Part 1 Healing Injured Muscles
- Rest the injured muscle. If you've pulled, strained, or torn a muscle, you'll need to let it rest as much as possible.
- Ice the injured muscle group. Icing an injury will help reduce swelling and inflammation by slowing the flow of blood to the site of the injury. ...
- Minimize swelling with compression/elevation. ...
- Manage pain with medicine. ...
What is the best way to heal torn muscles?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Treating Minor Muscle Injuries
- Rest the muscle. For either a first or second degree injury, medical care is not typically needed. ...
- Ice the area. Apply ice, either in the form of a bag of frozen peas or crushed/cubed ice in a protective plastic wrapping.
- Compress the muscle. ...
- Elevate the injured limb. ...
How long does it take a torn muscle to heal?
If a tear has occurred, bruising will appear due to damaged blood vessels. Your range of motion may become reduced. And the affected limb may feel weak to move or may be unmovable, depending on the severity of the tear. 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.
What is the best treatment for a torn muscle?
Natural Treatments for Pulled, Torn, or Strained Back Muscle
- R.I.C.E.
- Heat
- Epsom salt bath to relieve strained muscle in the back
- Essential oil soothing muscle rub
- Exercises for pulled back muscles
- Other Exercises for strengthening your back
- Reduce stress
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. ...
Can a muscle tear heal on its own?
Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.
How long does it take for torn muscle tissue to heal?
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.
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 treat a torn muscle tissue?
approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. ... Ice. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. ... Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ... Elevation.
Should you massage a muscle tear?
As is the case for muscle and tendon strains, deep tissue massage to the injury itself is contraindicated in the acute stage of any sprain. However, massage for your injury in the surrounding musculature can aid in reducing inflammation and speed up the recovery process.
How do you know if you've torn a muscle?
Symptoms of Torn Muscles 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. You may note swelling as well as bruising and discoloration accompanied by a “knotted up” feeling or stiffness.
What foods repair muscle tissue?
The 10 Best Muscle Recovery Foods and DrinksTart cherry juice. Drinking tart cherry juice may benefit both trained athletes and novice gym-goers alike. ... Watermelon and watermelon juice. Watermelon is sweet, hydrating, and loaded with nutrients. ... Fatty fish. ... Pomegranate juice. ... Beet juice. ... Whey protein shakes. ... Eggs. ... Dairy.More items...•
What vitamins help repair 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.
What vitamins help muscle repair?
Vitamins That Aid Muscle RecoveryVitamin A. Vitamin A is often one of those forgotten vitamins. ... Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that works to protect muscle cells from damaging free radicals. ... B Vitamins. ... CoQ10. ... Omega 3.
Can MRI show muscle damage?
An MRI is the best type of imaging for looking at tissue. Your physician may order an MRI on the damaged muscle to find or learn more about your injury. This type of muscle tear imaging can pinpoint the location of even the smallest muscle strains and determine whether a partial or complete strain has occurred.
What causes muscles to tear?
Muscle strains happen when you tear the fibers of your muscle. Causes of muscle strains include: Overuse: Repeating the same motion — whether at work or during an activity like playing sports — can lead to overuse syndrome.
What are the 3 stages of healing for a muscle injury?
Three main phases have been identified in the process of muscle regeneration; a destruction phase with the initial inflammatory response, a regeneration phase with activation and proliferation of satellite cells and a remodeling phase with maturation of the regenerated myofibers.
What are the 4 stages of tissue repair?
The Four Stages of Wound HealingHemostasis Phase. Hemostasis is the process of the wound being closed by clotting. ... Inflammatory Phase. ... Proliferative Phase. ... Maturation Phase.
What is the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn muscle?
A muscle strain is an injury that occurs when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched. A muscle tear is when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched and it tears. Is a muscle strain is not the same thing as a muscle tear.
Is soft tissue damage worse than a break?
The reality is that some soft tissue injuries can be worse than broken bones. While breaks often seem worse at the time, they tend to heal well, while damaged ligaments and tendons affect joints so often have long-lasting effects.
I have a gluteal tear and have been going to PT for two months, twice weekly. I'm not much better. W...
