Two Important Contact Sport Injuries: Contusions & Concussions

By Dr. Virginia Nsitem
Pride Health Columnist

It can be difficult to avoid contact with other players in certain sports, such as football, hockey, and soccer. This article will discuss two important contact sport injuries.

Contusion

A muscle contusion occurs when there has been impact directly on the body. The quadriceps muscle is the most common area for contusions. The term frequently used to describe this injury is “charley horse”. Some of the symptoms of a muscle contusion include muscle pain, bruising, and decreased and painful movement. Many researchers believe that heat and massage treatment soon after a muscle contusion can cause long term muscle damage if the blood in the muscle tissue has not resolved.

Concussion

Concussion is a form of brain injury that occurs from a head injury. There does not have to be a loss of consciousness to suffer from a concussion. Symptoms of concussion include neck pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, buzzing noises in the ears, and memory loss. Symptoms can begin immediately after the injury or days or even weeks later.

Treatment

Treatment of contusions and concussions can be complex. The first step is to seek medical attention. Your chiropractor or physician can perform a full exam in order to make a diagnosis and prescribe a specialized treatment plan based on your symptoms and the seriousness of your injury.

Dr. Virginia Nsitem is a chiropractor specializing in laser therapy for muscle, joint and nerve injuries, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences in Canada. She may be reached at (905) 275-4993, or by email at totalhealth@bellnet.ca.