What are the types of muscle tear (also known as muscle strain or fibrillar rupture) and what is the treatment?

Muscle fibrillar ruptures, also known as muscle strain or tear, can occur in different parts of the body, often associated with injuries of sports etiology and can vary in severity depending on the degree of the injury.


Grade I (Mild):

Partial tear of muscle fibers.

  • Symptoms: Mild pain, swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
  • Treatment: Rest, ice application, compression, elevation of the affected limb to promote drainage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation. In some cases, ultrasound-guided drainage is used to accelerate recovery and physical therapy is essential to promote recovery and prevent stiffness.


Grade II (Moderate):

More extensive tearing of muscle fibers, but without complete tissue separation.

  • Symptoms: Increasing pain, swelling, visible bruising, and limitation of function.
  • Treatment: The basis of treatment is similar to grade I, but usually requires a longer period of rest and more intensive rehabilitation. In addition to physical therapy, techniques such as ultrasound therapy or therapeutic massage can be used to promote muscle healing and recovery. In many cases, ultrasound-guided drainage of the fluid is used to facilitate and accelerate recovery, and even, in selected cases in athletes, the administration of plasma rich in growth factors.


Grade III (Severe or complete rupture):

Complete separation of muscle tissue.

  • Symptoms: Severe pain, significant swelling, extensive hematoma, loss of function, and possibly a palpable gap in the muscle.
  • Treatment: May require surgical intervention to repair the injured muscle. After surgery, an intensive rehabilitation program will be followed to restore muscle strength and function.