A soft tissue injury is the damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Common soft tissue injuries usually occur from a sprain, strain, a blow resulting in a contusion, or overuse of a particular part of the body, or a whiplash from a car accident. Soft tissue injuries can result in pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function. In fact, soft tissue injuries can be longer lasting and debilitating than a broken bone. In many soft tissue injuries, especially if severe pain persists after the first 24 hours, it is recommended that the individual consults a medical professional, who can make a diagnosis and implement a treatment plan.