A soft tissue injury is the damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body. Common soft tissue injuries usually occur from a sprain, strain, a one-off blow resulting in a contusion or overuse of a particular part of the body. Soft tissue injuries can result in pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function. Signs and symptoms
Sprains
A sprain is a type of acute injury which results from the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the movement on the joint can be compromised since ligaments aid in the stability and support of joints. Sprains are commonly seen in vulnerable areas such as the wrists, knees and ankles. They can occur from movements such as falling on an outstretched hand or a twisting of the ankle or foot.The severity of a sprain can be classified:

Grade 1: Only some of the fibers in the ligament are torn, and the injured site is moderately painful and swollen. Function in the joint will be unaffected for the most part. Grade 2: Many of the ligament fibers are torn, and pain and swelling is moderate. The functionality of the joint is compromised. Grade 3: The soft tissue is completely torn, and functionality and strength on the joint is completely compromised. In most cases, surgery is needed to repair the damage. Strains
A strain is a type of acute injury that occurs to the muscle or tendon.
Parentheses indicate location in body

LigamentsAnterior cruciate ligament (knee), medial collateral ligament (knee), ulnar collateral ligaments (wrist/hand), interspinous ligaments (vertebrae)MusclesBiceps brachii (upper arm), rectus femoris (thigh), transverse abdominis (abdominals)TendonsPatellar tendon (knee), calcaneal/Achilles tendon (foot/lower leg), biceps tendon (shoulder/elbow)NervesBrachial plexus (shoulder), ulnar nerve (elbow/hand), peroneal nerve (ankle/foot), cranial nerves I-XII(head)BonesFemur (leg), humerus (arm), ribs (torso), metatarsals I-VI (foot), metacarpals I-VI (hand)CartilageMenisci (knee), intervertebral discs (spine), acetabulum (hip)

Management
RICE method
The RICE method is an effective procedure used in the initial treatment of a soft tissue injury. Rest
It is suggested that the patient take a break from the activity that caused the injury in order to give the injury time to heal. Ice
The injury should be iced on and off in 20 minute intervals, avoiding direct contact of the ice with the skin. Compression
Bandaging the injury will compress it, and prevent any further bleeding or swelling from occurring. Elevation
Elevating the injury above the heart while resting will aid in the reduction of swelling. No HARM protocol
This mnemonic indicates what  not  to do within the first 48–72 hours after the injury in order to speed up the recovery process. Heat
Applying heat to the injured area can cause blood flow and swelling to increase. Alcohol
Alcohol can inhibit the ability to feel if the injury is becoming more aggravated, as well as increasing blood flow and swelling. Re-injury
Avoid any activities that could aggravate the injury and cause further damage. Massage
Massaging an injured area can promote blood flow and swelling, and potentially cause more damage if done too early.