Muscle cramp before body building contest

Maralyn asked The Guru for the following Physiotherapy Advice:

Dear Guru,

Could you help a friend – he is taking part in WBFF tomorrow in London and is experiencing excruciating back pain.  We suspect that the process of depleting his body of magnesium and water is causing the cramps.  Is there any treatment you could do to help or recommend a course of action.

Thanks and kind regards

Maralyn

Hi Maralyn

I think you’ve already said it – depleting the body of water will cause cramps, but as it pre contest I’m sure it’s part of the deal.

Looking longer term muscle imbalances especially with body building and weight lifting are a very common cause of low back pain with associated muscle cramping.

It may well worth looking at some form of rehabilitative program (such as pilates based) to run alongside the current training program.

Hope Saturday went well.

The Guru

Six Physio