What Is Soft Tissue Damage and How Is It Treated?

A Simple Guide from Ohio Therapy Centers

After a car accident or workplace injury, you might hear the term “soft tissue damage.” But what does that actually mean? And more importantly—how do you treat it so it doesn’t become a long-term problem?

At Ohio Therapy Centers, we help patients every day who are dealing with soft tissue injuries. These are very common and often misunderstood, but with the right care, you can heal properly and get back to your life faster.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Soft Tissue Damage?

“Soft tissue” refers to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your body. These are the tissues that support your bones and help you move. When they’re stretched, torn, or inflamed due to an injury, that’s called soft tissue damage.

These injuries can happen in:

• Car accidents (even minor ones)

• Slip and fall incidents

• Workplace injuries

• Sports or overuse injuries

Even though they don’t always show up on X-rays, soft tissue injuries can be very painful and slow to heal without the right treatment.

Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

Here are a few of the most common types we treat:

1. Sprains

Injury to a ligament, which connects bone to bone.
Often occurs in ankles, knees, or wrists.

2. Strains

Injury to a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone.
Often seen in the lower back or hamstrings.

3. Whiplash

A neck injury caused by sudden movement, common in car accidents.

4. Contusions (Bruises)

Caused by blunt force trauma that damages soft tissue under the skin.

Symptoms of Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue injuries can cause:

• Pain and tenderness

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Stiffness or limited range of motion

• Weakness or muscle spasms

Sometimes, pain from soft tissue damage doesn’t show up right away. It can take hours or even days for symptoms to develop—especially after a car accident. That’s why it’s important to get checked out early, even if you feel “okay” right after an incident.

How Is Soft Tissue Damage Treated?

At Ohio Therapy Centers, we use a personalized treatment plan to help your body heal naturally and safely. Our team may recommend a combination of:

✔️ Physical Rehabilitation

We guide you through specific stretches and exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.

✔️ Chiropractic Care

Gentle adjustments can help realign the body and reduce strain on injured tissues.

✔️ Massage Therapy

Helps increase circulation, reduce pain, and improve healing in tight or inflamed areas.

✔️ Cold/Heat Therapy

Targeted treatments to reduce inflammation and ease soreness.

✔️ Therapeutic Modalities

We may use ultrasound or electrical stimulation to speed up tissue repair and reduce pain.

The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and prevent long-term damage.

Don’t Wait—Soft Tissue Injuries Can Get Worse Over Time

If left untreated, soft tissue damage can lead to:

• Chronic pain

• Loss of mobility

• Re-injury

• Delayed recovery

The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances for a full and fast recovery.

Injured in an Accident or at Work? Let Us Help You Heal

If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or soreness after an accident or injury, don’t wait. You could be suffering from soft tissue damage—and early treatment makes all the difference.

📞 Call Ohio Therapy Centers today at 1-833-253-2020 to schedule your FREE consultation

Let’s create a plan that gets you moving, feeling better, and back to your life— without the pain.