Spasm

Question 1

What is a spasm

Answer 1

A spasm is an involuntary contraction

A build up of metabolytes which incite pain (lack of oxygen)

Question 2

What is the difference between a spasm and a cramp

Answer 2

A cramp is generally the whole muscle belly

A spasm is more diffuse, can be in more muscle groups

Question 3

How to treat tissue ischemia

Answer 3

Increase circulation

Apply heat, stretching, massage

Question 4

Symptom picture of a spasm

Answer 4

Antalgic expression, gait, posture
Low rom, tight
Ischemia- cold, nodules, hypertoned

Question 5

Contraindications for a spasm

Answer 5

CIs

• dont completely remove spasm (the guarding may be there for a reason)
• avoid passively stretching acute spasm (you can tear fibers) especially if there is inflammation present (heat, redness, swelling)

Question 6

Treatment plan for spasm

Answer 6

• position is relaxed and none stretched, slack
• encourage breathing to decrease symp nerve firing
• do not over work the tissue, careful not to induce a protective spasm
• full body to help relax/ decrease symp nerve firing
• proximal to the spasm area to increase circulation
• move from affected muscle to unaffected and back
  
  • your not overworking specific area
  • what affects one side affects the other
• use direct techniques like vibrations, muscle squeezing, petrissage, joint play (for acute pain)

-you must significantly reduce tone in Acute spasm before applying passive stretch, so you don’t tear/cause more guarding