A torn thigh muscle can quickly get worse if it's not treated properly. Rest is absolutely necessary for the thigh muscle to recover, which is hard for some athletes and dedicated exercisers to do. If you avoid the rest period, however, and continue to exercise, the tear will get worse and may even require surgery.
Torn Thigh Muscles
There are three grades of muscle tears, one being the mildest, where only 5 percent of the muscle is affected, and three being a complete tear. A grade three tear typically means the muscle cannot contract and will likely require surgery. Overexertion, a blow to the muscle or failure to warm up before a workout can all cause a muscle tear.
Treatment
Treating your torn thigh muscle depends on the severity of the tear. For all tears, however, you should immediately follow the RICE method -- meaning rest, ice, compression and elevation. Failure to treat the muscle can easily turn a grade one tear into a two and a grade two into a grade three. Grade one strains take about three weeks to heal, while grade two strains take about four to six weeks. With a complete rupture that requires surgery, you will need about three months to recover after it is repaired.
Exercise
Avoid exercise while your muscle is healing. Continually straining and contracting the muscle will keep that from happening. Stretching the muscle can also be detrimental. The muscle fibers are already stretched because of the tear, so now is not the time to work on your flexibility. Keep your limbs mobile by doing things that don't cause pain, like walking and swimming.
Long-Term Care
A previously torn thigh muscle is likely to tear again, especially if it did not heal 100 percent the first time. Take special care of the muscle when you start exercising again. Physical therapy may be necessary to make sure your body's strength, flexibility and biomechanics are back in balance. A physical therapist has special machines that can measure the progress of your muscle, reassuring you when it is time to return to your regular activity with less chance of another injury.
