Therapy of torn muscle fibers

Therapeutic measures for a torn muscle fiber

From the first Day after the violation of the Torn hamstring until third day can the Electrotherapy can be used. A distinction is made in this area between:

  • galvanization
    Going back to Luigi Galvani (1737 - 198), is treated here with constant flowing direct current. This direct current increases the responsiveness and functionality of the motor annoy.
  • Iontophoresis
    Active ingredients are specifically introduced through the intact skin by means of galvanic current. Since the active ingredient can only be dosed relatively unreliably here, it is only used very rarely.
  • Functional (e.g. Tape dressings) and decongestant Ointment dressings can also be used as a conservative form of therapy for a Torn hamstring find their use. The administering physician may administer anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxing drugs by checking the overall status (e.g .: Gastric history) should also be considered. In the case of torn muscle fibers - as already mentioned - bleeding occurs, which means that the additional intake of medication that liquefies the clotted blood in the bruise (Fibrinolytics) can be used.

From the 4th day onwards, the muscle fiber tear is treated with Interference current (Medium current, 1000 Hz - 1000 kHz) possible. Also the Ultrasound therapy (over 1000 kHz) can (additionally) be used. The sound waves cause a pressure change in the tissue, which triggers a mechanical vibration effect. Part of the sound energy is also converted into heat, which creates a thermal effect. Through the action of the Ultrasonic and its reflection on bone a so-called "Micromassage". This form of therapy enables the sound waves to penetrate to a depth of about 8 cm, dissolves adhesions and enables the Musculature and thus stimulates regeneration in a special way.

The load can be applied again after a muscle fiber tear, but only if it is painless. The burden should be in the form of, for example physiotherapy be made. Various forms of treatment are conceivable in the field of physiotherapy:

  • Muscle toning
  • Isometry (Full body tension)
  • PNF (= Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
  • stimulation and Strengthening the muscles to stimulate the interaction between nerves and muscles with the aim of normalizing muscle tone, the Muscle stretching and strengthening, as well as the reduction of pathological movement patterns, such as relieving posture after injury.
  • On a passive one strain or massage The injured muscle areas should be completely avoided in the first two to three weeks due to the high regenerative capacity of the skeletal muscle in the event of a strain. In the case of a ruptured muscle fiber, this should only be done from 6th week and in the case of a muscle tear only between 8th and 12th week be tried. There is a special risk of calcifying healing (= Myositis ossificans) in the case of torn muscle fibers or in the worst case, the risk of rebleeding. Active stretches are usually possible earlier, but should only be done if they are painless.
  • Kinesio tapes support the affected muscles with movements

You can find more information on this topic here: Taping a torn hamstring

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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
As a passionate athlete, I have specialized in the treatment of sports diseases for professionals and hobby athletes.
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.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".

The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

  • Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

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Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

During the body's own regeneration of muscle injuries, the muscle fibers are regenerated, but also scar tissue is formed. Scar tissue is generally less elastic than muscle fibers. In addition, the new muscle fibers are shorter and contain less connective tissue. Due to the combination of these two facts, the muscle as such is affected by a loss of function and has to be rebuilt (REHA). Since the muscle now contains different parts with different stretching properties, special precautions and caution must be taken so that the development of new fiber tears is prevented.

Surgical therapy is usually used for muscle tears and only if the tear is longer than 2/3 of the cross-section, if there is a significant interruption due to the tear or a very extensive hematoma has occurred. Since it can lead to a considerable loss of function under certain circumstances, the surgical therapy of the muscle fiber tear is only very rarely used by competitive athletes and ambitious hobby athletes.
During the operation, the hematoma is cleared out and the torn ends are adapted with absorbent sutures (= sewn). The follow-up treatment of the torn muscle fiber operation usually consists of immobilization for a period of about 4 weeks, a partial load up to body weight load up to about the 12th week, as well as physiotherapy that can start immediately after the operation and similar to the treatment should be handled for muscle strain and torn muscles.

Illustration muscle fiber and muscle bundle tear

Figure skeletal muscle (A) and construction diagram of a cross-section I-I (B)
  1. Muscle fiber
    of a skeletal muscle
    Muscle fibra
  2. Muscle fiber bundles -
    Muscular Fasciculus
  3. Epimysium (light blue) -
    Connective tissue sheaths around groups
    of muscle fiber bundles
  4. Perimysium (yellow) -
    Connective tissue sheaths
    around muscle fiber bundles
  5. Endomysium (green) -
    Connective tissue between muscle fibers
  6. Myofibrils (= muscle fibrils)
  7. Sarcomere (myofibril segment)
  8. Myosin threads
  9. Actin threads
  10. artery
  11. vein
  12. Muscle fascia
    (= Muscle skin) - Fascia
  13. Transition of muscle fibers
    in tendon fibers -
    Junctio myotendinea
  14. Skeletal muscle
  15. Tendon fibers -
    Fibrae tendineae

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

Figure torn muscle bundle
  1. Muscle fiber
    of a skeletal muscle
    Muscle fibra
  2. Muscle fiber bundles -
    Muscular Fasciculus
  3. Tendon fibers -
    Fibrae tendineae
  4. Transition of muscle fibers
    in tendon fibers -
    Junctio myotendinea
  5. Muscle fascia
    (= Muscle skin) -
    Fascia
  6. Skeletal muscle -
    Maecenas musculus osseus

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

Duration of a muscle fiber tear

A ruptured muscle fiber can take a very different course in different patients. For this reason, the time it takes for the muscle fiber tear to heal completely can vary greatly.

In general, it can be assumed that the number of impaired muscle fibers is decisive in determining the time it takes to heal. As a rule, the more muscle fibers that are torn, the longer the healing time. In addition, the time at which treatment is started and the choice of the most suitable therapy measures also play a decisive role. Patients suffering from a ruptured muscle fiber should definitely stop any strain on the affected muscle area immediately after the onset of the typical symptoms.

