Hypersensitivity to toniception

What is hypersensitivity to contracting muscles?
IN BRIEF

Hypersensitivity to toniception is when a person is overly aware of the force they're exerting, the muscles they're contracting. This can cause discomfort, pain and fatigue. Autistic people have hypersensitivities or hyposensitivities more often, but people without any particular developmental diagnosis can also have these conditions.

What is toniception hypersensitivity?

Toniception hypersensitivity is characterized by an excessive awareness of muscle tension in the body. A person affected may feel pain or discomfort at levels of tension considered normal for most people. This condition can affect quality of life and may require appropriate treatment.

Symptoms and negative consequences of toniception hypersensitivity

The symptoms of hypersensitivity to muscle contraction vary from person to person. It is not necessary to exhibit all the symptoms to be considered hypersensitive, and other unmentioned signs may also exist.

Chronic pain

You may experience constant pain or muscle cramps.

Muscle fatigue

Muscles may become very tired and lose strength.

Hypervigilance to muscle tension

Excessive attention to muscle tension can become overwhelming.

Difficulty performing daily tasks

Walking, getting up, preparing meals, or doing housework can become extremely difficult.

Physical and mental health

Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other physical or mental symptoms may develop.

What is toniception hypersensitivity?
SIMPLIFIED EXPLANATION

Hypersensitivity to toniception is when a person is overly aware of the force they're exerting, the muscles they're contracting. This can cause discomfort, pain and fatigue. Autistic people have hypersensitivities or hyposensitivities more often, but people without any particular developmental diagnosis can also have these conditions.

What is toniception hypersensitivity?

Toniception hypersensitivity means being excessively aware of muscle tension in the body. The person may feel pain or discomfort at levels of tension that are normal for most people. This can affect quality of life and may require treatment.

Symptoms and negative consequences of toniception hypersensitivity

The symptoms of hypersensitivity to muscle contraction vary from person to person. You don’t have to have the whole list of symptoms to be hypersensitive, and there are many symptoms that are not on this list.

Chronic pain

You may experience constant pain or muscle cramps.

Muscle fatigue

Muscles may become very tired and lose strength.

Hypervigilance to muscle tension

The person may pay a lot of attention to their muscular tension, and this can become very taxing for them.

Difficulty performing daily tasks

Walking, getting up, preparing meals, housework and other normal tasks can become very difficult to accomplish.

Physical and mental health

The person may develop anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and other physical or mental symptoms.

Tips and solutions

Hypersensitivity to the force used and its consequences can be reduced. Here are some possible solutions.

Regular exercise

Walking, yoga, and Pilates can provide benefits.

Massages

Although some autistic people cannot tolerate massages, others may enjoy them, especially if they involve deep pressure and the massage therapist is attentive to the person’s specific needs.

Relaxation and meditation

Meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation activities can reduce muscle tension.

Therapy

Certain therapeutic approaches can help manage negative thoughts related to toniception.

Medication

A doctor can recommend appropriate medication to relieve muscle tension.

Valérie Jessica Laporte

WRITER SPECIALIZING IN AUTISM (FRENCH)