Torn muscle fiber of the shoulder

Synonyms

Muscle tear, muscle bundle tear

definition

A ruptured muscle fiber is a typical sports injury in which individual muscle fibers are torn due to heavy loads.

General

The hamstring must be clinically simple Muscle strain be delimited.
Both diseases arise from high loads which act on the affected muscle, they only differ in the extent of the damage to the respective muscles.

In contrast to muscle strain, however, if a muscle fiber is torn, it can be Structural changes prove the both to the partial Destruction of muscle cells, as well as too Bleeding lead into the muscle tissue.

A torn hamstring is generally one of the most common sports injuries. In most cases, however, such an impairment of the muscles can be found in the area of ​​the thigh (Ruptured muscle fiber on the thigh) observe.
The muscle fiber tear in the shoulder, on the other hand, is comparatively rare. Typical sports that can lead to a ruptured shoulder muscle fiber are Handball, tennis, squash and Frisbee.
The most common causes for the development of a muscle fiber tear on the shoulder are maximum loads without prior heating of the muscles.

Causes of a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder

If there is a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder, individual muscle fibers will tear.
At the same time, inflammatory processes in the shoulder muscles can often be observed in the affected patients.


The development of a muscle fiber tear on the shoulder is almost always based on a significant overload of the muscle tissue without any direct trauma.
Usually, a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder occurs suddenly. Many of the affected patients report that they felt the first symptoms immediately after changing the direction of the movement. In some cases, a malfunction of the affected muscle can reduce its resilience to such an extent (muscle fatigue) that even moderate tensile forces lead to the tearing of the muscle fibers.

In addition, various metabolic diseases and / or a pronounced metabolic imbalance can increase the risk of developing a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder.


Another typical cause of a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder is poor communication between muscles and nerves. As a result of this miscommunication, even light loads can damage the muscle. A torn muscle fiber of the lower extremity can also be related to certain orthopedic diseases (such as foot misalignments), incorrect footwear and / or poor ground conditions.

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The focus is therefore on diseases of the muscles, tendons and joints.

In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
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Symptoms of a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder

Pain caused by a torn muscle fiber is often described by patients as "stabbing".

A sudden sharp pain in the shoulder area is one of the typical signs of a torn muscle fiber. The affected patients usually describe the pain caused by a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder as needle-like or knife-prick. In addition, the mobility of the shoulder joint is significantly restricted immediately after the muscle fiber tear develops.
Since a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder can injure the blood vessels, bruises (hematomas) are one of the classic signs of this injury. However, the bruises are usually not visible from the surface of the skin. However, by targeted palpation of the affected muscle, the local accumulations of blood can be proven beyond doubt. Both the swelling caused by the torn muscle fiber on the shoulder and the bruises usually recede after a few days without any consequences.


Further signs of a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder are pain in response to pressure, stretching, tension and resistance stimuli. The causes for the occurrence of these complaints are the longitudinal or transverse tears in the affected muscle fibers. In general, one can assume that the extent of the injury (i.e. the number of torn muscle fibers) correlates with the severity of the signs felt by the patient.
In very pronounced cases in which entire muscle fiber bundles or even an entire muscle tear, the resulting bruise can appear much faster and be more clearly visible. The reason for this is the fact that in these cases the connective tissue muscle shell often tears and blood can pass into the surrounding tissue in this way.

Read more on this topic at: Muscle tear

Diagnosis of a torn shoulder muscle

The diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder is divided into several steps.

The diagnosis usually begins with a detailed doctor-patient discussion (anamnesis). During this conversation, the patient concerned should describe the symptoms he is experiencing as precisely as possible. In addition, the mechanism of origin ("course of the accident") plays a decisive role in the diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder. Already on the basis of this initial information, the attending physician can determine whether the injury is a stretch injury (for example, a muscle strain, a torn muscle fiber or a muscle tear) or a simple muscle contusion.

