A muscle contusion (corky) is usually the result of a direct impact to the muscle from an object, the ground or by contact with another person.
The most common site for a contusion is in the thigh region and is quite common in contact or collision sports such as football, martial arts and basketball. The blow to the muscle causes local muscle damage with associated bleeding.
Contusions can range from grade 1 – 3. Minor blows, resulting in minimal pain and loss of activity (grade 1) and severe contusions (grade 3) resulting in significant pain and loss of function.
Signs & symptoms of a corked muscle:
How the injury occurred along with other signs such as local tenderness, swelling and increased pain on movement and stretch indicate a muscle contusion. Severe pain at the time of the injury may limit the ability to move and continue to participate in activities.
The blow causes damage to local blood vessels and muscle tissue. Bruising may or may not be present depending on the depth of the contusion. A contusion without bruising can often be more painful and restrictive as the blood can get trapped within the tissue layers.
Sometimes with severe contusions, the swelling may travel down to the knee joint or lower leg. The more severe a contusion, the greater the risk of the development of Myosi- tis Ossificans. In this condition calcification occurs in the healing hematoma. The healing hematoma forms small bone within layers of the affected muscle.
Treatment & management:
Initial management of muscle contusions involves the RICER method which helps to minimise further bleeding and swelling within the contusion.
- Rest: immobilisation of the involved limb/area.
- Ice: use of ice packs or ice baths where available.
- Compression: use of compression bandage.
- Elevation: elevate the affected area to a position that is above the heart.
- Referral: to assess the severity of injury and commence treatment, assisting recovery and return to sport.
Most muscle contusions are relatively minor and do not limit participation in sport how- ever, when there is a large amount of bleeding the injury severity will be worse. Heat, alcohol, vigorous massage and playing on following injury must be avoided as this will ensure decreased swelling and bleeding in the area. This will effect the recovery time and return to sport.
Physiotherapy treatment involves soft tissue therapy, massage, dry needling (acupuncture), laser therapy, stretching and strengthening. This will allow the fastest and safest return to sport.
Self management strategies:
- Cold/hot pack – ice for the first 3 days then gentle heat from day 3 onwards
- Fisiocream/Voltaren/Emugel – for pain relief and anti-in ammatory properties
- Tubi-grip – compression bandage, to minimise swelling
- Taping for support
- Home exercise program consisting of specific stretches and strengthening exercises suited to the individual prescribed by your physiotherapist.
If you experience a contusion that is causing pain and limiting movement early Physiotherapy treatment will assist in an optimal outcome, minimising time off sport. If you require further advice or would like to book an appointment, please call our friendly staff on 03 9716 2250.