Muscle and Bone Disorders Overview

Spasms and Cramps: Sudden involuntary contractions often caused by:
- Nutritional imbalances affecting electrolyte levels.
- Ischemia, a reduction in blood flow.
- Dehydration which leads to muscle dysfunction.
Strains: Commonly known as "pulled muscles."
- Involves tearing of myofibers, resulting in scar tissue formation.
- Typically caused by overstretching or excessive loading of muscles.

Osteoporosis: Condition leading to weakened bones.
- Contributing factors include:
  - High protein intake causing calcium loss through urine.
  - Natural bone density reduction post-menopause.
  - Smoking leading to decreased bone health.
Postural Deviations: Malalignments of the spine.
- Hyperkyphosis: Characterized by an exaggerated thoracic curve.
- Rotoscoliosis: Involves spinal rotation alongside scoliosis.

Adhesive Capsulitis: Known as "frozen shoulder."
- Inflammation and thickness of connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint.
Joint Disruptions:
- Subluxation: Involves misalignment of bones with an intact joint capsule.
- Dysplasia: Congenital defect resulting in abnormal acetabulum or femoral head.
Joint Replacement Surgery: May result in permanent limitations in range of motion.
Spondylosis: Typically asymptomatic, causing slow, painless stiffening of the spine if it does not press on nerve roots.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ): Factors causing issues include:
- Myofascial pain syndrome with trigger points.
- Damage to cartilage disks in the jaw.
- Osteoarthritis affecting joint function.

Compartment Syndrome:
- Acute: Sudden massive swelling requiring urgent medical attention.
- Chronic: Related to repetitive athletic stress, characterized by:
  - Symptoms such as pain, cramping, weakness, numbness, and altered gait during activity.
Dupuytren’s Contracture: Treatment options depend on intact sensation in the hand; neuropathy is a contraindication for certain therapies.
Ganglion Cysts: Usually found on the wrist, hand, or foot.
Hammertoe:
- Symptoms include pain, visible foot deformity, muscle contractions, and skin changes like corns.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Lacks a universally accepted definition; individuals with active trigger points may be overly sensitive and at risk of overtreatment.

Bursitis:
- Acute cases can worsen with invasive massage techniques.
- Subacromial Bursitis: Improper massage can increase pain and inflammation.
Shin Splints:
- Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) commonly arises from excessive exercise; related to periostitis and stress fractures.
Tendinopathies:
- Tendinitis: Acute inflammation marked by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
- Tenosynovitis: Irritation of tendons as they glide through their sheath; includes "trigger finger."
Whiplash:
- Muscles commonly affected include:
  - Sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles in the neck.
  - Splenius cervicis involved in neck movement.