Physical therapy generally takes a long time. Perhaps you are making improvements that you do not notice. Talk with your primary care doctor.
I was pushing real hard and felt something in my calf pop. Could it be an inner muscle puncture?
Muscles generally do not puncture unless being stabbed by a sharp object. The muscle likely just moved. Talk with your primary care doctor.
I have pain radiating from around my left shoulder blade to my left arm, what could it be?
The pain radiating from your shoulder down to your left arm might actually be the result of a pinched nerve in your neck. Pinched nerves occur when...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you treat a torn muscle at home?
It is easy to overdo it and end up with a torn muscle or sprained ligament. If you play any type of sport or have children who do, you have probably had to administer first aid at some point. You can usually treat minor injuries at home using basic first aid and over the counter medicine, but you may need to seek medical attention for a more serious injury.
Does ice help with hematoma?
The ice will decrease the internal bleeding (hematoma), swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.
Can you walk with a tear in your arm?
You should still be able to walk and/or move your arms. If you cannot do this, then your tear may be severe. You should see your healthcare provider.
How to heal a torn muscle?
The first goal of the therapist is to stop the bleeding, which is done by applying ice immediately to the site of muscle injury. The injured area is elevated and put on rest. This reduces the blood flow to the injured muscle 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.
What is a torn muscle?
Torn muscles, also known as muscle strains, occur when one or more of your muscles is stretched beyond its natural length. Muscle strains are classified as mild, moderate or severe, based on the amount of muscle damaged and the symptoms you experience.
What supplements can help with muscle tears?
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, both herbal and non-herbal nutritional supplements have historically been used in treating muscle tears, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, bromelain, vitamin C, zinc, white willow bark, turmeric, and horse chestnut.
Can a torn muscle cause difficulty in performing normal tasks?
Additional Information. A torn muscle, depending on the severity of your injury, can cause considerable difficulty in performing your usual tasks and activities.If you suffer a muscle strain, report to your family physician for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
Can tendons tear?
MayoClinic.com states that your tendons may also develop tears if they are overstretched. Dietary supplements have been used for many years to help heal torn muscles, but you should always clear the use of supplements with your doctor beforehand.
Can you take supplements for a torn muscle?
A torn muscle, depending on the severity of your injury, can cause considerable difficulty in performing your usual tasks and activities.If you suffer a muscle strain, report to your family physician for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Dietary supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy for your torn muscle. However, the use of supplements should not supplant other treatment methods recommended by your primary care provider. Dietary supplements should always be used with the same caution used when taking prescription drugs.
How long does it take for a muscle strain to heal?
How long this will take is highly individual, but moderate strains typically take two to three months to heal and severe strains can take several months of rehabilitation. It is crucial that you follow the treatment protocol determined by your doctor, orthopedist and physical therapist for the duration of the recovery period.
What to do if you have a muscle tear in your abdomen?
Typically this involves rest, ice and compression, meant to protect the muscle from further injury and reduce pain and swelling.
What Is a Torn Abdominal Muscle?
Abdominal muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers become overstretched, sometimes to the point of tearing. Typically, the cause is an acute injury, such as a sudden twisting movement, picking up a heavy item or exercising too intensely. In addition, underuse, from a sedentary lifestyle, and then overuse can weaken the muscle fibers leaving them more prone to strains.
How long does it take for a torn abdominal muscle to heal?
Torn abdominal muscles take at least two months to heal. Image Credit: fizkes/iStock/GettyImages. Severe muscle strains in which the abdominal muscles tear — either partially or completely — are no laughing matter.
How to treat a swollen abdominal muscle?
Ice: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time every hour or four to eight times per day . Ice reduces blood flow to the injury site to control swelling and pain.
Why are my abdominal tears stubborn?
Abdominal tears can be stubborn because of their location. Your abdominals are part of your core — the center of your body — and they are active in everything you do. Modify your movements and ask for help when you need to carry or move something.
What to do if you have muscle pain?
If your pain is moderate to severe and you experience muscle weakness and significant swelling, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. She will ask you questions about your symptoms and what happened when the strain occurred. She will likely ask you if you heard a popping sound at the time of injury — the sound of muscle tissue separating.
