ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Muscle Tear

What is muscle tear?

25 September 2025

A muscle tear is an injury involving the rupture of muscle fibers in various parts of the body. It commonly occurs in people who play sports—whether amateur or professional—but it can also happen to individuals who exercise occasionally.

Tears result from impacts, tension, or overstretching of the muscle mass, affecting the structure and continuity of the muscle tissues. The mechanism can be either contusion (direct trauma) or strain (overstretching).

Muscle tears are classified based on the length of the tear and the type of structures affected, Fibrillar tear: when the muscle fibers are damaged, Myofascial tear: when the muscle fascia is also involved.

Signs and symptoms Muscle Tear

  • Mild to severe inflammation
  • Bruising (hematoma)
  • Moderate to intense pain
  • Inability to move the affected area
  • Visible physical changes

To prevent this type of injury, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, stay well-hydrated, and keep good physical and muscular conditioning. Always perform proper warm-up exercises before practicing any sport, and avoid overtraining.

Diagnosis Muscle Tear

Muscle tears are sometimes mistaken for muscle contractures, making an accurate diagnosis essential.

Diagnosis starts with a detailed clinical evaluation by a physician, who will inquire about the mechanism of injury, pain intensity, and level of functional impairment.

During the physical exam, the doctor will look for signs such as swelling, bruising, weakness, or localized tenderness. They may also perform specific resistance or mobility tests to determine the type of tear, the degree of damage, and to rule out other musculoskeletal conditions.

Imaging tests may also be required to assess the extent of the injury:

Muscle ultrasound can detect small tears and identify fluid or hematomas in the affected area.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is used in more severe cases, providing a detailed view of the involvement of surrounding structures.

Treatment Muscle Tear

Treatment typically begins with:

Rest and possible immobilization, depending on severity

Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers

Followed by physical therapy, which helps with proper muscle repair and restoring mobility

Athletes with mild tears can usually return to regular activity within 12 to 15 days, while severe tears may require two months or more for full recovery.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center at ABC Medical Center, we offer specialized care. Contact us!

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    Ricardo Ostos

    Ricardo Ostos

    Content Creator

    Ricardo can convey complex medical information in an accessible and friendly way so that all of our patients can understand and benefit from it. In addition, he has an empathetic approach, offering information and practical advice that really makes a difference in people's lives. #lifebringsustogether.

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