Pectoral muscle strain

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The pectoral muscles are large, visible muscles situated on each side of the chest. These muscles are responsible in helping the shoulders and arms move and lift. When performing a push-up, the pectoral muscles are activated. As the strongest muscles in the body, they are less likely to end up strained or pulled, but it can happen.

How a pectoral strain is graded

  • Grade 1 strains involve hardly any torn muscles or tendon fibers. There is minimal strength loss and the recovery is controllable.
  • Grade 2 strains involve a number of torn fibers with a certain degree of strength loss and a lengthier recovery period.
  • Grade 3 strains are considered rare but can cause a lot of pain; incapacitating and can lead to long-standing effects on the power, strength, range of motion and performance. In most cases, the muscles will no longer regain its original strength.

How a pectoral strain occurs

A pectoral strain can occur due to a traumatic event or excessive overuse. An individual can sustain a direct blow to the upper body that the pectoral muscles could not withstand. As for chronic strain, it involves overuse of the pectoral muscles up to the point where they start to tear either in the tendons or muscle tissue that connect the pectorals to the ribs and breast bone.

Who are at risk for pectoral muscle strain?

Weightlifters are at highest risk for getting a pectoral muscle strain but the injury can also occur among skiers, boxers, football players, wrestlers and hockey players.

Symptoms of pectoral muscle strain

pectoral muscle strain
Severe pain in the chest area is one of the symptoms of a pectoral muscle strain.

If a pectoral strain is suspected, the following symptoms are likely to manifest.

  • Severe pain in the chest area
  • Swelling and bruising that can extend to the shoulder and upper arm in severe cases
  • Difficulty moving the arm across the chest
  • Loss of strength when lifting

For severe cases of strained pectoral muscles, it is best to consult a doctor so that a proper diagnosis is made as well as determine if there are other issues present.

Treatment for a strained pectoral muscle

As the basic first aid for a pectoral muscle strain, you have to first apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes repeated 3-4 times in a day for the initial 48-72 hours. Instruct the individual to avoid or limit any activity that causes pain. You can provide over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation.

If the strain is severe, it is best to seek immediate medical care. Surgery might be required for a complete rupture.

Just like in any other muscle strain, the individual can resume any physical activity once the pain has completely subsided, the strength has returned and the range of motion is back to normal.

Prevention of pectoral muscle strain

During the cold weather, it is important to perform warming-up exercises before any exercise routine or sports. Always remember to avoid increasing the intensity, frequency and duration of any exercise routine.

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