How to treat torn muscles?
However, it should be very slow if you do not want the pain to worsen. Overdoing of stretching exercises will only lengthen the treatment of torn muscles.
What is the best way to treat a torn muscle?
Cold Compresses. One of the best things that is in your hands to perform and leads to proper treatment of the torn muscle is that of application of cold compresses . This can either be in the form of an ice bag or the ready cold compresses bags available in the market.
Is it better to sleep or rest after a torn muscle?
The pain and discomfort associated with a torn muscle is unbearable in many cases. There is nothing better than taking proper bed rest to enhance the treatment process. Making movements can actually worsen the situation further. It is best that you make gentle and limited movements throughout the day. The leftover time should be given to proper sleep and rest to ensure faster recovery.
Can you take anti inflammatory medication for torn muscle?
In case of severe pain, it is always recommended that you consult your doctor and ask them to advice some anti inflammatory medications for the torn muscle. Taking the right dosage for the time period that has been advised will definitely help in the treatment of the muscle wear. Make sure you do not take an over dose as it might lead to side effects. Herein, consulting a professional is the best thing that should not be ignored.
What is a torn muscle?
A torn muscle has varying degrees when it comes to severity of the tear. A torn muscle may conjure up an image of a rope being torn in half. That sounds painful, but Dave Smith, a Marshfield Clinic physical therapist, says tearing your muscle happens in varying degrees. “A muscle tear, typically called a strain, ...
What does it mean when your muscles are torn?
When your muscle is torn, it’s either being overstretched or strained with too much weight. Commonly, a strain occurs when your muscles are overloaded in areas like your shoulders, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves and back. However, any muscle in your body is susceptible if overstretched or overloaded to its limit.
What is the best medicine for muscle strain?
In addition, you can take non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, naproxen or Aleve to help with the pain.
Why does my muscle feel tight?
The body causes the muscle to shorten so it can heal, leading to that tight feeling. This also is when spasms may occur. “A spasm occurs when the muscle doesn’t want to be overstretched or overused,” Smith said. A strain affects the overall structure of the muscle, causing damage to blood vessels in that spot.
What happens when you strain a muscle?
A strain affects the overall structure of the muscle, causing damage to blood vessels in that spot. Bleeding from the damaged vessels into surrounding muscle and tissues causes bruising, swelling and eventually, pain.
How long does it take to recover from a sprain?
Recovery time can take a couple days with a mild strain and up to four to six weeks with more severe cases. Smith recommends seeking care if the pain is severe, and it’s not being controlled by simple over-the-counter medication and the PRICE method.
Is it important to strengthen your back after a tear?
Once you have your motion back, swelling is down and you’re feeling better, strengthening is going to be important to avoid further tears.
What happens if you tear a muscle?
If you've torn a muscle in the past, you're susceptible to relive that painful experience 1. By doing too much too soon or having poor overall conditioning, you increase your risk for tearing a muscle.
What is a tear in the muscle fibers of the tendons?
Severity of Tears & Pulls. A torn muscle is a tear in the muscle fibers of the tendons. This injury often damages blood vessels and causes bruising. In bad tears, the bruising is deep and extensive. Severe tears are accompanied by lack of muscle function in the affected area. Muscle strains are diagnosed based on severity.
What is a third degree strain?
A third degree strain is a complete rupture of the muscle and may require surgery 3. A torn muscle is a tear in the muscle fibers of the tendons. A first degree strain is mild and damages a few muscle fibers.
What causes a ruptured muscle?
Distraction ruptures occur when the demands made of the muscle are too great for its strength and are often the result of a quick movement or change of direction.
What are the two types of tears?
The second type—compression tears— are the result of direct impact, such as a collision.
How long does it take for a second degree tear to heal?
For first and second degree tears and sprains, expect recovery to take from 2 to 6 weeks if the muscle is treated quickly after the injury. Second-degree tears can take longer to heal based on severity.
What is the fastest muscle strain to heal?
Muscle strains are diagnosed based on severity. The greater the number of fibers that are torn, the more severe the diagnosis of the injury. A first degree strain is mild and damages a few muscle fibers. This is the fastest to heal. A second degree strain damages more fibers.