What are they?
Muscles are vascular and a common site of bleeding. A muscle haematoma develop after trauma. The trauma causes bleeding internally and once the blood clots and forms a solid swelling resulting in a haematoma. Each portion of muscle tissue is separated by fascial planes. This helps prevent a massive blood loss by having a localised pocket for blood move into. In most cases after the blood clots it eventually dissolves. This can usually take a few days/weeks to reduce, dependent on the size and area.
How do they get injured?
A hematoma wherever in the body occur most commonly from a large blunt contact or repetitive dull contact to a vascular area. These regularly happen in contact sports, car accidents and falls. The larger more exposed areas such as the limbs tend to be the most commonly effected, however they can affect any area of the body that has a blood supply. It is extremely important to get an immediate medical review if there are any around your vital organs or if a similar problem has occurred without contact.
What does it feel like?
Some hematomas are visible under the surface of the skin as a ‘bruise’. They are also feel as temporary masses or lumps that can also restrict movement either due to where they are present, their size, or the effect they have on a pain response.
How can Back In Action Physiotherapy help?
A thorough assessment by our team who will be ruling out any other conditions which may be a cause of the pain and swelling as well as assessing you functionally. One of the most common symptoms of a hematoma is pain and restricted movement. We can work to regain movement with hands on techniques such as mobilisations and massage. As well as help to maintain and build strength and mobility. This will be depending on time of injury, area and size of hematoma.