Muscle Injuries

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

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

Muscle Spasm Involuntary contraction of a muscle Signs/Symptoms: 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 VERY VERY beneficial and it feels frickin!!!!!!! Amazing)