What is the medical term meaning tightening of a muscle?

Concentric contraction is the medical term for normal, functional shortening of a muscle. A contracture is an abnormal shortening of the muscle. This typically occurs during healing after an accident. For instance, if ligaments are torn during a severe ankle sprain, the injured person may walk in a manner that keeps pressure off of the hurt ankle. When this happens, the ligaments will heel much shorter than normal. Once they develop, depending on their severity, they can be combated with physical therapy or surgery.