In addition, immediate careful cooling and the application of a compression bandage can help reduce the time it takes for complete healing. In general, it can be assumed that the prognosis in the presence of a torn muscle fiber is very good. In most cases, the torn muscle will heal with adequate medical therapy without complications. After the individual muscle fibers have grown together completely, the affected patients usually do not feel any restrictions with regard to the functionality and resilience of the muscle.

In order to ensure the best possible healing process, it is advisable to take an absolute rest period of about five to six days immediately after the occurrence of a muscle fiber tear. During this period, the affected muscle should be spared and elevated as possible. In this way, severe swelling can be avoided and the symptoms can be resolved more quickly. The length of time after which the affected body region can be fully loaded again depends on the extent of the injury. The affected patients should slowly and gradually accustom the muscle to the strain again after the rest. At the beginning, the stress on the affected body region should not exceed 15 to 30 minutes. If pain occurs during training, the stress phase must be stopped immediately. Failure to do so can lead to serious complications.

Read more on this topic at: Duration of a muscle fiber tear

Torn calf muscle

Pain in the calf

Although a muscle fiber tear can in principle occur in any muscle, certain parts of the body are particularly at risk. In most cases, a torn muscle fiber can be observed in the area of ​​the thigh. Nevertheless, it often happens Torn muscle fiber in the lower leg on. The reason for this is the fact that especially the muscles of the calf are special exposed to high loads is. Even during simple walking, the calf is responsible for allowing the foot to roll over the toes and forefoot. As a result, the muscles of the calf are stressed particularly frequently, even in people who are not athletic. This burden is increased especially when a sudden acceleration movement should be carried out. For this reason, the torn muscle fiber in the calf mainly affects short and long-distance runners.Immediately after the onset of severe pain in the calf area, it can be assumed that there is a strain or a torn muscle fiber. For this reason, affected patients should initiate early therapy. Any sporting activity must be stopped immediately after the onset of the symptoms. Otherwise permanent damage can be caused to the already impaired muscles. Another first aid measure in the therapy of torn muscle fibers in the calf is to be careful Cool. Swelling that is typically associated with this sports injury from wearing a Compression bandage be reduced. In addition, the therapy of a torn muscle fiber in the calf should include the targeted elevation of the affected leg.

Torn muscle fiber in the thigh

The thigh is the most common location for the development of a muscle fiber tear. The reason for this is the fact that the thigh is exposed to enormous loads. For athletic people in particular, there is an increased risk of torn muscle fibers on the thigh. In most cases, those affected report having one during training sudden shooting pain to have felt. In many cases, walking was almost impossible after the onset of the symptoms. Since the thigh has to withstand high loads even during normal walking, it is advisable to initiate suitable therapy at an early stage in the event of a torn muscle fiber. The Therapy regimen and the most appropriate First aid measures are the same for every type of muscle fiber tear. The affected patients should experience any pain immediately after the onset of typical pain Adjust load. In addition, the thigh can with a Cooling pad or special ointments be cooled. This measure is useful in the treatment of torn muscle fibers in the thigh, especially during the first 30 minutes. Both the development of excessive swelling and the formation of bruises can be caused by the application of a Compression bandage and the Elevation of the affected leg can be prevented. Further therapy depends on the extent of the injury in the case of a torn muscle fiber in the thigh.

Torn muscle fiber in the shoulder

A Torn muscle fiber in the shoulder is one of the typical injuries that occur in the course of sports such as tennis or squash arise. In the affected patients it comes to Tearing of individual muscle fibers or entire muscle fiber groups. At the same time, inflammatory processes can often be observed in the shoulder muscles. There is almost always a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder Overloading the muscle tissue without any direct force acting on the joint. The majority of affected patients report that they suddenly felt sharp, shooting pain immediately after a rapid change in direction of the executed movement. Usually, the pain caused by the torn muscle fiber in the shoulder is described as needle-like or knife-pricked. In addition, a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder can injure the blood vessels. For this reason also belong Bruising (Hematomas) and Swelling the typical symptoms of this sports injury. The therapy in the presence of a muscle fiber tear on the shoulder depends primarily on the extent of the disease (i.e. how many muscle fibers are impaired). In order to be able to make the later medical therapy as effective as possible, first aid measures should be initiated immediately after the occurrence of the symptoms. These first aid measures are based on the so-called "PECH scheme". After the onset of the typical symptoms of a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder, the following measures can be taken: Break: Exercise must be stopped immediately. ice: Immediate cooling can help to positively influence the healing process and alleviate the symptoms. Compression (Compression): Excessive swelling can be prevented by applying an elastic compression bandage. Elevation: Elevating the shoulder affected by a torn muscle can also help alleviate the symptoms.

Torn muscle fiber in the upper arm

A torn muscle fiber occurs on the upper arm comparatively seldom on. Especially for people who often play tennis, Table tennis, volleyball or squash playing there is an increased risk of developing a torn muscle fiber in the upper arm. Regardless of the exact location of the injury, the therapy also depends on the severity of the muscle fiber tear on the upper arm. If only a few fibers of a muscle are torn, this is usually the case no medical therapy be initiated. In these cases, simple ones are usually sufficient First aid measures To remedy the situation. However, if the affected muscle has a large number of torn muscle fibers, further therapy must be initiated urgently. In the case of a torn muscle fiber on the upper arm, a Exercise break be inserted. Affected patients can alleviate the discomfort caused by the torn muscle fiber on the upper arm by immediately cooling the arm. In addition, a Compression bandage help to reduce swelling and bruising.

Note: Sports leave

Give your muscle strain or torn muscle enough time to heal and be patient!