What causes muscle strain?

In people's daily life and work, there will be more or less physical injuries, but there are many reasons for the injuries. Some people are injured because of some unexpected situations, but some people's muscles are easily strained but they don't know what causes it. Some people think it may be caused by some diseases. So, what are the reasons for muscle strain?

First, why are muscles easily strained? When completing various movements, muscles actively and violently contract, exceeding the muscle's own load capacity, or suddenly and passively over-stretch, exceeding its elasticity, and strains may occur. For example, when you bend over to grab the barbell during weightlifting, the erector spinae muscles are strained due to the strong contraction. When doing exercises such as front leg stretches and vertical splits, suddenly exerting too much force can cause the posterior thigh muscles to be over-passively stretched and injured; horizontal splits exercises can cause the inner thigh muscles to be over-passively stretched and strained. During sports, strain of the posterior thigh muscles is the most common. The thigh adductor muscles, lumbar and back muscles, rectus abdominis, calf triceps (soleus and gastrocnemius), upper arm muscles, etc. are all prone to muscle strain.

Second, the training level is not enough, the muscle elasticity and strength are poor; incorrect technical movements or lack of concentration during exercise, excessive or rough movements; excessive training or sudden increase in training intensity can easily exceed the muscle load capacity and cause muscle fatigue, reduced strength, and poor coordination. These factors can easily lead to muscle strain. When two closely located muscles work at the same time, the weaker muscle is more likely to suffer a muscle strain. For example, if the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh is stronger than the hamstring tendon on the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscle is more likely to be strained.

Why are muscles easily strained? During exercise, due to improper warm-up exercises, the physiological function of a certain part of the muscle has not yet reached the state required to adapt to the exercise; the temperature is too low and the humidity is too high; or when you are too nervous on the field, muscle strains are also likely to occur. Proper muscle stretching can increase limb flexibility and relax and relieve fatigue, but excessive stretching may cause muscle strain and even muscle fiber rupture. Especially after a marathon, it is recommended to continue walking or jogging for 5-10 minutes, do gentle stretching massage and ice compress.