What causes tension injuries?

Tension injuries occur when muscles or tendons are subjected to excessive stretching beyond their normal limits. This over-stretching can result in microtears in the muscle fibers or tendons, leading to pain and potential injury. The mechanism behind these injuries is fundamentally linked to the forces experienced when muscles engage in activities that require them to stretch while under load. Such injuries are commonly seen in athletes who perform movements requiring extensive range of motion or in activities where sudden or forceful stretching occurs.

In contrast, while repeated stress on joints may lead to different types of injuries, it generally relates more to wear and tear rather than tension specifically. Direct impact typically causes bruising or contusions, and friction between tissues can lead to conditions such as tendonitis, which are different from tension injuries. Understanding the specific causes of tension injuries is crucial in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.