A torn muscle a frequent ailment that can affect anyone, including athletes or the elderly.
This type of injury can occur throughout various daily duties; however, they are more likely during vigorous exercise or other physical activity, such as hiking, jumping, and gardening.
Muscle fibers rip due to the high mechanical stress, causing pain and a reduction in range of motion.
A minor or major injury can cause a torn muscle, and recovery can take anything from a few weeks to months. As a result, it’s critical to take preventative steps, contact an Asheville physical therapist, and adhere to rehabilitation regimens.
Let’s look at the signs, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of torn muscles.
What is a Torn Muscle and What Causes It?
A muscle tear happens when a muscle or its attached tendons are damaged due to muscle pressure. It can occur during sports or other everyday activities, such as sudden hard lifting or muscle usage.
Muscle tears are most prevalent in the hamstrings, shoulders, neck, calves, and lower back, but they are not limited to those areas.
The following are some of the most prevalent injuries:
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Leg muscle
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A back muscle
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A shoulder muscle
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Hip flexor
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the calf
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Abdominal muscle
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Hamstring
Torn muscles, like other injuries, are classified as small, moderate, or severe. Mild muscle fiber injuries will impact 5% or less of the fibers, with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Severe injuries can involve up to 30% of the fibers, causing increased symptoms like significant pain, edema, and limited range of motion.
Severe tears are full-fledged tears that cause significant swelling, bruising, and pain.
Risk factors for torn muscles
Muscle fibers and tendons might be damaged as small blood vessels.
Poor posture, a lack of muscle strength, lifting inappropriately or too heavy, overusing a muscle, not warming up before working out, diminished flexibility, weariness, and old age is the most common risk factors.
Symptoms of a Torn Muscle
Even with a minor injury to the muscle, the patient immediately notices the symptoms.
Muscle tears cause spasms, swelling, discomfort, and soreness in the affected area, whether a torn calf, hamstring tear, abdominal muscle strain, or another type of injury.
If the torn muscle is significantly impacted, there may be stiffness, bruising, discoloration, and trouble moving.
There may be a popping sound and a visible gap or dent in the shape of the muscle with acute injuries that occur during activity, accidents such as falling, and injuries caused by hard lifting.
If the muscle tear is caused by overuse, however, the symptoms may take weeks to appear and range from moderate to severe.
Muscle tears have the following symptoms:
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Swelling
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Discoloration
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Muscle pain
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a lack of ability to use a muscle
How Can Muscle Tears Be Prevented?
Of course, preventing a torn muscle is always preferable to treating it and rehabilitating it.
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Practice warm-up routines before any exercises or physical activity.
Another important topic that many people struggle with is knowing one’s own body’s limits and not pushing past them. Exercising to the extremes frequently results in overexertion and, eventually, muscle tears.
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Stretch for 10-15 minutes to start your day.
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Request an exercise program from your doctor or physical therapist.
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Before and after each workout, stretch.
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Before engaging in any rigorous physical exercise, always warm up.
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To avoid muscle weariness, eat foods high in potassium, such as bananas.
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Always stay hydrated while exercising.
Torn Muscle Treatment
If you have any signs of a torn muscle, see a doctor right once.
To determine if the muscle is partially or fully ripped, the doctor will review your medical history and do a physical examination.
X-rays or lab tests may be ordered, although they aren’t always necessary.
It is beneficial to begin physical therapy for a fast recovery.
Finally, extensive tears may necessitate surgical intervention.
At-home self-care
You will need to take extra care of your injured muscle, as well as any rehabilitation that is done at home.
The recuperation time varies depending on the severity of the damage. It could take anything from a few weeks to a few months.
To learn more about the ideal treatment plan for you, speak with a physical therapist or contact 1on1 Physical Therapy.
