Repairing Guides

how long to repair a torn muscle

by Sammy Hodkiewicz I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary.

Full Answer

What is the recovery time for a torn muscle?

Treatment of Torn Pectoral Muscle

  • R. I. C. E. The RICE technique should be done for the first 2 days. ...
  • Surgery. A surgical procedure is usually advised to repair the torn pectoral muscle in order to the full strength of the muscle.
  • Recovery Time. After undergoing the procedure, the patient is advised to wear a sling for about 3-6 weeks. ...

How to recover from a strained or pulled muscle?

Your doctor may recommend the following at-home treatments:

  • Rest. Rest the muscle for a few days or until your doctor gives you the okay. ...
  • Ice. Apply ice to the injury for 20 minutes each hour you’re awake. ...
  • Compression. Wrapping the muscle with an elastic bandage can help bring down swelling. ...
  • Elevation. Elevate the injured muscle to reduce swelling.
  • Medication. ...
  • Heat. ...

How long does a torn muscle take to repair?

The healing time for a torn muscle varies from two weeks for a mild tear to two months or more for a severe tear, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Medical providers refer to torn muscles as muscle strains. FitDay reports that there are three types of muscle strain. The first is a first-degree strain, which affects less than 5 percent of the respective muscle.

How do you repair a torn muscle?

This is what you should do:

  • Fill an old sock with rice almost to the top and leave a few centimeters for tying.
  • Tie the sock shut and microwave it on full power for 1-2 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the sock being careful if it is too hot.
  • Wrap the rice-filled sock in a warm moist towel and apply to the painful pulled or strained back muscle.

More items...

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Can a muscle tear heal on its own?

Most people can recover by resting their muscle and using at-home treatments like ice and over-the-counter medicine. If you're feeling pain for a few weeks after your injury or have severe symptoms, see your healthcare provider.

What helps torn muscles heal faster?

Read on for seven tips for muscle injury recovery that will speed up or improve your recovery.Stay Hydrated. ... Reduce Inflammation With Cherry Juice. ... Increase or Improve Sleep. ... Compress the Affected Muscle. ... Switch to Low-Impact Exercise During Injury Recovery. ... Up Your Protein Intake. ... Limit Alcohol and/or Tobacco Consumption.

How do you tell if you've torn a muscle?

Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include:Pain or tenderness.Redness or bruising.Limited motion.Muscle spasms.Swelling.Muscle weakness.

Is it OK to massage a torn muscle?

Massage. Therapeutic massage helps loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to help heal damaged tissues. Applying pressure to the injured muscle tissue also helps remove excess fluid and cellular waste products. A 2012 study found that massage immediately following an injury may even speed strained muscle healing.

How do you heal a torn muscle naturally?

Muscle Strain Treatment Self-Care at HomeProtect the strained muscle from further injury.Rest the strained muscle. ... Ice the muscle area (20 minutes every hour while awake). ... Compression can be gently applied with an Ace or other elastic bandage, which can both provide support and decrease swelling.More items...•

What foods help heal torn muscles?

Five Natural Foods That May Help Repair Your Muscle TearKale (for Vitamin C and E) This dark green leafy veggie is a superfood that packs in more nutrients than you can count. ... Pumpkin Seeds (for Zinc) ... Carrots (for Vitamin A) ... Tuna (for Omega 3) ... Nuts (for B-Complex Vitamins)

What vitamins help heal torn muscles?

Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, which helps maintain the integrity of your bones, muscles, skin, and tendons ( 9 , 19 ). Vitamin C is also important for wound healing ( 9 , 20 ). Therefore, getting enough vitamin C in your diet is a great way to help your body rebuild tissue after an injury.

Does Epsom salt help torn muscles?

Epsom salts are specifically thought to be a good treatment mainly for muscle pain from over-exertion (delayed-onset muscle soreness), arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome (“trigger points”), fibromyalgia, but also for speeding healing1 from minor injuries such as muscle strains and tendinitis.

How long does it take a torn pec muscle to heal?

How Long Does It Take to Heal a Torn Pectoral Tendon? Tears in the pectoralis major heal fairly effectively in most cases. It may take at least 6 m...

Can a pec tear heal on its own?

A torn pectoral will not mend on its own in most circumstances. Our experts will need to conduct surgery to repair the muscle so you can get back o...

How long does it take for muscles and tendons to heal?

Depending on the severity of the damage, the tendon healing process might take up to 12 weeks. Physical therapy will be required for patients to re...

How long does it take for flexor tendons to heal?

It may take up to 12 weeks for your tendon to fully heal, and it is critical that you follow all instructions to avoid rupturing your tendon. Howev...

How long does a pectoral strain last?

The majority of pectoralis major strains recover without consequences within a few weeks. However, depending on the severity of the injury and the...

What causes muscle tears?

