Accidental trauma can cause torn muscles, but these severe strains usually result from overuse. When arm strains exceed the body's strength capabilities, muscle tissue fibers unravel and pull apart. Pain and weakness follow, along with an automatic inflammatory response as the body attempts to mend the damage. Patients can either help or hinder these self-rejuvenation efforts. Pain relief and accommodations that ease stress on the arm will help. Working or playing through the pain will delay recovery.
Interruption of Activity
Patients should resist the urge to try to strengthen a torn muscle in the arm by using it. Pain signals arm strain, and healing must begin before any physical therapy can take place. The NYU Langone Medical Center counsels patients not to perform painful activities.
Suspending daily personal care or household chores for a few days will reduce the demands on muscles and allow that energy to be used for cellular repair. Resting, especially with the arm elevated above the heart, will also act as a pain relief treatment. A sling or splint might be used to immobilize the arm when the patient needs to move about.
Pain Relief Medications
Muscle tears are generally obvious at the time of acute arm strain. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group notes that patients might hear a popping sound or feel a burning sensation when arm muscle tissue tears. Beginning treatment right away will help to suppress inflammation and pain.
The Cleveland Clinic suggests taking acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. When taken on schedule according to label directions, patients can gain maximum continual pain relief that can be augmented by nonmedicinal treatments.
Ice and Heat Therapies
Ice acts as an effective first-aid treatment for torn muscles because of overuse in tennis, baseball and other sports and household injuries. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group advises athletes and other patients to ice the affected areas for 20 minutes at a time, three or four times a day.
This additional method of reducing pain and swelling will speed recovery by channeling that cellular energy toward healing. The NYU Langone Medical Center reports that heat may be used in similar applications after inflammation has passed. Hot compresses relieve lingering muscle aches and stiffness as patients return to normal activity.
Resumption of Exercise
Patients might need help in recovering the use of a torn muscle. The Cleveland Clinic reports that stretching exercises will reverse the range of motion limitations brought on by arm strain, in preparation for strengthening. Professional massage and physical therapy can assist in muscle toning and for practicing safe and effective levels of exercise.
