, if one side of the hip is weaker than the other side, it may result in pelvic tilt and rotation during movements like running or jumping. These changes in joint mechanics alter movement patterns and place additional stress on certain areas of the body.



How can muscle imbalance cause re-injury?


Muscle imbalance can have a significant impact on movement during exercise. The human body requires balance and coordination to perform physical activities effectively, and muscle imbalances can disrupt this harmony. When certain muscles are overdeveloped or underdeveloped relative to other muscles, it creates an uneven distribution of force in the body. This can lead to altered biomechanics during movement, which can increase the risk of injury.


One way that muscle imbalances affect movement is by altering joint mechanics. For example, if the quadriceps are much stronger than the hamstrings, it may cause excessive strain on the knee joint during movements like squats or lunges. Similarly, if one side of the hip is weaker than the other side, it may result in pelvic tilt and rotation during movements like running or jumping. These changes in joint mechanics alter movement patterns and place additional stress on certain areas of the body.


Overall, it is important for you to consider how you move and strengthen the right muscles after you have been through an injury or surgery so to not re-injure yourself in the long run.


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