Bad Bruising

**Gravity** · Posted On: 2/05/2009 9:11pm

Hi guys,

I'm 40 years young and train in BJJ and Judo. My problem is that I
get really bad bruises on my biceps and chest from grappling, is there
anything I can do to help prevent these bruises?
And yes I like to go hard with my training, but I know that getting these
bruises in the same spot every week can't be good for me.......

Cheers,

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 2/05/2009 11:20pm

YouTube - Ice Ice Baby

Theoretically, there's also dimethyl sulfoxide, but that seems a bit drastic.

You may also benefit from changes to your grappling technique such that you don't wind up in situations where you're getting bruised up as often or for as long.

**1point2** · Posted On: 2/05/2009 11:54pm

What's wrong with bruises? Exactly how bad are they? How do they affect your functioning, say, the next day? What's your after-workout routine (including diet and sleep and hygiene)?

**Gravity** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 1:27am

Originally Posted by 1point2

What's wrong with bruises? Exactly how bad are they? How do they affect your functioning, say, the next day? What's your after-workout routine (including diet and sleep and hygiene)?

Ok maybe I'm a sook but they do look bad, they don't hurt to much and they don't
affect me going to work the next day. The problem is they never get a chance to
heal because of my training which puts bruises on top of bruises. My hygiene is fine,
I shower before and after my training and my gi is always clean.
My diet and sleep are OK , I'll try the ice after my training.
My technique could do with some work as I tend to use my strength a bit to much!

Thanks for your help.

**13ringinheat** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 3:58am

I had that problem when i first started doing BJJ but slowly my body got used to it and i dont bruise that easily anymore.

But every now and then when i take a break from BJJ to concentrate on my stand up and go back to doing BJJ i get bruises on my bicep and chest again till my body gets used to it.

**sochin101** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 4:37am

One of my old coaches used to swear by Arnica for bruises.
Witch hazel also has a reputation for reducing bruising.

Plz Note: I don't think either are scientifically proven, but I've been told both work by people I trust. Do your own research regarding potential issues with allergies/reactions etc.

**Asriel** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 5:12am

Originally Posted by Gravity

Ok maybe I'm a sook but they do look bad, they don't hurt to much and they don't
affect me going to work the next day. The problem is they never get a chance to
heal because of my training which puts bruises on top of bruises. My hygiene is fine,
I shower before and after my training and my gi is always clean.
My diet and sleep are OK , I'll try the ice after my training.
My technique could do with some work as I tend to use my strength a bit to much!

Thanks for your help.

how new are you to grappling. I used to get badly bruised when I used to spaz out as a newb but it stopped happening as i started relaxing.

**1point2** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 7:24am

Originally Posted by Gravity

Ok maybe I'm a sook but they do look bad, they don't hurt to much and they don't
affect me going to work the next day. The problem is they never get a chance to
heal because of my training which puts bruises on top of bruises. My hygiene is fine,
I shower before and after my training and my gi is always clean.
My diet and sleep are OK , I'll try the ice after my training.
My technique could do with some work as I tend to use my strength a bit to much!

Thanks for your help.

If it doesn't affect you the next day, and they're not that bad, ignore 'em. I get massive black marks under my triceps (karate gi not so ideal for grappling) and bruises on my forearms and shins from sparring. It's just a different attitude towards bruises.

***jnp*** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 8:52am

If you are new to grappling, then this is fairly normal. Your body will toughen up after a period of adjustment. Are we talking about huge bruises or the more common fingertip sized ones?

Also, I might be completely wrong, but my brain whispered, "Check for anemia" when I read your first post. However that's based on a dim memory from a course I took in college a LONG time ago so I could be talking out my ass.

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 2/06/2009 11:27am

Originally Posted by jnp

Also, I might be completely wrong, but my brain whispered, "Check for anemia" when I read your first post. However that's based on a dim memory from a course I took in college a LONG time ago so I could be talking out my ass.

I got a similar whisper (something about iron levels) when I saw this thread. A quick Google search connects the three - iron deficiency can cause anemia, and anemia can lead to bruising. So yeah, check for that too.