When is physiotherapy recommended for muscle contusion?

A contusion is a bruise caused by a direct blow that damages muscle fibres and small blood vessels. It may cause tenderness, bruising, swelling, reduced flexibility and pain when the muscle contracts. Early care often involves relative rest and avoiding another impact. A therapist can assess whether the muscle is ready for gentle movement and identify problems such as persistent loss of motion or weakness. A deeper injury may need medical assessment before massage or strengthening.

Once symptoms permit, rehabilitation may start with comfortable joint movement and light muscle activation. It can progress to stretching within tolerance, resistance exercises, balance work and drills related to your activity. Increase one demand at a time and watch for renewed swelling or bruising later that day. Avoid forceful massage, aggressive stretching and contact activity over a painful area unless your clinician has advised them. Keep any follow-up appointment if strength or movement is not returning.

Seek prompt care for severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, marked tightness, inability to move the nearby joint, or inability to use the limb normally. Get urgent help if the limb becomes numb, pale or cold, or if pain is escalating out of proportion to the visible bruise. A clinician should review symptoms that remain troublesome or worsen after initial improvement.

Ask when to begin stretching and strengthening, whether a deeper tear is suspected, which activity is safe now, and what level of soreness is acceptable after exercise. Ask when you can return to work, training or contact sport.