Muscle inhibition has to do with the impaired communication between the brain and a muscle. It refers to the inability of a muscle to contract fully on demand. This inhibition is a neurological response and manifests particularly at the extreme ranges of motion – when the muscle is contracted fully. A muscle may have strength at the mid-range, but be very weak when moved into a shortened position; this creates instability at the joint.  When the body senses instability, other muscles tighten up as a form of protection.  When a muscle has been over stressed, the result is altered feedback from the nervous system.  This causes a reduced capability for the muscle to contract, from the instability through full physiological range.  The end result is an inability for the muscles to properly stabilize joints.  Throughout this program the terms ‘weak’ and ‘weakness’ will be referring to neurological weakness or inhibited muscles.

What causes muscle inhibition or weakness?

Factors such as trauma, stress, or overuse can contribute to a muscle becoming inhibited. When you exercise, there is a period of exertion and then recovery. It is normal to feel fatigue. When there is trauma, stress or overuse, the muscle may not recover until properly rested. If this is habitual, (i.e. - sitting at the computer in an ergonomically unsound position for 12 hours per day – every day for many years) then the result can be muscle inhibition or neurological weakness. The brain detects stress and sends a message to basically ‘switch off’ the overused muscle. The opposite muscle (antagonist) tightens up to protect the body from moving into a position of weakness or vulnerability. A sudden trauma will also cause a muscle to become inhibited, such as slipping on ice and moving into an extreme range of motion suddenly.