Question - Pectoralis Tear (Surgery?)

by Graeme
(Perth, Australia)

I am awaiting surgery for a pectoralis tear... just a quick question. Clearly I have torn the pectoralis major tendon where it connects to the arm/shoulder. Now I understand looking at pics there are two parts - the clavicular component and the sternal component. I think i have torn the sternal component. If both parts were torn, the pectoralis would be falling down more, wouldn't it?

If I cancel the surgery are there any side effects later down the track...like instability in the shoulder region? Does it throw it out of balance or something?

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Question - Pectoralis Tear (Surgery?)

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May 27, 2008
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Pain?
by: Bart - SII

Are you having a lot of pain with this injury?
Do you have noticible weakness with your shoulder? Does the muscle look funny when you view it in the mirror?

Whether you tore the sternal or clavicular portion of the muscle doesn't make as much difference as how severe the tear was. If you are having a lot of pain, weakness, and if the muscle has a visible defect (droopy or looks funny in the mirror) then the surgery might help to fix those things...

The pectoralis major is a very large muscle and it will usually heal well on its own as long as you didn't completely detach it from the humerus. If you did detach it, then you could have quite a bit of weakness and problems down the road...if it wasn't detached and was just a muscle tear, you may be able to get by without the surgery and just giving it time to heal on its own.

I would recommend talking to your doctor about your concerns and get their prognosis for your situation if you cancel the surgery...

Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.

May 27, 2008
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pec tear
by: graeme

yes there was alot of bruising for the first 2 weeks from the top of the bicep down to albow almost black as black from what i can see in diagrams its like 2 flaps of tendon if only the sternal partis completley torn of the arm is the recovery quicker than both parts torn
when i did the injury there was a sharp pain and a snapping sound yuk
there is alot of weakness try to do a fly there is almost no strength
is the recovery 6 weeks in a sling my orto says 6but alot of articles on the net say 3-6 weeks wat should i expect in the rehab time???
ps this site is great

May 27, 2008
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the sling depends on the surgeon
by: Bart - SII

I have a little better picture of your injury now - and I think that the surgery is probably a good idea for the best recovery. If you have a lot of strength loss and had that much pain, swelling, and bruising, a repair is probably necessary.

As for the sling, 3-6 weeks is probably a good estimate. Most of the time when dealing with muscle or tendon repair, 6 weeks is the standard...the important part is that you don't use the muscle actively while it is healing during the first few weeks...this keeps the stress off of the repair.

After the sling, you will need rehabilitation for several weeks to work on getting your motion and strength back. I would estimate a full return to activities somewhere 3-5 months after surgery, but this will vary significantly from person to person.

Thanks for the kind words about the site!

Sep 08, 2008
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had surgery
by: graeme

hi i had the surgery 3 months ago sling for six weeks and tomorrow is my six week appointment with the surgeon after getting out of the sling yes it was painfull and very fragile for the first 4 weeks in the sling all ways feeling like it was going to rip out yuk a awfull feeling
any way i am having rehab physio motion is almost 80 % external rotation still pretty bad everything else is pretty good i have also started some very light weights no chest work but maybe tomorrow i will be cleared to start i am planning to to be back to decent weights in another 5 months or so
anyway just touching base on how i went thanks graeme

Sep 08, 2008
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Doing well!
by: Bart - SII

It sounds like you are doing well - it is a long process, but you have the right attitude - slow and steady wins the race. Good luck with your continued recovery.

Bart

Sep 30, 2008
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Pectoralis Major Surgery
by: Anonymous

I tore my right Pectoralis Major while benching 405 a little over three months ago, I am 32 years old and have been benching for over 20 years now. My arm went numb almost immediatley after the tear and I could not raise the arm above my head. The next day the arm, and chest area were black and blue. I went to a orthopedic surgeon and had a MRI done, which confirmed the tear. I had surgery one week later. The Dr. informed me that I had tore my tendons which attached the muscle to the pec, one tendon he was able to re attach, but the other was completely shreded so he used a cadavar tendon and grafted it to the other repaired one. I was in a sling for the next two months, which caused my right arm to be next to useless when I was able to remove the sling. I started physical therapy two months out and am now able to have almost full use of the arm after only three weeks, but still no weight training as of yet. I was told no lifting till three months out. I would recomend the surgery to anyone who tears the pec, letting it heal on its own will limit your mobility and will more than likely result in an even worse tear in the future.

