Soft-tissue injuries are injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments and are usually caused by either an acute injury or prolonged use and include sprains, strains, bruises as well as tendinitis and bursitis. To minimize and treat the pain, swelling and redness the first two or three days should start with Resting the injured area to avoid pain and further damage; Icing at 20 minute intervals a few times a day to reduce the swelling; Compression to control swelling and bleeding and to help support the injury as the new scar tissue is laid down; and Elevation, which will also help to reduce swelling (RICE).

After these first few days of rest and reducing the inflammation the body will start the healing process and will work on repairing the injury. Research has found that in most cases this is the time to work on strengthening and stretching the injured area to restore function and improve movement. Injuries left untreated will take longer to heal and are more likely to recur. You will also have more joint stiffness, muscle weakness and abnormal scar tissue formation. Massage therapy, in combination with other conservative treatments, is one of the first lines of defence when healing from soft tissue injuries. Chiropractic adjustments may be needed to bring back alignment. Massage will also help to relax the muscles, significantly increase circulation as well as provide relaxation and reduce stress.