We offer state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of muscular and soft tissue conditions. Our specialists provide comprehensive nonsurgical and surgical care and the support you need.
Medically reviewed on March 26, 2024.
The UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is one of the nation’s leading hospitals in caring for patients with muscular and soft tissue disorders. Our world-class providers offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options, along with the highest quality of care.
Muscular and soft tissue disorders involve injuries to the tissue surrounding your bones and joints. Soft tissue includes:
The most common types of muscular and soft tissue disorders include:
Symptoms vary depending on the type of muscular and soft tissue disorder.
Some common symptoms may include:
Seek care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Muscular and soft tissue disorders can result from a one-time trauma (acute injury) or repeated movement (chronic or overuse injury). The main causes of muscular and soft tissue disorders include:
Direct blows that don’t break the skin may cause contusions.
Falling can lead to a sprain or contusion.
Using the same joints or muscles in repetitive movements increases the chance of bursitis, tendonitis or tendinosis.
Our experienced providers at UC Davis Health specialize in diagnosing muscular and soft tissue disorders. We first ask you about your symptoms and anything you think may have caused the disorder. Then we do a comprehensive physical examination, focusing on the area of injury.
Your provider may recommend imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray, if they suspect a muscular or soft tissue disorder. These tests give us more information about the best way to treat your specific condition.
Our orthopaedic specialists provide the highest standard of care for muscular and soft tissue disorders in patients of all ages. We offer a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments to improve your musculoskeletal health. Treatment options we offer include:
Applying continuous pressure to the injured area with an ACE bandage or compression stockings can help reduce pressure.
A brace, orthotic shoe, sling or splint can help support the injured area.
Prescription and non-prescription medications can reduce pain and swelling.
Injections of cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can reduce inflammation, lessen pain and encourage healing. These are performed in our Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Physical therapy can improve strength and mobility after a soft tissue injury.
Surgery can repair tears in your bursa, muscles and tendons.
You can lower your risk of muscular and soft tissue disorders by:
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A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
A U.S. News & World Report best children’s hospital in diabetes & endocrinology, nephrology, and orthopedics*. (*Together with Shriners Children’s)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, ovarian cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, uterine cancer surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and orthopedics.
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
For the 11th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality.”