Muscle tears can happen suddenly or develop over a period of time due to repetitive stress. For example, a tear may happen due to: 1 Not performing a proper warm-up 2 A lack of flexibility 3 Overuse 4 A fall 5 Throwing movements 6 Lifting heavy objects 7 Poor posture 8 Or holding your back or neck in a set position for too long.

How long does it take for a torn muscle to heal?

So, how long does a torn muscle take to heal? For severe muscle tears, it may take several months before you’re back to normal.

How does massage therapy help with recovery?

Massage therapy techniques can help further progress healing by increasing blood flow to the area , draining fluids or toxins, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and decreasing pain.

What does it mean when you can't move your arm?

And if you can’t move your arm or leg, it’s very likely that you’ve torn the muscle – also known as a Grade II or Grade III muscle strain.

What to do if you suspect a muscle torn?

If you suspect the muscle is torn, seek out immediate consultation with your doctor or a healthcare professional. An X-ray or MRI may be conducted to determine the severity of the injury, as well as decide on a suitable treatment plan.

Is athlete choice massage good for you?

If you’ve recently experienced a muscle strain or a torn muscle, Athlete’s Choice Massage is ready to help you. Our team strives to get each and every client back to feeling their best – without pain standing in the way. Safely get back to the activities you know and love. Book your next appointment with Athlete’s Choice Massage in Edmonton today!

Can you get surgery before physical therapy?

In some cases, such as a full muscle tear, surgery may be required before physical therapy. Physical therapy involves progressive exercises and manual techniques to get you back to your normal.

What is a muscle tear?

Torn muscles can occur any time your muscle becomes strained or overstretched. This can happen as a result of exhaustion and fatigue, improper use, or overuse. While any muscle can be affected, torn muscles most often occur in the lower back, neck, shoulder and hamstring.

How long does it take for a muscle tear to heal?

Moderate tears may require physical therapy. A severe tear that requires surgical repair can take months or longer to heal.

What is the most common injury that happens when you are trying to get in shape?

Aches, sprains and soreness are common when one is trying to get in shape. However, muscle tears (also referred to as strains) can be more problematic.

How to prevent muscle tears?

In most cases, muscles tears are preventable by observing proper warm-up techniques and never forcing a cold muscle to perform full tilt. Using the proper form in any activity is also critical to maintaining healthy muscles. Know your body’s limits. When it comes to pushing your body to the extreme, there’s no such thing as “no pain no gain.” In fact, pain often is the first sign that a muscle has been injured. Get to know your body and understand its signals. This is the best way to not only avoid injury, but to ensure continued peak performance.

What percentage of muscle fibers are torn?

Torn muscles are categorized by the severity of the injury: mild which is a simple strain affecting 5% of a muscle’s fibers; moderate which is up to 25%-30% and accompanied by swelling, decreased range of motion and pain; and severe which is an actual tear in a muscle that is accompanied by extensive swelling.

How do you know if you have a torn muscle?

Symptoms of Torn Muscles. When you tear a muscle, even when it is mild, you will know immediately. Expect pain and soreness, as well as spasms and swelling in the affected area. Depending on the severity of the strain, you may find it difficult to move the area, if at all.

What is the treatment for a minor strain?

– that’s Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation – treatment for injuries. Your orthopedist may also recommend NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – to help reduce swelling.

How long does it take for a torn muscle to heal?

How Long Does a Torn Muscle Take to Repair? The healing time for a torn muscle varies from two weeks for a mild tear to two months or more for a severe tear, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Medical providers refer to torn muscles as muscle strains. FitDay reports that there are three types of muscle strain.

How long does it take for muscle strain to heal?

This type is only mildly painful, does not affect strength or range of motion and usually heals within a few weeks.

What is the worst strain of muscle?

The worst type, a third-degree strain, is a tear along the entire width of a particular muscle, making it impossible to contract it. This type often requires surgery to stop internal bleeding and generally does not heal for several months.

Does warm up hurt muscles?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, those who warm up with light stretching and walking or jogging before exerting themselves are less likely to tear their muscles. Many studies on muscle strains show that a heated muscle is less prone to strains than a muscle that is exerted without the benefit of a warm-up. ADVERTISEMENT.

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How to wrap a calf?

To wrap the affected area, start wrapping at the furthest point from your heart and move inwards towards your body. For example, if your injury is in your bicep, then start wrapping near your elbow and move upwards towards your armpit. If your injury is in the lower part of your calf, then start wrapping your leg near your ankle and move upwards towards your knee.

What to eat to heal a torn muscle?

Eat foods that contain a lot of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants, and protein to speed up the healing process. Some foods that would help include: citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, blueberries, chicken, walnuts, and many more.

How to treat a swollen ear?

