Mary Kneiser: Conquering muscle cramps and spasms

For the average individual, musculoskeletal pain can be very agonizing. Muscle spasms and cramps, particularly, can even hinder a person from doing day-to-day activities. Dr. Mary Kneiser, a Michigan-based specialist for physical medicine and rehabilitation, has helped her patients recover successfully from musculoskeletal pain.

From Mary Kneiser

Muscle cramps are not restricted to athletes or individuals who exercise regularly. They can also happen to people who live sedentary lifestyles. Cramps have many causes, including trauma (sudden jerking, a heavy blow to the muscles, a bad fall, or an abrupt shift from immobility) and poor body coordination, causing the muscles to contract and then ache. Among the most common areas in the body that can be affected by muscle cramps are the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. The pain can also extend to the hands, arms, feet, and abdomen.

From Mary Kneiser

Although muscle cramps are only momentary, they can be excruciating. Doctors like Mary Kneiser tell their patients to do these tips so that the pain will subside sooner.


1) Stop doing what is causing the cramp.

2) Stretch and massage the area slowly.

3) Keep that area stretched until the pain stops.

From Mary Kneiser

As a form of prevention, Dr. Kneiser also encourages her patients to exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles. It is also important to stretch the muscles before engaging in any exercise, and to cool down afterwards.

If you are experiencing muscle cramps more frequently and more severely, contact Dr. Kneiser of the Ability Assessment, PC. Call (586) 443-5686 or visit www.abilityassessments.com.