Chest muscle strain or know as a pectoral strain is a condition characterised by partial or complete tearing of one or more of the pectoral muscles.
The pectoral muscles are a group of two muscles situated at the front of the chest .The largest of which is the pectoralis major muscle which originates from the sternum, ribs and collar bone and attaches to the upper arm bone. The pectoralis minor is the smaller of the two pectoral muscles originating from the front of the ribs and attaching to a bony process at the front of the shoulder blade. The pectoral muscles are responsible for assisting with movements of the shoulder blade and shoulder.
During stretch or contraction of the pectorals, tension is placed through the pectoral muscles and tendons. When this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, one or more of the pectoral muscles can tear. This condition is known as a pectoral strain.
Tears to the pectoral muscles can range from a small partial tear whereby there is minimal pain and minimal loss of function, to a complete rupture. Pectoral strains range from a grade 1 to a grade 3 tear and are classified as follows:
- Grade 1: a small number of fibers are torn resulting in some pain, but allowing full function.
- Grade 2: a significant number of fibers are torn with moderate loss of function.
- Grade 3: all muscle fibers are ruptured resulting in major loss of function.
A pectoral strain often occurs suddenly due to a high force going through the muscle and tendon beyond what it can withstand. This typically occurs during weight training especially when performing a bench press, chest press or pectoral flys (especially with free weights).
Patients with this condition will often experience a sudden pain or tearing sensation in the chest or front of the shoulder during the activity. In minor cases, patients may be able to continue sport or activity only to have an increase in pain and stiffness upon resting later. In severe cases the pain may be disabling, preventing the patient from performing further activity.
Patients with a pectoral strain usually experience pain that is localized to the chest and front of the shoulder or arm pit. Occasionally, pain may radiate into the upper arm or neck. The pain associated with a pectoral strain is usually experienced as an ache that increases to a sharper pain with activity.
Patients will usually experience pain when firmly touching the affected pectoral muscle and often when attempting to stretch the pectoral muscles or perform activities requiring strong contraction of the pectoral muscles such as pushing activities or taking the arm across the chest against resistance. Bruising, swelling, muscle spasm and weakness may also be experienced.
An athlete will likely have to undergo treatment in order to relieve the symptoms of the pectoral muscle strain. For the first few days after the diagnosis, an athlete will want to put ice packs on the chest area two to three times each day. You should know that ice packs should only be left on the pectoral area for about 20 minutes at a time, and then taken off for a while for the best results. Obviously, an athlete will want to stop all activities that caused or worsen the pectoral muscle strain, including sitting out a game or two, so that the muscle can heal. If an athlete notices severe pain, then he or she should seek medical attention right away. Medical attention is needed if the pain is severe because the pectoral muscles might be ruptured, which means surgery would be required to repair the injury. To reduce pain or inflammation, an athlete will want to take aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, after seeking medical advice on what specific medicines are right for him or her. The best treatment is rest and ice—this will allow the muscles the opportunity to heal properly. If the pain is severe or if the injury does not improve, then an athlete will want to seek medical attention right away to ensure he or she is getting the best treatment possible, which will help them return to sports quicker.
