What to expect from physiotherapy for a muscle contusion

A contusion is a bruise to muscle and nearby tissue, often after a direct blow. The therapist may check skin changes, tenderness, swelling, joint movement and the muscle's ability to contract. They also consider whether the injury affects walking, lifting or sport.

Early treatment usually protects the sore area from aggravating loads while preserving comfortable movement. As sensitivity reduces, the programme may add resistance, balance and task-specific drills. Hands-on techniques may be considered when appropriate, but the exercise plan remains central.

Use the home advice exactly as shown and avoid forceful massage or stretching over a newly bruised area unless your clinician recommends it. Increase walking or exercise in response to how the area feels during the task and later that day.

Tell your physiotherapist about increasing tightness, a firm enlarging lump, numbness or weakness. These details can change the pace of rehabilitation and may call for a medical review.

Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain, a tense limb, new numbness or weakness, pale or cool skin, or difficulty moving the affected area. Fever, spreading redness or inability to bear weight also deserves prompt assessment.

Ask when stretching and resistance are appropriate, how to protect the bruise at work or during sport, and which changes mean you should stop exercising and seek review.