A so-called muscular imbalance, which is also known as muscle imbalance, is an imbalance between a muscle (agonist) and its respective opponent (antagonist). To understand the whole thing better, you have to look at how the body builds muscles:
The muscle tissue in the body can be divided into three types: the heart muscles, the skeletal muscles (also striated muscles) and the smooth muscles (located in the organs). Muscular imbalance primarily affects skeletal muscles, which - as the name suggests - lie primarily above the skeleton. These striated muscles consist of either red or white muscle fibers. The red fibers are better supplied with blood and are responsible for static movement. Compared to white fibers, they barely sag. The white fibers, on the other hand, ensure short, fast and motor movements. Basically, a muscle does not work alone, but always has a corresponding opponent. Both are motorically connected to each other via the nervous system and as soon as the agonist performs a movement, the antagonist automatically takes on the countermovement. Ideally, both muscles are approximately equally developed, so that there is a balance of tension.
We now speak of a muscular imbalance when exactly that is not the case and one of the two is significantly more pronounced than the other. As explained, muscles made of red fibers already have a certain basic tension. These then quickly tend that the basic tone of tension is permanently too high and this results in muscle shortening. The muscles with the white fibers have the ability to react quickly but also to fatigue accordingly quickly. If they are not trained enough, they weaken relatively easily.
How does a muscular imbalance occur?
The causes of muscular imbalances can be manifold and several factors often play a role together. In principle, however, the following main causes can be identified:
Wrong training:
Incorrect or one-sided training is one of the main causes of the imbalance. Often - consciously or unconsciously - a muscle is trained separately and its opponent is ignored. This is where it helps to reflect on your training in more detail: Are both the biceps and the triceps equally promoted when training the arms? Are both the inner and outer, front and back sides of the legs regularly stressed? What about the stomach and back? According to this scheme, you can review your complete plan once and correct it if necessary. Anyone who is unsure can of course seek expert advice at any time. Our trainers at Holmes Place are happy to help you create a well-thought-out and effective plan. Increasing stress too quickly and warming up inadequately also promote an imbalance.
anatomy:
Certain imbalances are also caused by the anatomy of the body, e.g. due to congenital malpositions of the spine, hip, etc. In this case, a sports medicine specialist or orthopedist should be involved.
Wrong equipment:
Good footwear is essential, especially for endurance sports such as jogging. Poor posture while running can quickly lead to unequal muscle strain and resulting misalignments and pain. Good advice in a specialist shop is definitely worthwhile here.
Injuries:
If you are injured for a long period of time, your body automatically adopts a gentle posture. Even in a healthy state, this is often continued unconsciously and must be addressed in a targeted manner. The automatic relief of certain muscles due to an injury and the resulting loss of strength also trigger muscular imbalances. In both cases, it helps to consult a physiotherapist. Our well-trained therapists at Holmes Place can help you do just that.
lifestyle:
Who would have thought that once again, our modern lifestyle is responsible for physical problems. Too little movement, too much sitting in poor posture, always a smartphone in your hands. This primarily leads to imbalances in the back, neck and shoulder muscles, but the rest of the body is also affected. It is important to incorporate enough exercise into everyday life and to counteract poor posture with targeted muscle training and stretching exercises.
What are the symptoms of an imbalance?
The symptoms of a muscular imbalance are rather unspecific. As always, it is advisable not to trust a self-diagnosis but to consult a doctor to make sure.
The following symptoms may indicate an imbalance:
How can you combat and prevent an imbalance?
If there is no underlying pre-existing condition, a muscular imbalance can usually be corrected with targeted training. This training consists, on the one hand, of targeted muscle building of the weak part and stretching the muscle that is too strong. Increased exercise in everyday life should also be part of the therapy. As already mentioned, care should always be taken to use all areas of a muscle group evenly.
If you practice a sport that primarily uses a specific muscle area, it is necessary to look for an appropriate balancing sport in order to restore the balance of stress.
To further loosen the muscles, you can use tools such as a fascia roller or a trigger point massage. If you work at a desk, you should set up your workplace as ergonomically as possible. Ideally supported by a height-adjustable desk and an ergonomic office chair.
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