Your physical therapist can assess your condition and offer the right strategies and treatments to help you fully recover.
Surgery involves sewing your pec tear back into place on your upper arm.
It will most likely take around six weeks for you to do active motion without help.
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A torn or ruptured pectoralis muscle can limit your ability to engage in normal work and recreational activities.
It can limit arm use and may cause significant pain.
If you do not require surgery, your healthcare provider may still require that you wear a sling.
The sling helps to keep your upper arm and shoulder still to allow your pec tendon to heal.
Typically, a sling is worn for four to eight weeks.
Ice should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes several times each day.
Be careful not to suffer a frost burn on your skin.
Placing the ice pack in a towel wrap is recommended.
When Should Physical Therapy Start?
You may be wondering how soon you’ve got the option to start PT after a pectoralis injury.
This usually depends on the severity of your injury.
PT Evaluation for Pectoralis Tear
Your first session with a physical therapist is called an initial evaluation.
During this session, your PT will interview you about your injury.
Your PT will also ask about your past medical history.
During the PT evaluation for a pectoralis major tear, your therapist will perform specific tests.
These help determine your functional baseline and guide your treatment.
Goals should be challenging, but attainable.
These may includephysical modalities, exercise, or manual techniques.
Exercise
Exercisefor your pec tear should be your main treatment in physical therapy.
Because exercise helps you regain range of motion, strength, and functional use of your arm.
Your exercises should not cause severe or lasting pain in your chest, shoulder, or upper arm.
If any exercise causes pain, check in with your physical therapist.
The massage and mobilization helps to create a mobile scar in the skin and fascia surrounding your surgical incision.
Heat is used to increase local circulation, decrease pain, and improve tissue mobility.
Care should be taken when using hot packs, as they can burn your skin.
Be sure to tell your PT if the heat tool is too hot.
Ice decreases local blood flow to the tissues where it is applied.
Care should be used when applying ice, as it may cause a frost burn to your skin.
Inform your PT if the ice program is painful or uncomfortable.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a therapeutic modality used in physical therapy.
The goal of ultrasound system is to improve circulation to the tissues deep in the body.
Ultrasonic waves are passed into your body, heating the tissues and increasing circulation.
Tell your therapist if you feel any discomfort during ultrasound for your pectoralis major tear.
Electrical Stimulation
Your physical therapist may use electrical stimulation as part of your pectoralis major rehab.
Care should be taken when using e-stim near your pectoralis major as it is near the heart.
Applying e-stim over your heart has the potential to interfere with cardiac function.
Kinesiology Taping
A recent advancement in injury rehab is the use of kinesiology taping.
Kinesiology tape may also be used to decrease bruising during the initial phases of your recovery.
Keep in mind that K-tape is a newer treatment and has not passed rigorous scientific testing.
Therefore, it may not add much to your overall functional improvement with your pectoralis major.
How Long Should PT Take?
Summary
Physical therapy can help you recover from a pec tear or strain.
How long you should wait before starting physical therapy depends on the extent of the injury.
Your normal work and recreational activities may be affected as well.
That way, you’re free to quickly and safely get back to your normal activity.
2022;34(1):45-54. doi:10.1007/s00064-021-00760-5