Nov 23, 2008
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Torn Pectoralis for the second time
by: Nick

I am 29 yeas old and originally tore my pectoralis major in October of 2007 bench pressing. I just graduated USArmy Air Assault School three weeks before the injury. I must have weakened the muscle during the required training for graduation. My Doctor at the time explained to me that I could do physical therapy and that I could build myself back up but would never be 100% again. He was somewhat correct in the fact that I was able to do 75 push ups in two minutes and was able to do 15 pull ups, but, even though I seemed to be close to 100% I re-tore my Pectoralis major exactly one year later. I will be going through a complete Pectoralis major repair the day before thanksgiving. Lord willing I will be back to 100% or as close to it as I can even though the original injury occurred over a year ago. I pray for a speedy recovery for all of you including myself and I appreciate all of the information and experiences shared on this site.

Jan 01, 2009
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torn pec
by: Bulldawg cop

Well,my left pec was torn in police tactics and I am nearing surgery date. Will update the board on my recovery. From reading here, it sounds long and more than a bit painful but worth the surgery.

Jan 03, 2009
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Just a quick update.
by: Nick

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone is doing better since last time I posted and on there way to a 100% recovery. Tuesday I have my 6 week post op appointment. The incision is about four to four and half inches from my shoulder to the top of my bicep. The pain was definitely not as bad as I had expected. I was off pain pills by the third day taking small amounts of ibuprofen to help with inflammation. I have been doing gravitational rotations and inward assisted stretching. This has helped keep my shoulder from locking up. I still feel pain where the anchors were placed and the tendons attached but it is very minimal. The Doc was unable to stretch the tendons back to their original position but he placed them as close to the original spot as he could. My chest is no longer sagging and I have a pretty big scar and so far it is definitely worth it. I am still in a sling but Lord willing I will be out of it after my appointment on Tuesday. I should start physical therapy some time this coming week. I will post more as soon as my surgeon gives me more information.

Jan 06, 2009
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Pec Tear, No Surgery
by: Raman

Hi

I had a Pec tear on my right side about 3 yrs ago. I believe it tore from the Sternal Heead area. Not sure though. Have not got any MRI done as of yet. My right bicep seems to have been pulled up very slightly. I have an indentation on the right chest. After I recovered, by laying off for a while, I have full mobility of my arm and back to the gym again. I am able to do all chest exercises with an exception of Barbell presses. At the time of Barbell presses or any Machine presses, the right tricep gets exhausted and sore. Because of this the overall right arm is about 1/4 inches more that my left arm. Dumbell presses thought do not cause so much stress on the right tricep. Now my left chest looks bigger than my right. The right side at times still looks smaller as it was before. At times it does feel sore after some heavy exercise. Even after all the chest exercises and getting pumped up, I do not feel much pump on the right side. Although I'm able to press more weights that before the injury. I am considering surgery options these days and looking up sites for info. on the same. Will it be helpful to get surgery done at such a late stage now? or are there any chest exercise that can help the right side tweak a bit. I tried one-arm (right arm) chest presses, but then the tricep also gets pumped up. so dropped it as i did not want uneven arm. Any help, advice would be appreciate.

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Jan 06, 2009
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Submitted by: Raman

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Hi I had a Pec tear on my right side about 3 yrs ago. I believe it tore from the Sternal Heead area. Not sure though. Have not got any MRI done as of yet. My right bicep seems to have been pulled up very slightly. I have an indentation on the right chest. After I recovered, by laying off for a while, I have full mobility of my arm and back to the gym again. I am able to do all chest exercises with an exception of Barbell presses. At the time of Barbell presses or any Machine presses, the right tricep gets exhausted and sore. Because of this the overall right arm is about 1/4 inches more that my left arm. Dumbell presses thought do not cause so much stress on the right tricep. Now my left chest looks bigger than my right. The right side at times still looks smaller as it was before. At times it does feel sore after some heavy exercise. Even after all the chest exercises and getting pumped up, I do not feel much pump on the right side. Although I'm able to press more weights that before the injury. I am considering surgery options these days and looking up sites for info. on the same. Will it be helpful to get surgery done at such a late stage now? or are there any chest exercise that can help the right side tweak a bit. I tried one-arm (right arm) chest presses, but then the tricep also gets pumped up. so dropped it as i did not want uneven arm. Any help, advice would be appreciate.

