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What is Myositis Ossificans?

It is a bone growth within the muscle.
As a result of impact which has caused damage to the sheath that surrounds a bone (periostium) as well as to the muscle if untreated or not treated properly deposit of calcium or a calcification process might happen.
This calcification will grow into a ' bone ' within the muscle which is painful as the bone stick into the tissue.
The bone will grow few weeks after the injury ( 2 to 4 weeks ) and become mature bone within 6 months.

If you have sustained a muscle strain or contusion ( Dead Leg!) and it is neglected then you could get Myositis Ossificans.

Symptoms of Myositis Ossificans include:
· Limited or Restricted range of movement ( ROM ).
· Pain during movement ( muscular action )
· A lump visible or palpable in the muscle.

What causes myositis ossificans?
- Failing to apply R.I.C.E immediately after the injury
- Too aggressive Physiotherapy too soon
- Returning to training/competition too soon after injury

What can be done?
Prevention is the most important, if you have sustained a contact injury make sure you apply RICE principle immediately.
Contact a Sport injury specialist, Physiotherapist or Doctor.

X-ray the muscle to see when it is safe to start rehabilitation ( bone growth can be seen on a X-ray ).
Surgically remove the bone is the worst scenario but never the less a real one.

The massage therapist job:

2-5 days after injury it is possible to work on the injured leg following some guide lines:
- The therapist must work away from the injured area working directly on the injury may cause more bleeding.
- above the injury and on the groin area where there is a high concentration of lymph nodes
- Light lymph drainage techniques to speed up lymph flow and rid of excessive fluid and dead blood cells from the area.
- Strokes always towards the heart.
Passive stretches to the limit of pain to increase muscular flexibility.

The Physiotherapist job:

Be the first to assess injury if possible.
Apply First Aid and R.I.C.E principles.
Refer to Doctor or Hospital if necessary
Strength and conditioning is very important for a quick return to activities.
Prescribe suitable and gradual rehabilitation exercises program.

The Doctor Job:

Diagnose injury.
Refer to Physiotherapist or/and Massage Therapist if this is the appropriate course.
Refer to Orthopedic Surgeon or specialist.

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