Athletes in contact sports have many chances of getting a muscle contusion (bruise). Contusions are second only to strains as a leading cause of injuries from sports. Most of the contusions are minor and heal fast, without taking the athlete out of the game. However, severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage and complications which may prevent an athlete from playing sports for months. What is the Difference between Muscle contusion or bruise? Contusions occur when a blunt object strikes a part of the body with a direct blow or repeated blows, crushing underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. The result of falling or jamming the body against a hard surface can be a contusion. Symptoms Swelling Pain Limitation in ROM Around injured Area Weakness in injured Muscle stiffness Sometimes Blood accumulation is present at the site of damage underlying complications like a fracture, dislocation of joint sprain torn muscle Abdominal contusion in sports cause