A 31-year-old male asked:

I believe i injured my rhomboid muscle a week ago @ a sporting event. how can i tell if it's just a strain or a tear? how long should recovery take

2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kim Fagan
Sports Medicine 36 years experience
Likely sprain: The muscle is likely sprained since this muscle is rarely torn in sports. The only way to be sure would be to do an imaging study such as an MRI or a musculoskeletal ultrasound performed in office by many sports medicine physician . The other thing to be considered as causing your lingering pain would be an injury to your long thoracic nerve resulting in a subtle winging scapula. Go see your doc.
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Dr. Rhett Griggs
Hand Surgery 21 years experience
Variable: Should take 6-8 weeks but up to 3-4 months either way.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Jul 26, 2017

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