Common Reasons for Muscle Imbalances

The human body moves in reciprocal ways, meaning opposite muscle groups need to coordinate for functional, healthy movement. Visualize how when you walk, one leg moves forward while the opposite leg extends back and the opposite arm swings forward. 

But when muscle length and strength become uneven, it can cause dysfunction that ultimately leads to pain.  

Our Muscle Activation Technique experts at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation share the most common reasons behind muscle imbalances and what you can do to get even! 

What is a Muscular Imbalance? 

Two main types of muscle imbalances can cause issues with movement and function.  

Body Muscular Imbalance  

In an ideal world, the muscles on either side of your body should be symmetrical in size and strength. If one muscle or group of muscles on the left or right side of your body are larger, smaller, stronger, or weaker than the same muscles on the other side, this can cause problems. 

When muscle length and strength become uneven, it can cause dysfunction that ultimately leads to pain. 

Joint Muscular Imbalance 

The muscles surrounding a joint partner up by applying opposing forces that keep the joint bones centered. If one of the muscles surrounding a joint becomes looser, tighter, weaker, or stronger than normal, it can create challenges with your joint range of motion. 

Not to be dramatic, but the symptoms of muscle imbalances can be terrible. These problems may manifest as: 

• Lower back pain  

• Shoulder impingement and tendonitis 

• Headaches and neck pain 

• Trapped nerves 

• Sports injuries 

What Causes a Muscle Imbalance? 

 

Several circumstances can lead to muscle imbalances. Although some of these causes are genetic, in the majority of cases, imbalances are caused by mechanical issues. These problems include: 

• Repetitive use 

• Lack of movement 

• Improper exercise techniques 

• Poor posture 

Repetitive Use  

This is one of the most likely causes of muscle imbalances. Repeatedly contracting the same muscles with the same force to act, such as typing, playing an instrument, writing, or carrying heavy objects, can result in the muscle getting stuck in a semi-contracted state.  

This chronic contraction can modify the position of the joint, causing debilitating pain. This may be particularly challenging if it impacts your career and prevents you from working. Fortunately, there are most likely exercises and stretches to help you rebalance your body and feel better. Dynamic Fitness and Rehabilitation can help! 

Immobility  

A lack of movement is another common cause of muscular imbalances, particularly in the hips. The majority of people work jobs that require sitting at a desk all day. Plus, we spend plenty of time driving in the car, watching tv, or sitting to complete other hobbies. Immobility can lead to chronic contraction of the hips, causing weakness in the gluteus maximus and pain in the hip flexors.  

Improper Exercise Techniques 

With the new year here, many people are hitting the gym after months of sedentary living. Take warning: if not approached with care and proper technique, you may do yourself more harm than good.  

Unbalanced exercise plans combined with poor form can result in muscle imbalances and even serious injury.  

Is your New Year’s resolution all about getting fit and feeling good? Work with our trainers at Dynamic Fitness and Rehabilitation to start the year off right. 

Poor Posture 

When you sit at a desk all day, it’s easy to succumb to rounded shoulders and a forward neck. Plus, you may position your arms and wrists improperly and sit with your pelvis rolled back. You may have similar issues when standing.  

Maintaining poor posture for prolonged periods can result in upper-crossed syndrome or lower-crossed syndrome where specific muscles become too tight while other muscles become weak. 

Learn More > Understanding Muscle Imbalances 

How to Fix a Muscle Imbalance 

The first step in correcting any muscular imbalance is to receive an accurate diagnosis from a trained professional. Our M.A.T. experts and physical therapists at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation can determine where you experiencing tightness and weakness to build a regimen for your unique situation. 

Exercise  

In many cases, muscle imbalances can be corrected through specific exercises to resolve global and local imbalances. These exercises and stretches must be completed with proper form to avoid worsening the problem.  

This is why it’s important to work with a professional trainer who can make adjustments and confirm whether or not you are engaging the right muscles. 

Muscle Activation Technique 

With a gentle approach to soft tissue work and range of motion techniques, M.A.T. can correct muscular imbalances and joint instability. This method helps restore balance in dysfunctional muscle groups through non-invasive manipulations that remind the musculoskeletal system how to function well. 

If you aren’t careful, certain everyday activities can lead to muscle imbalances, which cause pain and movement difficulties. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your mobility. 

Correct Muscle Imbalances  

The Muscle Activation Technique is a highly effective approach to correcting muscle imbalances. It can be used to improve posture, decrease pain, and reduce the risk of injury. This technique allows practitioners to recognize when muscles are not working properly and take steps to re-engage them to restore balance.  

Our results at Dynamic Fitness and Rehabilitation are long-lasting for optimal health and performance in athletes or anyone looking to improve their overall physical condition. Reach out to our trainers today!