7 of the best physical therapy treatments for soft tissue injuries

A soft tissue injury involves damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons or other connective tissue in your body. Unlike a broken bone, soft tissue injuries can’t be seen on a standard X-ray, but they can still cause pain, swelling and movement problems. Types of soft tissue injuries include:

• Sprains — These happen when you stretch or tear a ligament. Ankle sprains are very common. 

• Strains — These occur when you stretch or tear a muscle or tendon. Pulled back muscles and hamstring strains are examples. 

• Contusions — These are bruises, caused by impact that damages blood vessels under your skin.

• Bursitis — This is inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and helps joints move smoothly. Bursitis can cause pain and swelling in joints like the shoulder, elbow or hip. 

• Tendinitis — This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often from overuse. You may have heard of tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis. 

Soft tissue injuries are more common than you might think and can range from mild to severe. Whether you rolled your ankle during a weekend soccer game, tweaked your shoulder lifting something heavy or developed a nagging ache from repetitive motion at work, chances are you’ve dealt with one. These injuries can slow you down, limit your activities and cause ongoing discomfort if not treated properly.

The good news is that with the right physical therapy plan, most soft tissue injuries can heal well and get you back to doing the things you love. 

7 of the best physical therapy treatments for soft tissue injuries

Physical therapy offers a wide variety of treatments designed to help people recover from soft tissue injuries. After a full evaluation, your physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan using a combination of evidence-based techniques such as:

1. Therapeutic exercises — These exercises are designed to help you regain strength, flexibility and movement. Your physical therapist will create a program that’s right for you, which may include:

• Stretching exercises

• Strengthening exercises

• Range-of-motion exercises

2. Manual therapy — Manual therapy is hands-on care where your physical therapist uses their hands to move and treat your muscles and joints. It incorporates a variety of techniques such as:

• Soft tissue mobilization — This technique focuses on releasing tension and restrictions in your muscles, tendons and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles and organs. It involves various hand movements to break up adhesions and improve tissue flexibility. 

• Myofascial release — This is a specific type of soft tissue mobilization that targets the fascia, which can become tight and contribute to pain and limited movement. Your physical therapist will use sustained pressure to help release fascial restrictions. 

• Trigger point therapy — This involves your physical therapist applying pressure to specific trigger points, or “knots,” in your muscles that can cause pain and tightness. The pressure helps to release the trigger point and alleviate pain. 

• Joint mobilization — If your injury is affecting your joints, your physical therapist may use joint mobilization techniques to gently move the joint and restore its normal movement. This can help reduce pain and improve joint function. 

3. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — IASTM includes techniques such as the Graston Technique®, which uses specialized stainless steel tools to help break down scar tissue and release restrictions in your soft tissue. The tools are used to “scrape” the skin and underlying tissue, helping to improve movement and reduce pain. 

4. Dry needling — This technique is used by certified practitioners who manually insert thin, sterile needles to target trigger points and tight muscles, helping to relieve pain and improve muscle function. The needles stimulate a twitch response in the muscle, which can help release tension. 

5. Therapeutic ultrasound — This treatment uses sound waves to create heat deep in your tissue, which can help with healing and reduce pain and inflammation. The heat increases blood flow, bringing in oxygen and nutrients needed to promote tissue repair. 

6. Electrical stimulation — This involves mild electrical currents to stimulate your muscles, which can help reduce pain and improve muscle function. Different types of electrical stimulation include:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

7. Education and movement training — Your physical therapist can teach you about your injury, how to manage it and how to move your body in a way that can help prevent future injuries. Education is key because it empowers you to:

• Understand your body

• Avoid bad habits

• Stay active without causing more damage

Using a combination of techniques such as these can help you not only manage pain but also fix the root of the problem. That way, you’re not just feeling better; you’re actually getting better. 

Benefits of physical therapy for soft tissue injuries

Physical therapy offers far more than just temporary relief; it supports your body’s healing process and helps you build a strong foundation for long-term health. Physical therapy can offer benefits such as:

• Reduced pain

• Reduced reinjury risk

• Increased range of motion

• Reduced swelling and inflammation

• Increased mobility

• Boosted healing processes and accelerated recovery

Soft tissue injuries can be a setback, but KC Rehab can help you get back on track

At KC Rehab, we understand that no two injuries or people are the same. That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to care. Our team of experienced physical therapists takes time to understand your unique condition, lifestyle and goals. 

We use evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans to help you recover from soft tissue injuries with confidence and care. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, tendinitis or other injury, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We can help you move better, feel stronger and get back to living life on your terms. 

With KC Rehab, you’re not just treating your injury; you’re investing in a stronger, healthier future. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.