Pectoral injury
What is a Pectoral injury?
Pectoral Injuries involve damage to the pectoral muscles, typically the pectoralis major, and can vary in severity. These injuries are often categorised into three grades based on the extent of muscle or tendon damage.
Grades of Pectoral Injuries:
-
Grade I - Mild Strain:
-
Description: Minor overstretching or micro-tears in the muscle fibers.
​
2, Grade II - Moderate Strain:
-
Description: Partial tear of the muscle or tendon, with more significant damage to the muscle fibers.
3. Grade III - Severe Tear:
-
Description: Complete rupture of the pectoral muscle or tendon, often requiring surgical intervention.
​
Mechanism of Injury:
Pectoral injuries typically occur due to overloading the muscle, particularly during activities like weightlifting (e.g., bench press) or during sudden, forceful movements in sports. The injury often happens when the muscle is under maximum tension while being stretched, such as during the eccentric phase of a lift or a powerful pushing motion.
​
Symptoms
​​​
​Grade I - Mild Strain:
​
-
Symptoms: Mild discomfort or tenderness in the chest, slight swelling, and minor weakness. Pain may be noticeable during activities like pushing or lifting but usually does not severely limit movement.
​
Grade II - Moderate Strain:
​
-
Symptoms: Sharp pain, noticeable swelling, bruising, and moderate weakness. Lifting or pushing may be painful, and there could be a visible or palpable muscle gap.
​
Grade III - Severe Tear:
​
-
Symptoms: Severe pain, extensive bruising across the chest and arm, significant swelling, and a noticeable deformity or muscle retraction. There is a substantial loss of strength and function in the affected area.
​​
Treatment
Grade I - Mild Strain​​
Treatment:
-
Rest: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
-
Manual Therapy: Gentle massage to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
-
Stretching Exercises: Light stretches to maintain flexibility.
​
Grade II - Moderate Strain
​
Treatment:
-
Rest: More prolonged rest.
-
Compression: Use a bandage to reduce swelling.
-
Manual Therapy and Ultrasound: To manage pain and promote healing.
-
Strengthening Exercises: Begin with light resistance and gradually increase as healing progresses.
-
Rehabilitation Plan: A structured program to restore strength and function.
​
Grade III - Severe Tear
​
Treatment:
-
Immediate Medical Attention: Surgery is often required to reattach the muscle or tendon.
-
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:
-
Immobilisation: Use of a sling or brace to stabilise the area after surgery.
-
Manual Therapy and Ultrasound: Post-operative care to reduce swelling and promote healing.
-
Progressive Strengthening: A gradual program to rebuild muscle strength and flexibility.
-
Long-Term Rehabilitation: Involves months of structured exercise to regain full function.
-