Following the doctor-patient conversation, a physical examination can help confirm the suspected diagnosis of “torn muscle fiber in the shoulder” and determine the extent of the injury. For this purpose, various movement tests are usually carried out. During the physical examination, the attending physician palpates the shoulder and tries to provoke pain with direct pressure.
In addition, attention should be paid to possible skin symptoms (bruises, swellings, wounds) during the examination. Small dents, which in some cases are not visible but only palpable, can provide an indication of the presence of a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder. In addition, the diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder can be supplemented by various imaging measures.
An ultrasound examination (sonography) often provides more precise clues about the extent of the muscle fiber tear on the shoulder.
In this way, possible bruises that are not visible from the surface of the skin can be displayed. The ultrasound examination is also suitable for monitoring the progression of the torn muscle fiber on the shoulder.
In the case of unclear findings or particularly pronounced forms, the diagnosis of a suspected muscle fiber tear on the shoulder can be supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder (short: MRI of the shoulder). If there is a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder that is caused by direct violence, an X-ray examination should also be carried out. Only in this way can possible impairments of the bony structures be safely excluded.

Figure shoulder muscles

Illustration of the muscles of the right shoulder: A - front view and B - muscles of the back

Shoulder muscles

  1. Scapula-hyoid bone muscle -
    Omohyoideus muscle
  2. Anterior stair muscle -
    Scanelus anterior muscle
  3. Head turner -
    Sternocleidomastoid muscle
  4. Collarbone - Clavicle
  5. Deltoid - M. deltoideus
  6. Raven bill process upper arm muscle -
    Coracobrachialis muscle
  7. Subscapular muscle -
    Subscapularis muscle
    (second layer)
  8. Two-headed upper arm muscle
    (Biceps) - M. biceps brachii
  9. Pectoralis major -
    Pectoralis major muscle
  10. Scapula lifter -
    (second layer) -
    Muscle levator scapulae
  11. Upper bone muscle -
    Muscle supraspinatus (second layer)
  12. Scapula bone -
    Spina scapulae
  13. Small round muscle -
    Muscle teres minor
  14. Subbone Muscle -
    Muscle infraspinatus
  15. Large round muscle -
    Muscle teres major
  16. Trapezius -
    Muscle trapezius
  17. Broad back muscle -
    Muscle latissimus dorsi

    Rotator cuff
    = 4 muscles (7th + 11th + 13th + 14th) -
    covered by the deltoid

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Duration and course of a torn shoulder muscle

Both the course and the time it takes for a muscle fiber tear on the shoulder to heal completely depends on the severity of the damage.

As a rule, the more muscle fibers that are torn, the longer the healing time. In general, however, it can be assumed that the prognosis for a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder is quite good.
Immediately after a muscle fiber tear occurs on the shoulder, it is advisable to take an absolute rest period of about 5 to 6 days. During this period the affected shoulder should not be loaded under any circumstances.
The length of time after which the affected shoulder can be loaded again depends on the extent of the injury. The affected patients should slowly and gradually bring the shoulder joint back to the load after the rest break. The stress on the shoulder should not exceed 15 to 30 minutes at the beginning.

However, pain during exercise should definitely not occur. In general, it can be assumed that after a slight torn muscle fiber in the shoulder, training can be resumed after a much shorter period than in more pronounced cases.

Therapy of a torn muscle fiber of the shoulder

A tape bandage immobilizes the shoulder and can facilitate healing.

Treatment for a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder is primarily based on the severity of the disease.
However, the affected patient should always be aware that further loading of the shoulder can lead to serious injuries. For this reason, any sporting activity must be stopped immediately after the symptoms first appear.


In addition, treatment should be initiated promptly in the event of a torn muscle fiber. The first aid measures are based on the so-called "PECH scheme". Immediately after the onset of the typical symptoms, the following measures can be initiated:

  • Break: Exercise should be stopped immediately
  • Ice: Immediate cooling can help to positively influence the healing process
  • Compression: Applying an elastic pressure bandage prevents excessive swelling and helps to immobilize the affected shoulder.
  • Elevation: Elevation of the shoulder affected by a ruptured muscle fiber can help alleviate the symptoms and avoid consequential damage.

Cooling the affected shoulder can be done with the help of a cooling pad or cold compresses. Ideally, the cooling should not exceed 15 to 20 minutes. During cooling, it is particularly important that the cooling pad must never be placed directly on the surface of the skin. Cold damage can be avoided by wrapping the cooling pad in a thin towel and then placing it on the affected area.

In addition, applying an elastic bandage (compression bandage) can help prevent fluid build-up in the shoulder area. In this way, the healing process can be positively influenced and the time until full recovery can be significantly shortened.

If there is a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder, a doctor should be consulted promptly and further treatment initiated. Medical therapy for a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder is usually medicated. In particular, active ingredients that can be used to relieve pain (for example ibuprofen and diclofenac) and also act against inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the affected shoulder are particularly suitable for treating torn muscle fibers.


