“Skeletal muscle contusions are a common cause of morbidity from sports-related injuries. The healing response involves a complex balance between muscle repair, regeneration, and scar tissue formation. Animal models of muscle contusion have demonstrated a time-dependent histological response to postinjury protocols of immobilization and remobilization. Mobilization initiated after a brief period of immobilization resulted in better penetration of regenerative muscle through limited connective tissue scar in line with native surrounding muscle. Early mobilization in an in vivo muscle contusion model resulted in a progressive increase in myotubule, early nerve regeneration, and reduced inflammation. Immobilization results in disorganized penetration of muscle fiber through dense connective scar tissue.”