2. Ice the area. Apply ice, either in the form of a bag of frozen peas or crushed/cubed ice in a protective plastic wrapping. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth or thin towel before you use it. Apply the ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours for the first 2 days after the injury.

What to do if you can't get the injury above your heart?

If you can't get the injury above your heart, try to at least keep it parallel to the ground.

What does RICE stand for in medical terms?

You can treat these injuries with RICE, a mnemonic for the treatment. "R" stands for "rest" the injured area.

What to do after a torn muscle is healed?

After the torn muscle has healed substantially, the physical therapist then goes ahead with the muscle strengthening exercises with specific strokes and stretches to correctly align the new muscle threads and fibers.

How does a muscle tear work?

Advertisement. Once the muscle tear occurs, the body rushes the fluid to the area, to immobilize the damaged part. This starts the repair process of the torn muscle. As the damaged muscle area gets filled up with fluid, there is pressure on the torn blood vessels which stops the bleeding.

What are the symptoms of a muscle tear?

The symptoms accompanied with muscle tear are: Pain even at rest. Swelling. Bruising and redness. Inability to use the muscles. Weakness of the muscles. Pain in the movement of the joint related to the torn muscle.

What is a muscle tear?

Muscle tear refers to damage to the muscles or the tendons attached to the muscles. A muscle tear can damage the blood vessels, which can lead to pain and bruising caused due to irritation of the nerve endings in that area. 1 Muscle tear can result from pressure on the muscles during the course of normal daily activities, ...

What is a tear in the muscles?

Advertisement. Our muscles are made of fibers, which resemble the threads wounded into a rope. Tear in the muscles occurs when these threads are stretched too much . As the muscle fibers break, their ends spring or curl up.

How to reduce swelling in torn muscle?

This reduces the blood flow to the injured muscle area. A bandage application helps in reducing the swelling in the torn muscle. Most of the time, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to help ease pain and swelling and to speed up the muscle healing process. Advertisement.

Which soft tissue replaces the damaged part?

Another soft tissue in the area of damage grows quickly and usually, the connective tissue replaces the damaged part. The connective tissue is harder and less elastic. The quality of muscle repair is poor and is prone to recurring injury. A muscle tear is less likely to recur if the muscles are strong and healthy and heal better.

What Are The Symptoms and Treatment of Torn Muscle?

Muscle tears are a common injury that can happen to anyone, from athletes to older people.

How to Prevent Muscle Tears?

It is, of course, always preferred to prevent torn muscle over treatment of the injury and rehabilitation.

What is a muscle tear?

Muscle tear is damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons that occurs due to pressure to muscles. It can happen either during sports or performing various everyday activities, with sudden heavy lifting or the overuse of the muscles.

How does muscle damage affect the body?

Muscle damage can affect both muscle fibers and the tendons attached to the muscle as well as small blood vessels .

How severe is a torn muscle?

This depends on the severity of the injury of the muscle fibers, mild affecting 5% or less of the muscle's fibers, moderate around 30%, and with such symptoms as pain, swelling, and decreased range of motions.

What are the symptoms of a torn calf?

Whether it's a torn calf, hamstring tear, abdominal muscle strain, or any other body part, muscle tear symptoms include spasms, swelling, pain, and soreness of the affected area .

What does a doctor do if you have a torn muscle?

The doctor will examine your medical history and perform a physical exam to establish whether the muscle is partially or completely torn.

What Does Pulled, Strained, or Torn Muscle in Back Feel Like?

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that a strained muscle will feel painful and sore and you may notice some swelling around the injured area.

What causes back pain?

Injury to your back can cause back muscle strain or a pulled back muscle. For example, Dr. William Blahd on WebMD says that upper and middle back pain can be caused by injury to the muscles and ligaments in the thoracic region. 5

How long does it take for a torn back muscle to heal?

A severely pulled trapezius, rhomboid, or latissimus dorsi muscle will take between 2 and 3 months to completely heal. Grade 3 torn back muscle.

What is the name of the muscle that connects the thoracic spine to the shoulder blades?

Rhomboid muscles are diamond-shaped muscles that are located on either side of your thoracic spine (upper spine). Both rhomboids (major and minor) connect your spine to your shoulder blades. A pulled or strained rhomboid will cause pain and discomfort on one or both sides of your upper back.

What is the tissue that connects muscles to bones?

Tendons are the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendons usually become strained or even torn along with muscle if you strain, twist, or pull your back.

How to treat a pulled muscle in the back?

Pulled back muscle treatments also include essential oils that are effective to treat pulled, torn, or strained back muscles as well as Epsom salt bath.

What is a strained back muscle?

A strained back muscle is a general term to describe damage to the muscle or tendon tissue. Doctors from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) say that a back muscle strain can happen over time because of repetitive actions that overstretch or damage the muscle. Or, the strain can be an acute injury caused by falling, twisting, or suffering trauma to the back. 1

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