In the case of particularly pronounced forms of torn muscle fibers on the shoulder, some specialists recommend performing an injection treatment. Various local anesthetics or homeopathic medicines are used in this procedure.

In addition, immobilizing the muscles with a tape bandage can help bring the torn muscle fibers closer together in such a way that they can grow back together more easily. Very extensive muscle fiber tears on the shoulder, in which more than a third of the cross-section of the muscle cord is severed, usually require surgical treatment.

You can find more information on this topic here: Taping of torn hamstrings

surgery

Surgical treatment (OP) for a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder is not always mandatory.
Only in cases in which more than a third of the entire muscle cross-section is affected, an operation must be performed. The operation of the torn muscle fiber on the shoulder includes the removal of the deep bruise as well as the connection of the individual muscle fibers. Following the operation, the affected shoulder must be completely immobilized for at least 4 weeks. After this absolute rest phase, so-called muscle toning physiotherapy can help to positively influence the healing process.

Kinesio tape for torn muscle fibers

A torn muscle fiber in the shoulder muscles usually occurs after sporting activities or after lifting heavy loads. E.g. In tennis or handball, excessive exertion with unheated muscles causes tears in the muscles in the shoulder girdle area. The muscle fiber tear in the shoulder area occurs much more frequently when lifting. e.g. heavy boxes or other loads. The main occurrence of the muscle fiber tear in the shoulder area is therefore not sport-related.
The main reason why muscle fiber tears in the shoulder area often occur during leisure time or at home is because unfamiliar movements are often carried out and the suddenly performed movement overwhelms the muscles in the shoulder area. The result is then tearing or tearing through various muscle bundles in the shoulder muscles.

In addition to the usual treatment of a torn muscle fiber, attempts to treat it with taping are also becoming increasingly popular. In this procedure, known from physiotherapy, an elastic adhesive tape is stuck to the affected muscles of the shoulder. This ensures that tensile forces that normally act on the muscles are reduced, allowing the affected torn or torn muscles to relax. A kinesio tape can be left on the affected area for a few days to weeks. However, if the symptoms do not improve, the treatment concept should be reconsidered. There is also the possibility of taping in parallel to other common treatment methods.

Read more on the subject below Kinesio tape

Prophylaxis of a torn muscle fiber of the shoulder

A torn muscle fiber on the shoulder can often be prevented by simple methods. In this context, physically active people should note that every training session must start with a light warm-up program. In this way, the muscles can be effectively warmed up and prepared before the start of the actual exercise phase.

Since muscular injuries (muscle strains, muscle fiber tears, muscle tears) often occur in cold outside temperatures, great emphasis should be placed on extensive warm-up training. For this reason, at least 15 minutes should be allowed for warm-up in cold weather conditions.


Warm outside temperatures, on the other hand, increase the risk of torn muscle fibers in the shoulder due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes. For this reason, athletes should ensure a regular supply of water and electrolytes.

Chances of recovery from a torn shoulder muscle

There are various therapy methods for treating a torn muscle fiber. The treatment of a torn muscle fiber of the shoulder is usually conservative, i.e. by immobilization and cooling, if necessary also by means of a compression bandage that is attached to the shoulder. In most cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are also administered in parallel.

Depending on the severity and severity of the muscle fiber tear, it can also happen that conservative therapy is insufficient to alleviate the symptoms over the long term. Above all, if the muscle fiber tear in the shoulder area has also severely impaired movement, an operative procedure must be considered. During the operation, which is basically minimally invasive, i.e. using a keyhole technique, a camera and an operating instrument are introduced to the injured muscle through small incisions. In the area of ​​the torn muscle parts, small clips or sutures are placed in order to stabilize the muscle again. Then the skin is closed again over it. Consistent physiotherapy must then be started.

The chances of recovery from a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder area are good. The result varies depending on the extent and severity of the injury. It is important that the shoulder is cooled and spared for a few days immediately after the musculature is injured (severe pain occurs, restricted mobility) or at the latest after the diagnosis has been made by a doctor, until the symptoms subside.

Furthermore, the further procedure should be discussed with the doctor, whether conservative therapy is sufficient and, if necessary, surgical therapy should be considered. It is important to stick to the therapy plan, because failure to do so can result in greater muscle damage and further restrictions on movement. One then speaks of chronic complaints due to the remodeling of muscle fibers into scar tissue.