What are the treatment options for muscle contusion?

A muscle contusion, also called a muscle bruise or charley horse, occurs when a blow compresses muscle tissue against underlying bone. It can cause tenderness, swelling, bruising, and pain when the muscle is used. The first aim is to avoid adding stress while the tissues settle. A clinician can assess whether the injury is a straightforward bruise or whether a deeper injury needs different care.

During the early period, protect the area from another impact and reduce activities that increase pain. Cold therapy may help limit discomfort and swelling; later, warmth may help prepare the area for movement. A physiotherapist can guide gentle range-of-motion work, followed by strengthening and a gradual return to sport or work. Sports massage should be introduced only when the acute tenderness and swelling have eased, because firm pressure over a fresh bruise can aggravate tissue.

Arrange an assessment if pain is severe, swelling keeps increasing, movement is markedly restricted, or you cannot use the limb normally. Prompt care is also sensible after a high-impact injury, when bruising spreads quickly, or when numbness, unusual coolness, or weakness develops. A clinician may need to check for a larger collection of blood or another injury.

Ask which activities are safe now, when to begin heat or massage, how much movement is appropriate, and what signs should delay your return to sport. You can also ask whether physiotherapy would help restore strength and how the injury will be reviewed.