5 effective treatments for soft tissue injuries, according to physical therapists

Every time you walk, reach, lift or twist, your soft tissues are working behind the scenes. Muscles, ligaments, tendons and other structures help you move, support your joints and protect your body during everyday activities. Soft tissue injuries — such as sprained ankles and sore tendons — can happen unexpectedly. Physical therapy may help reduce discomfort and support a return to your regular routine.

So, what is the best treatment for a soft tissue injury? At KC Rehab, we use a combination of strategies to support recovery and help reduce the risk of future issues. In this article, we’ll break down some of the treatments we use so you can better understand how physical therapy may help reduce pain and restore movement.

5 PT treatments for soft tissue injuries

Common soft tissue injuries include muscle strains, ligament sprains and tendon irritation, also known as tendinitis. These injuries may occur suddenly during activity, such as pulling a back muscle, or develop gradually over time due to repetitive use, such as tennis elbow. The right treatment for a soft tissue injury depends on several factors, including the type of injury, its severity and where it’s located. Below are five approaches a physical therapist may recommend.

1. Pain management and symptom control

Early on, a provider may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and activity modifications. They may also suggest RICE, a commonly used approach for soft tissue injuries. RICE stands for:

• Rest — Avoid using the injured area to allow time for healing

• Ice — Apply a cold compress to help manage pain and inflammation

• Compression — Wrap the area to help reduce swelling

• Elevation — Keep the injured area elevated to help drain excess fluid

2. Therapeutic exercises and stretches

Gentle stretching, resistance training and targeted physical therapy exercises may be part of a rehabilitation plan. These movements help strengthen muscles that support the injured area while improving flexibility. Some exercises may also focus on restoring balance and control to help you move more confidently.

Your physical therapist will guide you through these exercises to help ensure proper form and avoid overloading injured tissue. As healing progresses, they’ll monitor your response and adjust exercises as needed.

3. Functional mobility training

Functional mobility training focuses on helping you return to everyday activities. After a sprained ankle or pulled back muscle, movements like walking, bending or reaching may feel uncomfortable or unstable. These exercises often involve multiple muscle groups at once, supporting coordination, balance and efficient movement patterns so your body can relearn how to move comfortably.

4. Manual therapy (hands-on treatment)

Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques physical therapists use to address soft tissue injuries. These techniques are applied with specific goals in mind and may help:

• Decrease muscle tension and stiffness

• Improve joint and soft tissue mobility

• Reduce pain and sensitivity

• Restore normal movement patterns

Common hands-on techniques include:

• Soft tissue mobilization — Massage techniques used on muscles surrounding an affected ligament or tendon to help release tension

• Myofascial release — Gentle pressure and stretching techniques that may help relieve tightness limiting motion

• Joint mobilization — Specific joint movements used to help reduce stiffness and restore range of motion

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — Techniques such as the Graston Technique® that use specialized tools to address scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions

5. Dry needling

Many physical therapists use dry needling to address pain and movement limitations. This approach targets trigger points, which are tight, tender areas that can develop within muscle fibers and restrict movement. During treatment, thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific areas of muscle tissue. This may help reduce tension and support the body’s natural healing response.

Visit KC Rehab for soft tissue PT

The most effective treatments for soft tissue injuries are tailored to individual needs. If you’re dealing with pain, sprains, strains or other soft tissue concerns, KC Rehab in Kansas City, Missouri, can help. Our physical therapists work to identify contributing factors and develop targeted treatment plans that support recovery and long-term movement.

Contact our team today for more information about our soft tissue treatments or to schedule your first appointment at an office near you.