myositis ossificans (jenna)

Myositis Ossificans is a condition in which
abnormal bone or calcium deposits form within muscle tissue itself. It is often a delayed complication following a muscle contusion (bruise) that is not treated conservatively enough (e.g. return to sport too early resulting in a secondary trauma to the injured area). In many instances, the calcified tissue is reabsorbed by the body. However, there are also cases in which the tissue further develops into bone tissue and causes pain or weakness within the muscle. Heat, massage, strenuous activity, and vigorous stretching should be avoided as it can aggravate the injury and lead to more bone formation. 

symptoms

  • Muscle pain/weakness
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Swelling or a hard bump within the tissue

causes

  • Repetitive trauma to a muscle
  • Improper healing conditions
    • Inadequate rest
    • Not utilizing an ice/heat pack

treatment

  • Shockwave Therapy 
    • ​involves high frequency, short duration, bursts of high-energy pulses that are transmitted into injured tissues
    • effective in the breakdown of calcium deposits to speed healing process 
  • Therapeutic Exercise
    • ​may consist of gentle, assisted range of motion exercises that progress to isometric (static) exercises that will depend on the affected muscle

How does physiotherapy help? 

Physiotherapy is commonly prescribed to aid in improving muscle strength and flexibility. This can be done through light stretching and early strengthening of surrounding muscles, to support muscle recovery. Physiotherapists can help facilitate the healing process although time is the most important component to allow the body to reabsorb any calcium/bone that has been deposited into the muscle tissue.