Physiotherapy is a tool that works with the natural movement abilities of your body to create an efficient, strong and able physique. It is an evidence-based form of physical medicine that is delivered through a hands-on approach and exercise prescription.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy a branch of physiotherapy that works directly with your anatomy and physiology to reduce aches, pains, muscle imbalances, mechanical issues and loading problems.

Gym based exercise is a fantastic way to engage your muscles to develop and maintain strength and resistance ability. It produces a more stable framework for your joints and spinal column as well as the added boost of cardiovascular benefits. Due to the high demand on muscle fibres to engage in rapid firing and sustained contractions, there is often a tightness or stiffness that is felt in those who work out in the gym.

There are several reasons for this tight feeling:

»   Your body has used all of its fuel in a workout and has passed into anaerobic training. A biproduct of this is lactic acid build up also known as ‘the burn’.

»   Your body is unaccustomed to a change in your training regime. The change of force will provide feedback and the body will naturally adapt over time. It will need to relearn, rebuild and remodel – protein!!!

»   A muscle has been pushed to its maximum effort or a kinetic chain has reached a state of muscle contraction known as tetanus. This is similar to the sensation you get with cramp and, although it settles after a few days, can leave the muscle full of lactic acid and sometimes create point specific tightness (muscle knots).

»   Overtraining, high intensity training, eccentric loading (negative loading) and unaccustomed training can also lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This occurs when microscopic tears within the muscle begin to inflame and work through their own recovery process. DOMS is usually felt between day one and day three post workout.

»   Unfortunately, at times your body may experience pain during or after a workout at its naturally weaker points. This can include tendon issues and muscular guarding. You should never ignore these symptoms as leaving them untreated can result in further or more drastic injuries.

»   Long term stiffness due to weightlifting can sometimes be caused by postural changes that occur when training leads to muscle imbalances. This can lead to the forward rounding of shoulders that is sometimes seen in weightlifters. It can cause problems in the neck as well as a lack of freedom in the shoulders.

A musculoskeletal physiotherapist is well equipped to deliver the correct treatment techniques to facilitate optimal healing of tissues and return to sports and training.