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What is a Contracture?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated February 25, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A contracture is the tightening of a muscle that deems it dysfunctional.

Contractures can develop for many reasons, but they typically, appear after prolonged periods of unintentional inactivity (e.g., being bed-bound) or after certain forms of stroke.

Physical therapy is key to the treatment of contractures.

Definitions of Common Terms Used by Stroke Doctors
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