Contusions can be very familiar following various kinds of injuries, and can be experienced by children, adults, and the elderly. While it can be minor, some cases do need close attention and intensive treatments as it does not only affect the area physically, but may also affect the muscles or other organs physiologically. Hence, there are some steps to be done in performing contusion healing treatments, especially for more severe cases.

Treating contusions

Muscle contusions are the most type of contusions most people know, although in fact, major accidents might also cause head injuries that may end up in cerebral or brain contusion. There are some ways for treating contusions, based on the degree of severity and the affected area.

Determine the affected area

Contusions commonly affect muscles and tiny blood vessels beneath the skin surface. However, more severe contusions may also affect the brain and cause cerebral injuries. Muscle contusions can be observed by identifying resulted pain and discoloration visible on skin, whilst brain contusions may need an MRI or CT-scan to observe. Some symptoms can also be used as a guide on how to determine.

Get the treatments performed

Muscle contusions that are not accompanied by bone fractures, bleeding, and swelling can be treated at home using proper self-care. On the other hand, brain contusions may require more serious treatments performed by licensed medical practitioners.

• First aids for muscle contusions is known as RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate. This treatment should be done within 24-48 hours post injury. The treatment is important as it helps prevent hemorrhoid and edema beneath the skin.
• First aids for brain contusions is commonly prescribed medications that is followed by physical and occupational therapies in order to restore proper functions of the affected organs. Injections might also be used for treating brain contusions.

Rehabilitation

During the contusion healing process, movements might be limited and thus, rehabilitation phase is required to restore the muscle mobility and organ functions. Increasing activity level gradually is advised during this period.

• People with muscle contusions will be advised to do gentle stretching exercises to restore muscle flexibility of the injured area.
• Physiotherapies, speech therapies, and medications might still be required to rehabilitate patients suffering from brain contusions.

Reducing the risk of muscle and brain contusions

There are some things that can be done in order to reduce the risk of either muscle and brain contusions, such as:

• Do some stretching and warming up before playing any sports.
• Wear protective gloves and helmet or headgear when playing sports.
• Start new physical activities slowly in order to give the body chance to adapt.
• Make sure that children’s playground is safe and in good repair.
• Supervise the children when using sport equipment.
• Follow safety rules at all public places, including public parks and swimming pools.
• Avoid bicycling, skating, or snowboarding on uneven surface.
• Avoid playing sports when you are exhausted or not feeling well.

Although contusions, especially muscle contusions can be treated at home, call a doctor if:

• Your bruises develop into severe bleeding and swelling.
• You have breathing difficulty and inability to move certain parts of your body.
• You experience numbness or increasing pain on the contusion area.