Spasm any sudden involuntary contraction of one or

 Spasm - any sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more
muscles
 Cramp - a painful localized muscle spasm often named for its
cause, such as menstrual cramps
Repetitive Stress Disorders
 Repetitive Stress Disorders - also known as repetitive motion
disorders, are a variety of muscular conditions that result from
repeated motions formed in the course of normal work, daily
activities, or recreation such as sports.
o Compartment Syndrome - involves the compression of
nerves and blood vessels due to swelling within the
“compartment”, an enclosed space created by the fascia
that separates groups of muscles. This can be caused by
trauma, tight bandages or casts, or repetitive activities
such as running.
o Overuse injuries - minor tissue injuries that have not been
given time to heal.
 Overuse tendinitis - an inflammation of tendons
caused by excessive or unusual use of a joint.
 Stress fractures
 Myofascial Pain Syndrome- a chronic pain disorder that affects
muscles and fascia throughout the body. Caused by a muscle
being contracted repetitively, is characterized by the
development of trigger points, producing local and referred
muscle pain.
o Trigger points- areas that most commonly develop where
the fascia comes into contact with a muscle

o Reffered pain- describes pain that originates in one area of
the body but is felt in another
 Rotator cuff tendinitis - an inflammation of the tendons of the
rotator cuff. (often named for the cause such as tennis shoulder
or pitcher’s shoulder)
 Ruptured Rotator Cuff - develops when rotator cuff tendinitis is
left untreated or if the overuse continues.
Sports Injuries
 Strain- is an injury to the body of the muscle or to the
attachment of a tendon.
Diagnostic Procedures of the Muscular System
 Deep Tendon Reflexes - are tested with a reflex hammer that is
used to strike a tendon.
 Range-of-motion testing - a diagnostic procedure to evaluate joint
mobility and muscle strength.
Medications
 Antispasmodic- administered to suppress smooth muscle
contractions of the stomach, intestine, or bladder
 Skeletal Muscle Relaxant- administered to relac certain muscles
and to relieve stiffness, pain, and discomfort caused by strains,
sprains, or other muscle injuries
 Neuromuscular Blocker- a drug that causes temporary paralysis
by blocking the transmission of nerve stimuli to the muscle.
Fascia
 Fasciotomy - is a surgical incision through the fascia to relieve
tension or pressure.
 Fascioplasty- is the surgical repair of a fascia
 Myotomy- a surgical incision into a muscle