Pressing on a bruise causes some people to believe it helps the bruise heal faster. However, some experts say there is no evidence to support this claim. This article examines whether pressing on bruises speeds up the healing process.
What is a bruise?
A bruise, also called a contusion, is a common minor injury that often results from a bump or blow to an area of the body. This injury causes damage to capillaries and sometimes tiny veins under the skin, allowing blood to leak into surrounding tissues. This causes the purple or blue/black discoloration associated with bruises.
Bruises can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the shins, knees, elbows, and hips. People with bleeding disorders, elderly individuals, and those taking blood-thinning medications are more susceptible to bruising.
The bruise healing process
Bruises go through distinct color changes as they heal, due to the breakdown of hemoglobin from leaked red blood cells:
- Days 1-2: Red, blue, or purplish in color
- Days 3-5: Green or yellowish in color as the body reabsorbs blood
- Days 6-14: Yellow or light brown color as pigments fade
- 2+ weeks: Fades away completely in most cases
The healing process depends on the severity of the bruise. Mild bruises can heal within 2 weeks, while more severe, deep bruises may last over a month. The steps involved in bruise healing include:
- Bleeding under the skin when capillaries are damaged
- Blood clot formation to stop bleeding into the tissues
- Inflammation triggered by the injury, causing swelling and pain
- Removal of blood through the lymphatic system
- Breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells which changes bruise color
- Reabsorption of iron and other byproducts from broken down cells
- Regeneration and repair of damaged capillaries and cells
Proper treatment can help minimize bruise size and discomfort during healing. Applying ice, keeping the area elevated, and using OTC pain relievers help. Most bruises heal fully with time as long as no major blood vessels or organs are damaged.
Does pressing on a bruise help it heal faster?
There are two main schools of thought on whether pressing on bruises speeds up healing:
Pressing may help
Some believe that gently applying pressure may help a bruise heal faster by:
- Increasing blood flow and circulation to the area
- Dispersing pooled blood through the tissues
- Allowing bruise byproducts to be reabsorbed faster
- Softening scar tissue formation
However, there is limited research to support these proposed mechanisms. Anecdotal evidence from those who swear by pressing suggests it reduces bruise size and pain more quickly. The pressure applied is typically gentle, using the fingertips to lightly pinch or rub the bruised area for a few minutes at a time.
Pressing likely does not help
On the other hand, many experts argue that pressing on bruises is unlikely to speed healing and may even worsen the injury, for reasons like:
- Increases inflammation and swelling around delicate damaged capillaries
- May rupture more capillaries and spread leaked blood further
- Does not increase circulation enough to make a difference
- Can cause additional pain and tenderness
Doctors generally recommend the standard RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for treating bruises instead of pressing on them. Allowing the bruise to heal on its own is typically the safest approach.
Research on pressing bruises
Very few scientific studies have looked specifically at whether pressing or massaging bruises affects healing time.
A small 2015 study found 20 minutes of gentle bruise massage 4 times a day did not speed up healing compared to no massage. The massage did seem to slightly reduce bruise size and pain, but not in a statistically significant way.
A review of various bruise treatments in 2018 concluded there was not enough evidence to recommend massage or pressure as an effective therapy. More rigorous clinical studies on larger bruise sample sizes are needed.
Other methods to try to heal bruises faster
While pressing on a bruise is unlikely to help it heal faster, some evidence supports trying these methods instead:
- Cold compresses: Applying cold packs can reduce inflammation and pain. Ice the area for 10-20 minutes a few times a day.
- Heat: After the first 1-2 days, use heat packs to increase circulation. Apply heat for 20 minutes a day.
- Compression: Wrapping the area with an elastic bandage helps minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping the bruised area raised above heart level reduces blood pooling.
- OTC pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen help relieve pain and swelling.
- Arnica: Applying arnica gel or taking oral arnica may reduce bruising and pain.
- Bromelain: Oral bromelain enzyme supplements derived from pineapples can decrease bruise healing time.
- Vitamin C: Getting adequate vitamin C promotes collagen formation for faster healing.
See a doctor for severe or persistently painful bruises, as stronger treatments may be warranted in some cases.
Tips for pressing on a bruise
If you want to try gently pressing on a bruise to potentially reduce pain and speed healing, keep these tips in mind:
- Wait 48 hours after the initial injury before massaging to avoid worsening damage
- Apply very light pressure using your fingertips in a circular motion
- Press along the edges of the bruise first before moving inward
- Press for about 5-10 minutes 1-2 times a day
- If pressing causes increased swelling or discomfort, stop immediately
- Never press directly on extremely tender, swollen, or rigid areas
- Combine with icing and heat therapy for best results
When to see a doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- The bruise does not start to fade after 2 weeks
- Pain and swelling get worse instead of better
- There are lumps or hard areas within the bruise
- Bruising occurs suddenly or easily all over the body
- You experience severe trauma like a bone fracture
- Redness, warmth, and fever develop, indicating infection
- You have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners
Seek prompt medical care for sudden, severe bruising or bruising with other concerning symptoms. This can indicate a serious underlying medical condition or injury requiring treatment.
Conclusion
Pressing on a bruise is unlikely to significantly speed up healing, according to most experts and the limited research available. The bruise healing process takes time as pooled blood is reabsorbed and damaged capillaries and cells regenerate.
While some people firmly believe that gently massaging a bruise reduces pain and tenderness, robust clinical evidence is lacking. The safest approach is usually allowing the bruise to heal naturally while using rest, ice, compression, and elevation to minimize discomfort.
However, gently pressing with light fingertip massage is unlikely to worsen a bruise in most cases. If pressing seems to provide relief without added swelling, some patients may choose to continue the practice.
Further placebo-controlled studies on larger numbers of patients are needed to determine if pressing or massaging bruises actually offers real healing benefits. In the meantime, the standard RICE protocol remains the most scientifically-supported bruise treatment option.