Although pectoral tears or ruptures are uncommon, they are more common among athletes. Basketball is a very intense and physical sport that demands players to dive, jump and bound. A reach for a rebound, dive for a loose ball or overhead pass could all lead to a torn pectoral muscle. If a ruptured pectoral muscle is suspected, receiving immediate medical attention and treatment is crucial.
Causes and Risk Factors
Basketball players are not considered at high risk for sustaining a pectoral muscle injury. However, an explosive contraction of the pectoral muscle, which could occur while reaching or throwing the basketball, could cause the muscle or tendon to tear or rupture. Weightlifting is actually the most common activity to cause pectoral muscle tears, according to a 2006 report in the journal "International Orthopaedics."
An increase in weight training during basketball off-season or playing basketball immediately after weight training may increase your risk of sustaining a tear or rupture. Other factors include muscle tightness, muscle fatigue and muscle strength imbalances. Age may also be a contributing factor, because your tendons and muscles lose their elasticity as you age.
Sign and Symptoms
A pectoral muscle usually tears or ruptures at its tendon where it attaches to the bone. A visible knot or deformity of the muscle at the chest is a sign of a complete rupture of the pectoral muscle or tendon. Swelling, bruising, pain and muscle weakness are symptoms of complete ruptures and partial tears, with ruptures symptoms being more severe.
Conservative Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treatment and rehabilitation for a pectoral muscle tear requires assistance from a physical therapist or athletic trainer. To reduce pain and further injury, rest, take over-the-counter pain medication and wear a sling. Before any exercises, perform light stretches to help you regain your normal range of motion. In approximately six to eight weeks you may begin strength exercises; and in six to 10 more weeks with the approval of your physical therapist, you may return to play.
Conservative treatment is more successful for partial pectoral tears than for complete ruptures. According to a 2001 study published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine," patients treated conservatively for a pectoral muscle rupture regained only 56 percent of their strength back.
Surgery and Prevention
Surgery is highly recommended for complete pectoral ruptures and for athletes wanting to continue to participate at a competitive level. A 2006 study reported in "International Orthopaedics" found that all athletes were able to return to sports between six and 12 months following surgical repair of the ruptured pectoral muscle.
Rehabilitation following surgery is similar to conservative treatment, including four to six weeks of shoulder immobilization, six weeks of stretching and three to six months of strengthening exercises. To prevent further injury to your pectoral muscle, stretch before and after playing basketball and weightlifting; and avoid playing basketball immediately after intense weightlifting.
