What is a Bruise/Contusion?
A bruise and a contusion are both terms used to describe an injury to the soft tissues underneath the skin, where blood vessels are damaged, leading to localized bleeding and discoloration of the skin.
Bruise: A bruise is a common term used to describe the skin discoloration that occurs due to small blood vessels (capillaries) being damaged or broken, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. Initially, a bruise may appear red or purple, and over time, it may change colour to blue, green, yellow, and eventually fade away as the body reabsorbs the leaked blood.
Contusion: A contusion is the medical term for a bruise. It is used interchangeably with the term "bruise" and refers to the same injury, where capillaries are damaged, leading to bleeding beneath the skin.
Sports injuries that can cause a contusion/bruise include:
Direct Impact: Contusions commonly occur in contact sports where athletes may experience direct blows or collisions with other players, equipment, or hard surfaces.
Falls: Falling during sports activities, such as skateboarding, skiing, or snowboarding, can result in contusions due to the impact on specific body parts.
Repetitive Actions: Certain sports involve repetitive motions that can lead to contusions over time. For example, long-distance runners may experience contusions on their feet due to the repetitive impact on hard surfaces.
Overuse Injuries: In some cases, overuse of a particular muscle group can cause a contusion. This is more common in sports that require repetitive, forceful movements, such as tennis or golf.
High grade muscle strains: when a majority of the muscle fibres in a muscle tear there is a chance that a small blood vessel also gets damaged and causes increased bleeding in the area. Also due to the injury in the initial stages of healing swelling must occur to promote regeneration, and with this increased swelling bruising can present.
How can physiotherapy help treat a contusion/bruise?
Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in the management and rehabilitation of contusions. The primary goals of physiotherapy for contusions include reducing pain and swelling, promoting healing, restoring function, and preventing complications such as muscle stiffness or joint immobility. Here are some ways physiotherapy can help:
R.I.C.E. Protocol: In the initial stages of a contusion, physiotherapists may recommend the R.I.C.E. protocol - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation - to reduce swelling and manage pain.
Therapeutic Modalities: Physiotherapists may use various therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and cold or heat therapy to aid in pain relief, improve blood circulation, and accelerate healing.
Massage and Manual Therapy: Gentle massage around the contusion area can promote blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent the formation of scar tissue. Massage wouldn’t be applied directly over the contusion as it may cause more bruising.
Range of Motion Exercises: Once the acute phase has passed, the physiotherapist may prescribe specific exercises to improve joint range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Strengthening Exercises: Gradual strengthening exercises help restore muscle function and stability around the affected area.
Proprioception Training: Balance and proprioception exercises can be included to enhance joint stability and prevent future injuries.
Bracing and Taping: In some cases, taping or bracing the injured area can provide support and aid in the recovery process.