What is a common effect of small tears in connective tissue after exercise?

The presence of small tears in connective tissue, which can occur as a result of exercise, often leads to pain and muscle spasms. This is associated with the inflammation and healing process that follows tissue damage. When connective tissue, including tendons and ligaments, experiences micro-tears, the body responds with inflammation, resulting in pain as part of the healing process.

Additionally, muscle spasms may occur as the nervous system reacts to signals from injured tissues, attempting to protect the area from further injury. This reaction can lead to discomfort and tightness in the surrounding muscles, making pain and muscle spasms a typical experience post-exercise when small tears are present.

While other options may seem beneficial in other contexts, such as increased muscle performance or improved flexibility as goals of training, they do not directly correlate with the immediate aftermath of connective tissue damage. Enhanced cardiovascular fitness also does not result from the presence of small tears in connective tissue, as this pertains more to aerobic conditioning rather than the repair and adaptation process following tissue injury.