Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Triceps Muscle Tear
What is a triceps muscle tear?
A triceps muscle tear refers to damage to the muscle fibres at the back of the upper arm. This injury may also be referred to as a pulled triceps, triceps strain, or triceps rupture, depending on its severity. Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing symptoms, promoting healing, and restoring full arm strength and function.
What can cause a triceps muscle tear?
A triceps muscle tear is typically caused by a forceful contraction of the triceps muscle. This type of injury often occurs during movements that involve elbow extension, such as pushing actions away from the body. Common examples include exercises like press-ups or bench pressing during weightlifting. In these situations, the triceps muscle is under high tension and becomes more susceptible to tearing.
What are the symptoms of a triceps muscle tear?
The immediate sensation experienced when the triceps muscle is torn is typically a sharp pain at the back of the upper arm, often described as a ‘tearing’ feeling. In cases of minor tears, it may be possible to continue activity or sport with minimal initial restriction. However, pain and tightness may progressively worsen after exercise due to swelling and bleeding around the injured muscle. Other common symptoms include:
- Localised bruising or discolouration
- Swelling and inflammation in the upper arm
- Weakness or difficulty extending the elbow
- Muscle tenderness when touched
- A visible or palpable gap in the muscle (in more severe tears)
What should I do if I have a triceps muscle tear?
The first 24–48 hours following a triceps muscle tear are crucial in managing the injury. While swelling is a natural part of the healing process, excessive swelling can delay recovery and potentially cause additional tissue damage. To help control swelling by reducing blood flow to the injured area,
You should continue the RICE regime until you are able to arrange an assessment with a physiotherapist. Ideally, this initial assessment should take place within 48 hours of the injury to ensure timely diagnosis and to begin an appropriate treatment plan that supports optimal healing and recovery.
What shouldn’t I do if I have a triceps muscle tear?
If you have a triceps muscle tear, you should avoid any activities that increase blood flow to the injured muscle during the first 48 hours. These include hot showers, elbow stretches, heat rubs, sports massage, alcohol consumption, and excessive activity. Engaging in these activities may increase bleeding and inflammation within the triceps muscle, potentially worsening the pain and delaying your recovery.
Physiotherapy for a triceps muscle tear.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of a triceps muscle tear. During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will diagnose the injury, identify which tissues are affected, and determine the severity of the tear. Based on this, they can provide an estimate of your expected recovery time. Treatment will vary depending on the extent of the tear. The primary goals of early physiotherapy are to:
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Promote healing of the injured muscle fibres
- Prevent further damage
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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