Soft Tissue Inflammation – Causes and Treatment
Inflammation of the soft tissues – muscles, tendons and ligaments – shows up as pain, swelling and stiffness after overload or injury. With the right loading and physiotherapy, tissue recovery usually goes more smoothly.
What tissue inflammation is
Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to irritation or damage. When it affects soft tissues – muscles, tendons, ligaments and structures around the joints – it brings pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness to the area.
It is often the result of overload, repetitive movement, injury or a sudden increase in activity. In the acute phase inflammation is part of the healing process, but when it persists or tissues are loaded before they have recovered, symptoms can last longer.
In most people, with sensible load management, a gradual return to movement and therapy, symptoms settle within weeks. Recovery time depends on the type of tissue, how irritated it is and how long the problem has been present.
What contributes to inflammation
- overload and repetitive movements
- a sudden increase in sport or work load
- minor injuries, bruises and sprains
- poor technique or posture
- insufficient recovery and weak muscles
- prolonged strain on the same area
How it shows up
- pain with movement or pressure
- mild swelling and warmth in the area
- stiffness, especially in the morning
- pain at the start of activity
- reduced strength and quicker tiring
- limited movement in the nearby joint
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment to find which tissues are irritated and what is overloading them. We use manual therapy, therapeutic massage, laser, ultrasound, TECAR, magnet and electrotherapy to ease pain, and kinesiology taping when needed. Therapeutic exercise helps tissues recover and tolerate load again, and in more stubborn cases we can also use shockwave therapy.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently for severe pain and swelling after an injury, inability to put weight on a limb, visible deformity, or an area that is very red, hot and comes with a fever. Consult a specialist too if symptoms do not improve after two to three weeks or keep coming back.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.