Of course me being so analytical, I would then ask what causes such injuries? I'd assume that overuse or a sudden twist of jerk would cause the more minor grade one strains and a fall or accident of some sort that applies significant force would cause a true tear or rip that would possibly require more than just rest to heal... I often agonize over pain I have, especially after physical activity... Thinking I "strained" something if I have any localized pain. I also wonder about muscle "knots" and trigger points... Are they a "real thing"?... And can TMS cause them due to prolonged tension or tightness, and once that tightness is long-standing, can a person actually get physically injured during exercise because they're tight/tense?
Sorry for the multiple questions, this is all so difficult to sort out...and I just wanted to add, the alarming part of this for me is what MDs and nurses have told me. One nurse told me a story of how she simply reached into her refrigerator one day to grab her lunch for work and "strained" a muscle in her back and missed a week of work. That just seems... well, exaggerated.. Can a muscle BE so weak that such a seemingly benign movement can cause such a "serious" injury?
Speaking only from personal experience, most of my strains came from either pushing my body too hard (dance requires using the body in unusual and novel ways) and not warming up sufficiently before hand. I was young and cavalier. I am much more respectful and wise now. This is why I really dislike recommendations made on here to push through pain. That is awful advice. Better advice is to learn to listen to your body, tune into the sensations, get especially good around the edges of more extreme sensations. And always warm your body up thoroughly before exercise. I think of this as the difference between a stick of gum before you pop it in your mouth and the well-chewed (sorry!), pliable and stretchy thing it becomes.
There is a massive difference in terms of feeling between a worked-out, post-exercise body and overuse or damage. The former is an ache or pain that
feels good. Strain doesn't possess this beneficial psychological component.
Trigger points are *real* knots but I'm pretty sure they are intimately connected to TMS. Have a look at some of
@Gigalos posts because he writes sagely on this subject. I defer to his opinion.
Finally, I do think one can harm themselves through being tight and tense HOWEVER my suggestion there relates back to my earlier thoughts on NOT pushing through. It's best to gently work on relieving tension first and warming up thoroughly.
It's so important to foster a healthy, balanced relationship with your body. If you've not exercised for a long time for God's sake don't be gung-ho. Be gentle. Follow a mindful, calibrated program that eases you back into movement over time. Incorporate rest days. Be playful. Cultivate a positive, nurturing mindset.
Remember these are my thoughts based upon my experience. The wonderful
@MindBodyPT will offer more insightful thoughts based upon a richer knowledge and experience. I look forward to hearing them for they are ever-enriching.
