The relationship between the tone, or strength, and length of the muscles around a joint is known as muscle balance. Muscle imbalance is when the relationship between these elements becomes uneven. For example, one group of muscle is much stronger than another. Muscle imbalances are generally seen between the two different types of muscles groups, which are called stabilisers and mobilisers. Stabilising muscles hold joints in the correct position so we don't fall apart, and mobilisers are bigger muscle groups that create movement around our joints. Whilst initially both groups of muscles work in a complementary fashion to stabilise and move, over time the mobilisers can inhibit the action of the stabilisers and begin to move and attempt to stabilise on their own. Muscle imbalance may result from a previous injury, or from incorrect postural habits. Whatever the cause, your muscles have been under stress for a period of time which causes inflammation which will send muscles into spasm and this is when they may develop knots and become very tight. This decreases the functionality of the muscle and the nervous system is unable to maintain proper postural alignment.
What happens if a stabiliser muscle weakens and causes muscle imbalance? The main problem with weak stabiliser muscles is that they do not have sufficient endurance to hold a position - usually against gravity - for long enough. The muscle may appear strong but is unable to stabilise a joint for a long time. This compromises joint stability, and also can cause other muscles to over compensate for the lack of stability, which in turn causes muscle imbalance.
If you have muscle imbalances you may experience back pain, neck pain and tension type head aches as well as general body aches and muscle soreness. The unstable situation of muscle imbalance may lead to severe injury or strain because joints, tendons and ligaments aren't receiving the support they should be.
At 'physiotherapy + pilates evolved' we test your muscle balance by comparing the strength of opposing muscle groups. We do this by observing your physical form while performing different movements. If there are muscle imbalances there is a need to devote specific training to strengthening the area. Your physiotherapist will be able to prescribe you exercise, or work more directly on the area concerned to achieve muscle balance. Pilates exercise is specifically designed to work the stabilising muscles, activating and strengthening them, thus bringing balance back to the structure of the body's muscles.