What muscle did I pull?

[zebano]

I decided to go play Racquetball over lunch today and since we just had a little bit of time, I didn't warm up

Anyway a few points into our first game I hit an overhead and something just underneath my shoulder but I think north of my pectoral muscle pulled. Specifically, it hurts when I put my arm over my head and it hurts more when I move my arm into a "backscratch" position to serve. It also hurts if I pull back like I was prepping for a forehand.

I assume RICE is the best way to fix this??

[Rickson]

Originally Posted by zebano

I decided to go play Racquetball over lunch today and since we just had a little bit of time, I didn't warm up

Anyway a few points into our first game I hit an overhead and something just underneath my shoulder but I think north of my pectoral muscle pulled. Specifically, it hurts when I put my arm over my head and it hurts more when I move my arm into a "backscratch" position to serve. It also hurts if I pull back like I was prepping for a forehand.

I assume RICE is the best way to fix this??

Sounds like a pec strain to me. Definitely ice that area down and don't stretch no matter what. Stretching a strained muscle will further strain the muscle so keep icing and rest. Don't apply heat and don't stretch, these are 2 common mistakes people make when they're injured.

[zebano]

Originally Posted by Rickson

Sounds like a pec strain to me. Definitely ice that area down and don't stretch no matter what. Stretching a strained muscle will further strain the muscle so keep icing and rest. Don't apply heat and don't stretch, these are 2 common mistakes people make when they're injured.

It's definitely that area. It almost runs through the armpit and I wasn't sure if there was a separate muscle there. Any idea on how many days I should give it before stretching? or just wait until I feel no pain? I iced yesterday and it's noticeably less painful today.

[Rickson]

Originally Posted by zebano

It's definitely that area. It almost runs through the armpit and I wasn't sure if there was a separate muscle there. Any idea on how many days I should give it before stretching? or just wait until I feel no pain? I iced yesterday and it's noticeably less painful today.

Days? You'd better try weeks. Don't stretch that area, period. If you're trying to regain some range of motion, you'd better wait for the muscle to repair itself first. Ice, rest, no heat, no stretching. Trust me on this one.

[zebano]

Originally Posted by Rickson

Days? You'd better try weeks. Don't stretch that area, period. If you're trying to regain some range of motion, you'd better wait for the muscle to repair itself first. Ice, rest, no heat, no stretching. Trust me on this one.

I guess I won't be swimming this week then =( and lifting is out for sure. I guess that means I'll run or cycle if I can do it without moving the arm much.

[Rickson]

Originally Posted by zebano

I iced yesterday and it's noticeably less painful today.

Now you're learning. Now don't mess up all that healing by lifting weights or stretching an already strained muscle. Don't apply heat either.

[TennisProdigy]

I had that injury one time when I started playing tennis. I started trying to slam serves without warming up and pulled a muscle that was about 4 inches below my armpit. Similar to you it hurt on forehand takeback but more so on serves. I stopped right away and since I'm young or I didn't injure it badly, it was fine the next day .

[kungfusmkim]

Maybe its because you went for a 100mph overhead when you muscles were only warmed up to do have 40mph

[zebano]

Originally Posted by kungfusmkim

Maybe its because you went for a 100mph overhead when you muscles were only warmed up to do have 40mph

You're absolutely right. I knew the cause I was just looking for info on healing. I don't think I pulled it because it feels 90% fine now (3 days later icing multiple times per day).

[Rickson]

Originally Posted by zebano

You're absolutely right. I knew the cause I was just looking for info on healing. I don't think I pulled it because it feels 90% fine now (3 days later icing multiple times per day).

It sounds like you strained it to me. Ice promotes quicker healing. Are you gonna listen to me from now on?

[zebano]

Originally Posted by Rickson

It sounds like you strained it to me. Ice promotes quicker healing. Are you gonna listen to me from now on?

What haven't I listened to you about? I already have a 1hbh.

[1012007]

Called Latissimus Dorsi

http://www.surgeon.gr/110/pictures/B...orsi_flap1.jpg

[zebano]

Originally Posted by 1012007

Called Latissimus Dorsi

http://www.surgeon.gr/110/pictures/B...orsi_flap1.jpg

Thanks! Thats the one. I'm doing full arm circles this morning without even a twinge, so I'll de-load a bit and start lifting again tomorrow.