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Jan 07, 2009
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pec tear
by: pec tear victim

hi. i'm 12 weeks post op. i had complete tear from the humerus where the chest muscle inserts into the arm bone. my surgery was 4 months after the injury. according to my surgeon, my surgery was complicated due to scar tissue and because my tendon was shredded. i wore a sling for 7 weeks, and been in rehab the past month. my right side (injured side) is starting to feel normal again. i'm now able to perform daily life activities with both arms no problem. no weights yet, but definitely feel stronger than even a month ago. ROM is still not great but improving daily. forward flexion is 90%, abduction is 50% and internal and external rotation is also about 50%.i'm posting all this info so that everyone here can compare with their own progress. also, i've read plenty of posts about surgery 3 years after the injury with good results. so, if you have a complete tear, surgery is probably the best option especially if you have an active lifestyle. tendon healing is around 6 weeks, but a return to pre-injury level, or as close to it as possible is 6-12 months. at least this is the info i've been able to gather for the past 8 months. anyways, good luck to everyone awaiting surgery and to those post op.

Feb 13, 2009
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Pectoralis major tear
by: Anonymous

I got a pectoralis major torn while doing a bench press with 180kgs and immediately i visited my family physician who could not diagnose properly as he was not an orthopaedic physician.later i visited few other ortho surgeons who advised me to go for a surgery i want to resume my sports activity.It was somewhere around 35th day on which surgery was going to take place.I have gone through many articles saying surgery is the best way to regain the strength.The ortho surgeon said if the muscle gets shredded or is unsufficient then he would take muscle from the thigh.hope my surgery would be a success one and i get back to the same old position. thanx for your comments which was very helpful for me.

Mar 11, 2009
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strength back after torn pec
by: Anonymous

I tore my pec about 10 years ago when I was 20. I was benching elbows out and probably over training at the time. Worst thing was I tore the muscle belly itself not the tendon so surgery was not an option. Couldn't move my arm and was in extrutiating pain for the first month. After I was able to move my arm is when I started rehab. I couldn't even bench a broomstick for the next 3 months. Started with wall push ups, then knee push ups, then finally worked my way up to benching just the bar. It took a full year to bench 135 again. It was horrible time for me, but I did a lot of shoulder exercises and stretching to regain my strength. It took me a good 3 years to feel comfortable under heavy weight benching again. I regained about 98% of my strength back, but I did a lot shoulder work, high rep chest work, tons of push ups and a lot of stretching.

Apr 06, 2009
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pec tear one year later
by: littlemike

Hello. I tore my peck on April 1 2008 (appropriate day), bench pressing relatively heavy. I warmed up as usual .. 2 x 12 - 15 135, 1 x 12 225, 1 x 6 315, then went to 375 to attempt 6. The week prior I did it 4 reps no spot no lift off, but this time I wanted a lift off, to try and squeeze out 6 reps. On the first rep, it was a horrible shocking sensation in my right pec near my armpit, I yelled and they got the weight off; luckily I had the spot, otherwise I could have dropped on my neck, or who knows - God looks out for idiots I guess.
It bruised bad under my arm and down my bicep. I went to my GP the next day, he referred me to an ortho. He said it wasn't a total detachment and surgery would only be for cosmetic purposes, and I should get full use of it in time.
I didn't do any chest exercise at all for about 6 months, even then the bar was too much, just some no weight limited range pec decks. I worked my way back to 225 for 8 - 10 reps, no pain, just a weird feeling like there's something missing. no really measurable weakness compared to the other side, just remember the horror of the pain, and scared to get under any real weight. i have done 315 2 different times since for 2 reps each, could have done maybe 4, but too scared. there's a little symmetry difference, and in a shirt it looks a little droopy, kinda like Phil mickelson wearing a golf shirt with out a bra, and I can't stand it. I used to compete in bodybuilding, and at the time I was about 240 and 7% bodyfat, so the cosmetic aspect bothers me, since I've worked at this for 25 plus years. It looks okay from the front if I'm not flexing, but if I flex, or turn to the side, the gap is noticable on the lower pec near my armpit. Looks bad to me. I wonder if it's too late for surgery to repair, even if I wanted to go through with it, and layoff the gym for that long. In 25 years I haven't missed more than 2 consecutive weeks in the gym, so I'd likely want to shoot myself.
Anyone with experience or advice as to the option of even having surgery at this point would be greatly appreciated.

