A cork or as it is more formerly known a muscle contusion is a common occurrence in many sports, especially contact sports such as football, rugby and basketball.

Contusions occur when a direct blow or repeated blows from a blunt object strike part of the body, or from a fall onto a hard surface. When this happens underlying muscle fibres and connective tissue are crushed without breaking the skin. This causes the local accumulation of blood known as a haematoma. The most common place for a contusion is the thigh.

Most contusions are minor and heal quickly without you needing to be removed from the game. However, severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage and can lead to complications and/or keep you out of sports for months. Early treatment of a muscle contusion can help to speed recovery and minimize the symptoms.

Symptoms

  • Swelling due to pooling of blood within damaged tissue, forming a lump over the injury.
  • Bruising.
  • Pain and stiffness with movement as well as decreased range of motion of the associated joints.
  • Muscle weakness due to pain.
  • Tenderness to touch.
  • In severe cases, swelling and bleeding beneath the skin may cause shock.
  • Contusions to the abdomen may damage internal organs

Severity of a Contusion

Contusions can very from quite mild to severe, in the case of the thigh contusion:

  • Mild thigh contusions have little effect on knee range of motion.
  • Moderate thigh contusions restrict knee range of motion to between 45-90°.
  • Severe thigh contusions restrict knee range significantly to less than 45° of motion.

Moderate to severe contusions should seek medical advice.

Acute Management

It is vitally important that treatment of a muscle contusion starts immediately following injury. The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury. Early management will have you back on the field faster. Suggestions for immediate treatment of a corked muscle include:

  • Stop your activity.
  • Rest the injured leg.
  • Use icepacks every two hours, applied for 15 minutes.
  • Bandage the corked muscle firmly with an elasticized bandage.
  • Elevate the injured limb above heart height whenever possible.
  • Avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage in the first 48 hours, as these can all exacerbate swelling.

Professional Help

If the pain from a muscle contusion that you are managing yourself has not improved after a day or so, or it is a more moderate to severe contusion, it is best to seek medical advice and consult with a physiotherapist at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy to get an accurate diagnosis of the injury and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan.

Physiotherapy Provides Rehabilitation and Support

Physiotherapy treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury. The success rate of treatment is largely dictated by patient compliance. Treatments may include:

  • Hands on therapy for damaged tissues. Soft tissue therapy is excellent for reducing inappropriate scar adhesions while promoting faster healing conditions.
  • Rehabilitation and strengthening exercises are used to rebuild the strength of the injured muscle in order to prevent re-injury.
  • A stretching program can be started as soon as the pain and swelling subsides to encourage full range of pain-free movement.
  • A speed, agility and power program that prepares you for your sport is the best chance to ensure a successful outcome and full return to your pre-injury status.
  • Provide mobility aids such as crutches during the early stage of recovery.

Complications

Depending upon the extent of your injuries, returning to your normal sports activity may take several weeks or longer. If you put too much stress on the injured area before it has healed enough, excessive scar tissue may develop and cause more problems/ complications.

Myositis Ossifcans is a relatively common complication following a muscle contusion. It occurs when a severe contusion is rehabilitated too quickly and you return to sport too early. This is a condition in which the bruised muscle grows bone instead of new muscle cells.  Myositis ossificans should be suspected if your contusion does not resolve in the normal time frame of 1-2 weeks.

Symptoms of myositis ossificans may include mild to severe pain that does not go away and swelling at the injury site. There will also be hardening of the muscle on palpation. Abnormal bone formations can also reduce your flexibility and range of motion.

If you suspect you have myositis ossificans it is recommended you contact one of the physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy to guide you in your rehabilitation.

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m mooney
m mooney
04:59 09 Jul 24
Julie Dimevski
Julie Dimevski
08:04 26 Jun 24
Kieran and the team have provided great customer service during my daughters recovery. They show care, and are supportive. He has been open and transparent, and positive. Thanks Kieran and team.
Tim merchant
Tim merchant
06:42 23 Apr 24
Really inviting staff, always ready to help. They know what they are talking about and facilites are wonderful.
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams
10:55 03 Apr 24
best in the business the team here are the very best at their jobs
G G
G G
16:52 05 Mar 24
I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
Lara Mangelli
Lara Mangelli
08:56 18 Dec 23
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
Judith Gifford
Judith Gifford
06:00 18 Dec 23
Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
Georgia Manos
Georgia Manos
12:08 13 Dec 23
The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
Jordan Figon
Jordan Figon
06:36 13 Dec 23
The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
David Washington
David Washington
05:02 13 Dec 23
I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
Luke Payne
Luke Payne
22:05 12 Dec 23
Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
Diane sutton
Diane sutton
21:58 12 Dec 23
I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
Nicole Simpson
Nicole Simpson
10:53 12 Dec 23
Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
Judy Andrews
Judy Andrews
10:26 12 Dec 23
Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
BERGE GABO
BERGE GABO
09:28 12 Dec 23
"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
Corinne Favaloro
Corinne Favaloro
04:09 02 Nov 23
I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
Nicole Di noia
Nicole Di noia
22:19 01 Nov 23
Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
Steve Chidgey
Steve Chidgey
02:04 04 Jul 23
The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
Margaret Peace
Margaret Peace
01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
Angelina Mastoris
Angelina Mastoris
23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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