Soft tissue injury is an injury to any of the soft tissues of the body. The soft tissues that often get injured are muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries often occur during sports and exercise activities, but sometimes simple everyday activities can cause an injury.
Sprains, strains, and contusions, as well as tendinitis and bursitis, are common soft-tissue injuries. Even with appropriate treatment, these injuries may require a prolonged amount of time to heal.
Soft-tissue injuries fall into two basic categories: acute injuries and overuse injuries.
- Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma, such as a fall, twist, or blow to the body. Examples of an acute injury include sprains, strains, and contusions.
- Overuse injuries occur gradually over time. When an athletic (or other) activity is repeated so often, areas of the body do not have enough time to heal between occurrences. Tendinitis and bursitis are common soft-tissue overuse injuries.
Soft tissue injury is painful and requires medical intervention. It is important to rest the injured body part and give it time to heal. Athletes are often reluctant to do this and they continue to train despite pain and injury. This is unwise, as the injury can be exacerbated and will take a longer time to heal.
Diagnosis and treatment will vary depending upon the needs and demands of your injury. Physical examination will include an assessment of range-of-motion, depending on the nature of the injury, strength and biomechanics.