What Happens

When muscles, tendons or ligaments are damaged by an impact or over exertion, tissue will have either been stretched or an impact received causing blood vessels to be torn or damaged. The extent of bleeding will depend on the type of the tissues involved and activity when injured. Blood will flow out until the vessels are restricted so preventing further blood leaking into the tissues. This bleeding needs to be stopped as the blood will increase inflammation, and must be cleared from the tissues before the healing process can properly commence.

Cells starved of nourishment due to injury will soon die. These dying cells stimulate the release of histamine causing the blood vessels to dilate, thereby bringing increased blood supply and extra nutrients to help repair and rebuild the damaged tissues. Various reactions continue all contributing to the healing process. Muscle spasm may also occur helping prevent further movement.