Objective To observe the effect of herbal ointment massage therapy on the acute soft tissue injury.Methods Sixty-three patients with acute soft tissue injury were randomized into a treatment group treated by massage with herbal ointment and a control group treated by Votalin emulsion for seven days.The changes in local pain

swelling

and dysfunction of affected areas of both groups were observed before and after the treatment. Results After treatment

the local pain

swelling

tenderness

and dysfunction of affected areas of both groups were all significantly improved（P<0.01）

whilst the treatment group was superior to the control group in relieving swelling and dysfunction（P<0.01）.Conclusion The herbal ointment massage therapy effectively improves the clinical symptoms of acute soft tissue injury.