When speaking about our bodies, we often use the words "tendon" and "ligament" interchangeably. We know that they both have something to do with muscles and joints but the difference between the two is somewhat murky. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between these two important types of tissue.
While tendons and ligaments are both types of connective tissue, they have very different functions in the body. The simple way to tell the difference between a tendon and a ligament is that tendons connect muscle to bone while ligaments connect bone to bone. In massage therapy, we regularly work directly on tendons as a means of affecting change in the muscle itself. While massage work directly on ligaments is less common, it is sometimes necessary and beneficial.
Tendons allow muscles to do their job. The function of a muscle is to move the other structures of the body, therefore they are always attached to a structure other than muscle (most often bone). Every muscle has at least two tendons: one at each end. The fibers of the muscle and the tendon weave together so that it is difficult to mark the exact point where one begins and the other ends. Tendons come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the purpose and location of their muscle. When the muscle contracts, it's tendons contract as well, pulling on the bone and thus causing the desired movement.
Ligaments are found in and around joints, connecting one bone to another. Their main job is usually to hold the joint together and keep it stable. Ligaments can also connect other structures in the body, such as organs, to surrounding bone. Ligaments have enough elasticity to allow movement within a joint, but they are not nearly as pliable as tendons.
An injury to a tendon is known as a strain and is often caused by repetitive movement or physical activity. Strains often occur in the back, neck, and legs. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain. These often occur with a sudden accident like a fall. Sprains are common in the ankle, wrist, and knee. Both kinds of injury can be slow to heal, but the process can be aided by careful massage work.