If you've received a bad bruise, heavy exercise can also increase blood flow to the injury site and that could make the bruise worse.

Is it bad to workout with a bruise?

A muscle bruise doesn't usually cause damage to the affected muscle. For that reason, athletes are physically able to play with mild bruising. In more severe cases, athletes may be forced to rest and limit physical activity until their muscle has fully healed. This helps prevent a more serious injury.

What should you not do to a bruise?

Don't put ice directly on your bruise.

Protect your skin by wrapping the ice in a washcloth or paper towel. Take the ice off after about 10 minutes. Leaving it on too long could harm your skin. It's OK to put ice on your bruise several times a day, as long as you take a break after every time you do it.