Exercising with a deep calf bruise?

[Capt.Canuck]

I have a deep calf bruise from MT sparring (on the outside of the calf, not the shin).

It was a solid bruise from a week ago that had almost healed, but I blocked a hard strike to the exact same spot this morning and it went right through my shinguard. Now I'm back to square 1, if not worse.

It's pretty painful to walk on but not unbearable.

I'm scheduled to play hockey and think I can play without too much discomfort. Is this a bad idea? i.e. will exercising the bruised muscle cause further damage? Or would I be better to stay off it for a couple of days?

TIA.

[pliftkl]

As long as you don't take any impacts to the bruise, exercise should promote healing getting good blood flow to the injured tissue.

[Capt.Canuck]

^great, thank you.