What is a soft tissue injury?
Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons and ligaments rather than bones. Common examples include neck and back strains, shoulder sprains, knee sprains and deep bruising from seatbelts or airbags.
Although many heal in weeks, some cause ongoing pain and limit movement for months.
What are the symptoms of soft tissue injuries?
Soft tissue injuries cause pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising and reduced movement.
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling or bruising
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness
- Pain that worsens a day or two later
Soft tissue pain often peaks one to three days after a crash as inflammation builds.
Read more about delayed pain after a car accident.
Why does documenting treatment matter for a claim?
Because soft tissue injuries are hard to see on imaging, documentation is everything.
- Take photos of bruising as it develops.
- See a doctor promptly and attend follow-up visits.
- Complete physical therapy as prescribed.
- Write down how the pain affects work, sleep and daily tasks.
How is soft tissue injuries usually treated?
Treatment usually includes rest, ice and heat, pain relief and physical therapy. Your doctor will tailor care to your injury.
Claims often wait until you reach maximum medical improvement, so the full cost of the injury is known. See how long settlements take.