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Apr 06, 2009
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Submitted by: littlemike

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Hello. I tore my peck on April 1 2008 (appropriate day), bench pressing relatively heavy. I warmed up as usual .. 2 x 12 - 15 135, 1 x 12 225, 1 x 6 315, then went to 375 to attempt 6. The week prior I did it 4 reps no spot no lift off, but this time I wanted a lift off, to try and squeeze out 6 reps. On the first rep, it was a horrible shocking sensation in my right pec near my armpit, I yelled and they got the weight off; luckily I had the spot, otherwise I could have dropped on my neck, or who knows - God looks out for idiots I guess. It bruised bad under my arm and down my bicep. I went to my GP the next day, he referred me to an ortho. He said it wasn't a total detachment and surgery would only be for cosmetic purposes, and I should get full use of it in time. I didn't do any chest exercise at all for about 6 months, even then the bar was too much, just some no weight limited range pec decks. I worked my way back to 225 for 8 - 10 reps, no pain, just a weird feeling like there's something missing. no really measurable weakness compared to the other side, just remember the horror of the pain, and scared to get under any real weight. i have done 315 2 different times since for 2 reps each, could have done maybe 4, but too scared. there's a little symmetry difference, and in a shirt it looks a little droopy, kinda like Phil mickelson wearing a golf shirt with out a bra, and I can't stand it. I used to compete in bodybuilding, and at the time I was about 240 and 7% bodyfat, so the cosmetic aspect bothers me, since I've worked at this for 25 plus years. It looks okay from the front if I'm not flexing, but if I flex, or turn to the side, the gap is noticable on the lower pec near my armpit. Looks bad to me. I wonder if it's too late for surgery to repair, even if I wanted to go through with it, and layoff the gym for that long. In 25 years I haven't missed more than 2 consecutive weeks in the gym, so I'd likely want to shoot myself. Anyone with experience or advice as to the option of even having surgery at this point would be greatly appreciated.

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Apr 06, 2009
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pec tear
by: Anonymous

hi little mike im graeme i started this thread
i had a repair yes im happy i had it done but the lay off from the gym will almost kill you
no immobilisation sling for 6-8 weeks the muscle then a very slow process after the sling comes off ( wastage is massive). im about 10 month post surgery slowly the pec is starting to streatch back out now and slowly starting to fillout back up tp about 100 kg bench press when i did the tear (i was benching 170 kg)
you have got to understand its a slow process not like other injuries it wil be painfull and take the best part of a year - a year and a half
to repair or not to thats up to you theres been other people how have had late repairs and had good results???
good luck

Apr 07, 2009
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4 Months later
by: Nick

It has been 4 months since I had Pec Major Repair. I had to have both tendons re-attached because I had completely torn both off of the bone. I have been experiencing more pain in my rotator cuff and elbow more than anything else lately. So far I am up to 42 push ups, 5 to 10 pull ups and 10 to 15 chin ups (depending on the day). I have full range of motion but I am still feeling pain in the joint. I see the surgeon for my 5 month appointment on the 17th. I admit that I felt more pain during my first two weeks of physical therapy than I did from the surgery. Ibuprofen was basically all I needed after day 2 post surgery but those first two weeks of physical therapy were rough. They had to rub on the incision to break up the scar tissue and loosen up the muscles from being in the sling. It especially hurts when they rub on my shoulder where the anchors were placed in the bone. I have a 4 1/2 inch scar from my shoulder to my bicep that was thin until they started rubbing on it. Make sure you do exactly as your surgeon and physical therapist instructs and you will recover like I have. Drink water, stay hydrated and take protein if you don't mind using supplements. It is taking me some time but in time I believe with God's help that I will be back to 100% if not better.

Apr 09, 2009
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Pectoralis Major Tear
by: Shawn

I want to say thanks for starting this site. Great information. I have just started surfing for information and your site has been most helpful. I have torn my pecktoralis major muscle from the humerus bone a few weeks ago and just received my results from the MRI ( 4 cm separation) and have to decide if I should go for surgery or not. It feels good now, but limited strength of course. I�m a commercial diver so my job involves a lot of pulling on chain hoist/ comalongs, hanging from one arm and lifting with the other. After reading the post I think it has changed my mind into getting the surgery and putting up with the 6 weeks recovery time. Anyone�s thoughts?

Apr 10, 2009
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pec tear
by: Anonymous

6 weeks lol try 3 months and still not much lifting

Apr 10, 2009
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pec tear
by: Anonymous

6 weeks lol try 3 months and still not much lifting

Apr 10, 2009
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Over 4 Months
by: Nick

I have to admit that I am not at 100% over 4 months after surgery but today I did 10 controlled pull ups all the way up and all the way down with straight at Physical Therapy. There is still pain but I think that will be the norm for a while because of the two anchors in the bone. I probably won't go back to lifting heavy weights (Heavy for me at least). I'm in the military so lifting heavy isn't really a requirement. I can live with bowflex, rubber bands, push ups, sit ups, pull ups and running. The heavy weights are great for those that use them but I don't have the build for that. I will keep everyone posted as I continue to progress. I hope everyone has a Happy Resurrection Day/ Happy Easter and speedy recoveries.

