How should an acute muscle contusion be treated?

The correct approach to treating an acute muscle contusion involves gentle passive range of motion (PROM) of the joints above and below the contusion site. This technique helps maintain mobility in the affected area without applying undue stress on the injured muscle.

Engaging in gentle PROM can prevent stiffness and promote circulation without exacerbating the injury. It is important to begin these movements once the initial pain and swelling have stabilized, ensuring that the muscle is not further damaged during the early healing phase.

In contrast to gentle PROM, using RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) focuses on managing initial inflammation and should precede any active rehabilitation strategies. Immediate stretching could potentially aggravate the injury and increase pain or damage, making it inappropriate in the acute phase. Similarly, applying heat to an acute contusion is contraindicated, as it can increase swelling and lead to further complications. Therefore, gentle PROM is the most suitable treatment for promoting recovery while minimizing risks associated with the contusion.