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title: "Soft Tissue Injuries | First Aid Glossary"
description: "Injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives."
canonical: "https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/soft-tissue-injuries"
---

# Soft Tissue Injuries

[Resources](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources) › [Glossary](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary)

## What are Soft Tissue Injuries?

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons, often resulting from trauma or overuse. Common types include sprains, strains, and contusions.

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or skin due to sudden trauma or overuse. Common types include strains, sprains, bruises, and contusions.

First aid for soft tissue injuries aims to reduce pain, swelling, and further damage while promoting healing. Initial management includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to minimize swelling and provide comfort.

Assessment involves examining the injured area for signs of bruising, swelling, or limited range of motion. Applying cold packs or ice wrapped in a cloth helps reduce inflammation and numb pain. Gentle compression with an elastic bandage provides support and limits movement. Elevating the injured limb above heart level helps reduce swelling and improve circulation. Monitoring the casualty' s condition and seeking medical evaluation for severe injuries ensure appropriate treatment and recovery.

## First Aid for Soft Tissue Injuries

1. Rest - encourage the casualty to rest, using the injured area as little as possible.
2. Ice - use a cold compress or ice pack to help ease pain and reduce swelling. Apply, wrapped in cloth, for 20 minutes, then remove for 2 hours before reapplying if necessary.
3. Compression - using a compression bandage may help in some instances to reduce swelling and provide support to the injured area.
4. Elevation - elevating the injured area to above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling.

> Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments requiring rest and care.

## Watch: Splinter Probe Safe and Effective First Aid Tool for Splinter Removal

[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPapsPfq8to)

## Learn this hands-on

A nationally accredited first aid course covers this and much more. [Find a course and check live session availability](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/#find-course).

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