There is a good deal of confusion in the international literature concerning the use of the term contracture. A pathophysiological approach would help in defining a more precise terminology. Antalgic contracture principally concerns a compensating phenomenon related to a polysynaptic reflex Painful contracture includes different varieties of cramps and metabolic-induced contractures. Painless contracture groups together myostatic and myostatic contractures. We suggest a simplified nomenclature.