Physical Therapy in Astoria, NY

Muscle cramps can occur for many reasons at many different times. Cramps are caused by involuntary and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax, and surprisingly, they do not always happen when working out. Different measures can be put into place to care for and reduce the chances of getting muscle cramps.

Our arm and leg muscles can be used voluntarily, and when we use them, the muscles alternately contract and relax as we move our limbs. When the muscle involuntarily contracts, it is called a spasm, and if it is sustained, it is considered a cramp. The cramp can be a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that act together, and cramps can also occur in involuntary muscles of various organs. In order to prevent a cramp, or to relieve a muscle cramp, stretching is considered to be highly beneficial, and being able to relax the muscle and stopping any activity will be helpful in relieving pain.

Another recommendation for people that experience frequent leg cramps is adding magnesium to your diet, which includes things such as nuts and seeds. Before taking any supplements, however, talk to your doctor to make sure that it will help you!

Professionals like to recommend Epsom salts, which is a form of magnesium, to apply to the outside of your body with a wet cloth and pressed onto a cramped muscle. Taking a hot bath with or without Epsom salt will also help and provide relief to cramped muscles. Staying hydrated will also help in preventing muscle cramps and will help stop the cramp as well. Although it may take a little longer to relieve the pain from the muscle, it will ensure the prevention of another cramp from happening.

Along with staying hydrated and watching your diet, leg cramps can be relieved by staying active. Walking around on a cramped leg will remind your muscles to contract and then relax. Try to remember these tips for the next time you feel a muscle cramp coming along!

Did you know that you have direct access to physical therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best physical therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert physical therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst as well as Astoria, New York. To start your physical therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.