Physiotherapy Treatment for Pulled Chest Muscle

What Is Meant by Pulled Chest Muscle?

The Pectoralis major is the most significant muscle of the chest. It attaches to the front of the shoulders and goes down and extends to the breast bone. A muscle pull in the chest is a common condition that can occur due to overexertion or strenuous activities. In this condition, the pectoralis major muscles are most commonly affected. A pulled chest muscle may cause severe pain in the affected area, and the person may be unable to move their arms. It may also cause deep breathing. Some injuries in the chest may also cause muscle tears, described as muscle strain. A person needs to seek medical attention if they are affected by pulled chest muscles.

What Causes Pulled Chest Muscles?

There are several causes for the pulled chest muscle. The most common causes include

Overexertion - Performing strenuous activities during workouts or starting a workout without warm-up exercises may cause muscle pull in the chest.

Lifting Heavy Objects - If a person lifts heavy objects without a proper form, they may get a muscle pull in the chest.

Trauma - Sudden impact on the chest can also cause its muscles to pull. It may happen due to a car accident.

Falling - Sometimes, pulled chest muscles can also occur due to a sudden fall.

Repetitive Movements - It is also the most common cause of pulled chest muscle. Daily movements like typing on the keyboard and playing golf are more likely to cause pulled muscles in the chest.

Aging and Obesity - It may also cause muscle pull in the chest region.

What Are the Symptoms of Pulled Chest Muscle?

The most common symptoms of pulled chest muscle include:

1. Sharp pain in acute pull.
2. Dull pain in the chronic muscle strain.
3. Swelling in the affected area.
4. Muscle spasms.
5. Pain during breathing.
6. Bruising.
7. Difficulty in moving arms.
8. The other serious symptoms that can occur due to the progression of the condition include
9. Sweating.
10. Dizziness.
11. Fainting.
12. Raised heart rate.
13. Fever.
14. Difficulty breathing.
15. Fatigue.
16. Sleepiness.
17. Irritability.

How Is Pulled Chest Muscle Diagnosed?

1. Pulled chest muscle may be diagnosed through
2. Chest X-ray.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
4. Electrocardiogram.

How Is Pulled Chest Muscle Treated With Physiotherapy?

At first, to reduce the pain and swelling caused by pulled chest muscle, the doctors may recommend conservative treatments like rest, heat and cold application, and compression. Once the symptoms subside, the doctors refer the patients to a physical therapist who suggests performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the pulled chest muscle.

The stretching exercises include:

1. Pec Stretch - The instructions are:

• The person should stand straight on the floor with both arms at their sides.

• Then the person should clasp their hands behind their back.

• Then the person should take a deep breath, and while exhaling, the person should bend forward from the waist.

• Then the person should hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat the exercise several times.

2. Door Chest Stretch - The instructions are:

• The person should stand in the doorway by placing their arms at 90 degrees and palms flat against the door frame.

• Then the person should step forward using one foot and lean their body forward until they feel a stretch in the chest region.

• Then the person should hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat the exercise on the other side.

The strengthening exercises for the pulled chest muscle include

3. Push-Ups - The instructions are:

• The person should lie on the floor with the head facing the floor. The person should position their hands a little wider than the shoulders.

• The elbows should be slightly bent, and the legs should be extended back so that the toes and hands are hip feet width apart.

• Then the person should contract their core muscle by pulling their belly button towards the spine.

• Then the person should slowly inhale and bend their elbows to get down and exhale while contracting the chest muscles and pushing their hands back to the starting position.

• This exercise can be repeated five to ten times.

4. Chest Press - The instructions are:

• The person should lie flat on the bench with their feet pressing into the floor.

• Then the person should draw their shoulders down and back to press into the bench.

• Then the person should hold two dumbbells in both hands with palms facing forward and thumbs warped around the handle of the dumbbells.

• Then the person should slowly lower the dumbbells wider than the mid-chest by inhaling.

• Then on exhaling, the person should press their arms upwards and elbows slightly bent. The dumbbells should be below eye level.

• The exercise should be repeated eight to fifteen times.

5. Pull-Ups - The instructions are:

• The person should start by standing directly down the pull-up bar by holding the bar with both arms shoulder-width apart.

• Then the person should inhale and raise their feet from the ground. The top surface of the head should touch the push-up bar and exhale by reaching the starting position.

• This exercise should be repeated 10 to 15 times.

6. Chin-Ups - The instructions are:

• The person should start by standing directly down the pull-up bar by holding the bar with both arms shoulder-width apart.

• Then the person should inhale and raise their body from the ground until the chin of the person reaches above the pull-up bar.

• Then the person should exhale by reaching the starting position.

• This exercise should be repeated 10 to 15 times.

7. Dumbbell Chest Fly - The instructions are:

• The person should lie flat on a bench by placing their feet firmly on the floor on either side of the bench. The back and head should remain in the firm press on the bench.

• Then the person should ask the trainer to place two dumbbells on both hands.

• Then the person should lift their arms overhead and inhale.

• Then the person should lower their arms in the arc motion, exhale, and repeat the exercise 10 to 15 times for three sets.

What Are Some Strategies for Sleeping Comfortably With an Intercoastal Muscle Strain?

To sleep with an intercoastal muscle strain, try lying on the back with a pillow under the knees for support, or on the side with a pillow between the knees for added comfort.

Conclusion:

The pulled chest muscle is usually difficult to diagnose, and its symptoms may be closely related to other medical conditions of the chest region. However, if the person experiences a sudden sharp chest pain that worsens during activities, it is more likely to be a pulled chest muscle. The doctors may recommend conservative treatments and physical therapy. Physical therapy plays an important role in healing pulled chest muscles. So reaching out to a physical therapist may be beneficial.