Muscle Injuries Contusion Direct blow or blunt injury

Muscle Injuries

Contusion • Direct blow or blunt injury that doesn’t interrupt the skin • Signs/Symptoms: Bruising, Swelling, Pain, Redness

• Treatment: – RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) – Anti-Inflammatory (Advil) – Compression bandage – When Icing, make sure the muscle is stretched • Follow-up Care: – If severe – physical therapy may be required

Strain • An overstretching or tearing of the muscle • Most occur close to the tendon or on the tendon • Different levels of strains Signs/Symptoms: Bruising, Pain and rest and/or movement, swelling, weakness or inability to use that muscle

• Treatment: – RICE – Advil – Keep in stretched position – Heat when swelling is gone • Follow-up Treatment: – Stretch properly

Myositis Ossificans • A calcification that forms within the muscle – Why? Improperly managed contusion • Signs/Symptoms – Pain – Immovable mass in muscle – Visible in x-ray 3 -4 weeks after injury

• Treatment – Rest – Protect with donut pad – Surgery (sometimes) • Follow-up Care – Measure affected area and monitor growth

Muscle Spasm • Involuntary contraction of a muscle – AKA: cramps, charley horse – Causes: • Dehydration, poor circulation, overuse, malfunctioning nerves • Signs/Symptoms: – Pain – Loss of use

• Treatment – PREVENTION!!!!!!! • Stay hydrated • Eat foods high in vitamins especially Mg, Ca, & K – Massage (VERY beneficial and it feels frickin!!!!!!! Amazing)