By Alison Ford
From a physiotherapist’s perspective, it is essential to understand the differences between muscles and tendons, as they each play unique but complementary roles in movement. Muscles are contractile tissues, meaning they generate force by shortening and lengthening. This action allows us to perform movements such as walking, lifting or running.
Tendons, on the other hand, are dense, fibrous connective tissues which attach muscles to bones. Unlike muscles, tendons do not contract; instead, they act as strong, elastic cables which transmit the forces generated by muscles to create joint movement.
Because tendons endure repetitive load and strain, they are more prone to overuse injuries such as tendinopathy, while muscles are more likely to suffer from strains or tears. Effective rehabilitation relies on recognising this difference—muscle injuries often respond to strengthening and flexibility work, whereas tendons require carefully graded loading to rebuild resilience.
Equally important to recovery and prevention is nutrition. Both muscles and tendons are living tissues which depend on adequate nutrients to repair, adapt, and remain strong. Protein provides the amino acids essential for muscle repair, while collagen, vitamin C, and minerals such as zinc and magnesium support tendon structure and healing. Omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce inflammation, allowing tissues to recover more effectively. Hydration plays a key role in maintaining tissue elasticity and function.
Ultimately, healthy muscles and tendons require not only the right exercise prescription but also the right fuel. Optimising nutrition ensures stronger, more resilient tissues, enhancing performance and reducing injury risk.
