Therapeutic measures for torn muscle fibers
Electrotherapy can be used from the first day after the injury to the torn muscle fibre until the third day. A distinction is made in this area between:
- GalvanizationDating back to Luigi Galvani (1737 – 198), the treatment is carried out with a constantly flowing direct current. This direct current increases the reaction and function of motor nerves.
- IontophoresisThis involves the targeted introduction of active ingredients through the intact skin by means of galvanic current.
Since the active ingredient can only be dosed relatively unreliably in this process, it is only used very rarely.
- Functional (e.g. tape bandages) and decongestant ointment bandages can also be used as a conservative form of therapy for torn muscle fibers. The administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxing drugs can be considered by the treating physician under examination of the overall status (e.g. stomach anamnesis). As already mentioned above, ruptures of muscle fibers can lead to bleeding, which may require the additional administration of drugs that liquefy the coagulated blood in the effusion (fibrinolytics).
From the 4th day on, treatment of the torn muscle fiber is possible with interference current (medium current, 1000 Hz – 1000 kHz).
Ultrasound therapy (above 1000 kHz) can also be used (additionally). The sound waves cause a pressure change in the tissue, which triggers a mechanical vibration effect. A part of the sound energy is additionally converted into heat, creating a thermal effect.
Through the effect of the ultrasound and its reflection on the bone, a so-called “micromassage” is created in the soft tissue. This form of therapy allows the sound waves to penetrate to a depth of about 8 cm, dissolves adhesions and allows the muscles to loosen, thus stimulating regeneration in a special way. The load can be applied again after a torn muscle fiber, but only if it is painless.
Exercise should, for example, take the form of physiotherapy. From the field of physiotherapy, various forms of treatment are conceivable: You can find more information on this topic here: Taping a torn muscle fiber
- Muscle Toning
- Isometry (whole body tension)
- PNF (= Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
- Stimulation and strengthening of the muscles to stimulate the interaction between nerves and muscles with the aim of normalizing muscle tone, stretching and strengthening muscles, and reducing pathological movement patterns, such as relieving posture after injury.
- Passive stretching or massaging of the injured muscle areas should be avoided completely in the first two to three weeks due to the high regenerative capacity of the skeletal muscle in case of a pulled muscle. In the case of a torn muscle fibre, this should even be attempted from the 6th week and in the case of a torn muscle only between the 8th and 12th week.
There is a particular risk of calcifying healing (= myositis ossificans) in the case of a torn muscle fiber or, in the worst case, the risk of bleeding. Active stretching is usually possible earlier, but should only be performed if it is painless.
- Kinesiotapes support the affected muscles during movements
The body’s own regeneration of the muscle injury results in the regeneration of muscle fibers, but also in the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue is generally less elastic than the muscle fibers.
In addition, the new muscle fibers are shorter and contain less connective tissue. The combination of these two facts means that the muscle as such is affected by a loss of function and must be rebuilt (REHA). Since there are now different parts of the muscle with different stretching properties, special precautions and caution must be taken to prevent the formation of new fiber tears.
Surgical therapy is usually used for muscle tears and only if the tear is longer than 2/3 of the cross section, if a significant interruption has been caused by the tear or if a strongly expanded hematoma has occurred.Since a considerable loss of function can occur under certain circumstances, the surgical therapy of muscle fiber rupture is very rarely used for competitive athletes and ambitious hobby sportsmen. During the operation the hematoma is removed and the torn ends are adapted (= sutured) with absorbent sutures. The post-operative treatment of a torn muscle fiber operation usually consists of immobilization for a period of about 4 weeks, partial weight bearing up to body weight bearing up to about 12 weeks, as well as physiotherapy, which can begin immediately after the operation and should be handled similarly to the treatment for pulled or torn muscles.
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