Question 1

can a torn muscle heal itself?

Accepted Answer

Heal w/scar: A 'torn' muscle does heal but depending on the size of the tear and location it generally heals w/ fibrous tissue similar to scar tissue.Muscle does not reform itself.Muscle can hypertrophy(get bigger) and make up for the defect created but not re-create the muscle that was torn or lost.

Question 2

how long would a torn muscle in your back take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Varies: If it is really a simple lumbar strin, which is the medical term for a muscular injury to the back, you should be better within 10-14 days.  If you aren't better after that, there is probably something more going on and you may need an exam and possibly an mri.  Thank you for the question.

Question 3

can a torn muscle heal with muscle tissue if the torn area is small?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: It usually heals with scar tissue and hypertrophy or increase in size of surrounding muscle cells.

Question 4

do i use heat or ice for a torn muscle?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Early in injury (first 1-3 days) like to use ice to reduce swelling and inflammation.  After that usually start to use heat to increase blood flow to area to promote healing.  Hope this was helpful.  Best of luck.  Dr R

Question 5

can a torn muscle in neck and back be diagnosed and repaired if injury occurred several months ago? how are torn nerves diagnosed and treated?

Accepted Answer

Exam, X-ray, MRI: A good exam, x-rays, and if indicated an MRI should be able to tell you the source of your pain.  If you have already healed from your injury, your studies may all be normal.

Question 6

what would a torn muscle in the abdomen feel like?  what about a torn ligament?

Accepted Answer

Sore: Tears in the abdominal muscle layers can be seen in trauma, sports injury, and due to post surgical hernias from weight gain or strain.  There will be a distinct area of soreness.  
Your surgeon   can evaluate your complaints with a manual exam and imaging. 
Skeletal ligaments are attached to bone, and not a concern in the stomach wall.

Question 7

what are the symptoms of a torn muscle in leg?

Accepted Answer

Pulled leg muscle: This depends on location. For example, if in calf muscle u get sore tender stiff calf, if in hamstring u get tender swollen back of thigh, if in quadriceps muscle u get swollen tender front of thigh. The first one is common in golfers, the second in football, & the third in climbers.

Question 8

i fell on my leg. how can i tell if there is a torn muscle?

Accepted Answer

Probably can't...: Which muscle? When?  When someone really completely tears a muscle there's usually swelling and bleeding from the injury as well as profound weakness of that muscle. Most muscles have at least partial backup so that unless there's complete lack of movement like a torn achilles' tendon, you won't know for sure.  See your doctor if it persists.

Question 9

will it help a torn muscle heal faster if i eat extra protein?

Accepted Answer

Not so fast.: The effect of added protein on muscle healing after exercise induced damage is minimal at best. But, I think that it wouldn't hurt.

Question 10

what is the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn muscle ?

Accepted Answer

No difference: Both are strains which is an injury to the muscle.  Note that a sprain is something different in that it is an injury to a ligament.

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Doctor answers about:

What does a torn muscle feel like

A member asked:

Can a torn muscle heal itself?

A member asked:

How long would a torn muscle in your back take to heal?

A member asked:

Can a torn muscle heal with muscle tissue if the torn area is small?

A member asked:

Do i use heat or ice for a torn muscle?

A member asked:

Can a torn muscle in neck and back be diagnosed and repaired if injury occurred several months ago? how are torn nerves diagnosed and treated?

A member asked:

What would a torn muscle in the abdomen feel like? what about a torn ligament?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of a torn muscle in leg?

A member asked:

I fell on my leg. how can i tell if there is a torn muscle?

A member asked:

Will it help a torn muscle heal faster if i eat extra protein?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn muscle ?

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