How serious is a torn pec?
Unfortunately, working on the pecs too aggressively can lead to a tendon tear, which is a severe injury with a long recovery. This can be devastating to any weightlifter or athlete, but our New York City physical therapists can provide effective treatment throughout the entire process.
Can a pec tear heal on its own?
In most cases, a torn pectoral will not heal on its own. Our team will need to perform surgery to reattach the muscle so that you can begin your road to recovery. The operation will involve sewing the muscle back into place on your upper arm.
What happens if you tear your pectoralis major?
Pectoralis major injuries typically occur in men aged 20 to 40, and have affected several New York Giants football players. The injury can result in pain in the chest and upper arm, weakness, and deformity of the chest and upper arm.
Is pec tear surgery painful?
Studies have shown patients who undergo surgery to repair the pectoralis major tendon have significantly less pain, and show a greater return to pre-injury strength and activities than patients treated with conservative or non-surgical methods. Dr. Oliva’s experience with Dr.
What does a torn pec feel like?
Generally, when a tear occurs, you feel sudden sharp pain and possibly a tearing sensation across the chest. Usually, in more severe tears, you can’t continue with your activity. As bleeding progresses, you develop stiffness and swelling of the chest and weakness in moving the arm upwards and across the body.
How do you treat a torn pec tear?
In isolated pectoralis minor tendon tears, however, a conservative treatment approach is typically recommended. Recommend rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication for the first two to four weeks following the injury. The athlete may use an arm sling to increase comfort, but complete immobilization isn’t necessary.
What does a pec tear feel like?
When the pectoralis muscle ruptures, you will have sudden severe pain and a tearing sensation in the chest. You may also have pain in the upper arm, weakness, bruising, and a dimpling, or pocket formation above the arm pit.
How is a pec tear diagnosed?
When examining a person with a suspected pec tear, there is a divet in the outside part of the muscle and weakness with moving the arm across the body or turning the arm inwards. In general, we use both ultrasound and MRI to confirm the site and extent of the tear.
Can xray show torn muscle?
An X-ray may be necessary to be sure you don’t have a broken bone, but it won’t show a muscle injury. 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.
Why do pec tears happen?
Pectoralis major tendon tears, or pec tears, have become more common over the years. This is most likely attributed to increased participation in collision sports, such as boxing, hockey, football, and weightlifting. This form of injury happens most commonly in males between the age of 20 and 40.
How do you sleep with a torn pectoral muscle?
It is important to stay upright when resting. The best way this is possible is by using a modified bedframe. You will fall asleep quicker in this position than sleeping horizontally, which might amplify the chest pain to excruciating levels.
How common are PEC tears?
Pec tears are extremely rare, but do happen . The Pectoralis Major muscle usually tears or ruptures during movements such as the bench press. This is the most common mechanism for a pec tear, but they can also occur during other movements. Pectoralis tears have been becoming more popular due to sports such as Crossfit and MMA.
How do PEC tears happen?
Flat Bench Press. Let’s face it,the most popular exercise in the gym is the flat bench press.
What are the most common causes of pectoral muscle pain?
Trauma to the chest caused by a car accident. Whiplash from a car accident can cause pectoralis minor pain. Major or minor fracture or strain of the upper ribs. Use of crutches for a long time can also cause pectoralis minor pain. Hyperventilation or heavy breathing. Mental stress for a long time.
Where is the pectoralis major muscle located?
The pectoralis major extends across the upper part of the chest and is attached to a ridge at the rear of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm). Its major actions are adduction, or depression, of the arm (in opposition to the action of the deltoideus muscle) and rotation of the arm forward about the axis of the body.