What is the definition of Hypertonic?

Hypertonic: A condition of excessive tone of the skeletal muscles; increased resistance of muscle to passive stretching. May be related to increased neural drive, synergistic dominance, trigger points, reflexive over-activity, and/or muscle length.

For example, knee valgus is correlated with increase activity (hypertonicity) of the adductor longus. 

Hypertonic

Related Terms

  • Hypotonicity
  • Hypotonic
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Neural drive
  • Synergistic dominance
  • Trigger points
  • Over-activity
  • Muscle length

Synonyms

  • Increased muscle tone
  • Spasticity
  • Over-Active
  • Over-activity

Related Courses

  • Overhead Squat Assessment (Part 1): Signs of Dysfunction
  • Overhead Squat Assessment (Part 2): Sign Clusters and Compensation Patterns
  • Ankle Joint Actions and Muscles
  • Static Manual Release: Lower Leg Muscles