Anatomy & Body Systems
Muscle:
- Muscle fibers
- Tendinous portions
- Sarcomere structure
Connective Tissue:
- Joint capsule
- Ligaments
- Fascia
- Skin (in burn contractures)
- Shoulder (frozen shoulder)
- Elbow (post-traumatic)
- Wrist (Dupuytren's)
- Hip (post-surgical)
- Knee (post-immobilization)
- Ankle (equinus)
Types & Classifications
Static (True) Contracture:
- Permanent structural changes
- Fibrosis of tissues
- Irreversible without intervention
Dynamic (Neurological) Contracture:
- Due to muscle overactivity
- Spasticity-related
- May respond to spasticity treatment
Periarticular: Around joints Intramuscular: Within muscles Interstitial: Between tissue planes
Causes & Root Factors
Immobilization:
- Cast or splint use
- Traction
- Bed rest
- Sedentary lifestyle
Neurological:
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
Trauma/Surgery:
- Joint injury
- Fractures
- Post-surgical stiffness
- Burns
Other:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Genetic disorders
Risk Factors
- Prolonged immobilization
- Neurological conditions
- Advanced age
- Poor positioning
- Inadequate rehabilitation
Signs & Characteristics
Limited Range of Motion:
- Decreased active ROM
- Decreased passive ROM
- End-range restriction
Physical Changes:
- Visible tissue tightening
- Palpable hardening
- Postural abnormalities
- Flexion contractures (knee, elbow, hip)
- Extension contractures
- Adduction contractures
- Rotation restrictions
Conventional Treatments
Physiotherapy:
- Passive stretching
- Active assisted ROM
- Joint mobilization
- Splinting/casting
Medications:
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-inflammatories
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Tendon lengthening
- Capsular release
- Fasciotomy
Integrative Treatments
- Symphytum (tissue healing)
- Calcarea fluorica (tissue elasticity)
- Rhus toxicodendron (stiffness)
- Pinda Sweda (bolus massage)
- Greeva/Kati Basti
- Herbs for tissue health
- Vata-pacifying treatments
- Prolonged stretching
- Serial casting
- Strengthening
- Functional training
Self Care
- Regular stretching program
- Proper positioning
- Active exercises
- Splinting if indicated
Prevention
- Early mobilization
- Proper positioning
- Regular movement
- Adequate rehabilitation
Prognosis
- Early treatment best outcomes
- May take months of therapy
- Severe cases may need surgery
FAQ
Early contractures can often be reversed with aggressive stretching and therapy. Long-standing contractures may be permanent or require surgery.
Treatment duration varies from weeks to months depending on severity, duration, and cause.
Last Updated: 2026-03-10 Healers Clinic - Transformative Integrative Healthcare Contact: +971 56 274 1787