Apr 22, 2009
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pec tear
by: joelp

on the 20/04 i was on bench pressing 160 kg when i heard a tearing noise got the weight up and headed to the hospital, i knew something was wrong. they told me it was a partial pec tear and would heal on its own, so on the 21st i decided to get a mri done. This showed that i had completly torn my pectoralis major on my right shoulder. Same day i went to sport med to see what my options were they told me that without surgery my pec would drop and have a visable defection, or surgery could fix the problem but was like sowing two pieces of meat together if it was off the bone would have been better. my op is booked in for the 27th i have been on every site researching my options i just hope that it all goes well and i feel for everyone that this has happened to, but no one can change fate so we have to deal with it. its abit of an emotional rollacoaster being angry and sad picturing how long recovery will take but that is the most inportant part, for anyone goin through this ill let you's know how surgery went..

Apr 30, 2009
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Going in to Surgery
by: SixtyFive

I have to say, I like most people that have commented on this page, have spent a lot of time on the internet researching the pec tear and the surgery. Six months ago I tore my pec wakeboarding. Had sharp pain and severe swelling and bruising. I intially went to my PA and he referred me to a physical therapist (basically he just assumed muscle tear) The PT Doc said it was a torn pec but tendon was ok and that I would be able to get most all my strength back and just a little deformation. After about 5 months, I got a lot of strength back, but just knew something was wrong in there. I was finally able to see an Ortho Surgeon and he said it was a complete tendon tear and I'm going in to surgery on the 13th of May. The surgeon told me that it may not be repairable this late in the game but I have to try. Thank you to all that have posted, I know we can all relate to such a life changing event. Best of luck all...

May 05, 2009
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surgery
by: Shawn

I had surgery 1.5 weeks ago. Last week the doctor took out half of the twenty staples. I�ll get the others out later this week. Surgery went well, but there was a lot of tension to pull the muscle back, the doctor had to move the arm across my chest and sew the torn peck to the arm, as there was to much tension to pull it over. I had planed on driving home after the surgery, but instead woke up 8 hrs later connected to an IV and morphine drip. I was able to leave the hospital 9 hrs later, and got off the pain pills 1.5 days later. Still taking the Tylenol/ asa but that is all.
The hardest thing so far is not moving the arm. After the first 5 days you want to, but remind your self it will not heal to the bone if you do. I�m looking into starting some hyperbaric treatments in week 2 or 3 to speed up the healing process.
Hope it helps anyone going through the same thing.

Jun 05, 2009
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3 weeks out
by: Sixetyfive

I am 3 weeks fro having surgery, and thanful the surgeon was able to make the repair. I was at about the 7 month mark from injury to surgery. I'm still in a sling, pain hasn't been too bad, and stiches have already come out. I should start physical therapy at the beginning of July and we'll see how that goes. Thanks to all those posting!

Jun 17, 2009
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torn pec. tendon
by: stupid

surgery for my pec. tear is scheduled for tuesday. sooo glad i got a 2nd opinion on this since the 2nd doc. says not to cut me at the top of my armpit but at the top of my bisep where the tear is. i guess i should feel lucky since i don't have any major muscle tissue tear, the tear was simply my tendon pulling away from my humerous when bench pressing. this caused extensive bleeding which went down by arm and it looked like my arm was severely bruised, which wasn't the case at all. they are going to secure the tendon using anchors and then my tendon will eventually re-attach itself back to the bone along with having this anchor support. i should have a complete restoration of my strength in this shoulder since , again, no muscle tear, tendon tear which doc says heals better than muscle and will naturally grow back onto the bone. i'm not sure if i'll get back to lifting heavy on the bench again but this is a humbling experience that i plan not to repeat. i'll slowly work my way back into benching 225 lbs and see where my training leads me...hope this info. helps anyone else who is going thru this. fyi, never go with just one doc's opinion, talk to at least two and make sure the guys not going to do exploratory surgery. Have a doc who reads the MRI correctly and go from there, if you have any questions or doubts then go for a 3rd. This is something you don't play with... never ever bench without a good spotter and never collar your weight on the bench press...

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Jun 17, 2009
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Submitted by: stupid

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surgery for my pec. tear is scheduled for tuesday. sooo glad i got a 2nd opinion on this since the 2nd doc. says not to cut me at the top of my armpit but at the top of my bisep where the tear is. i guess i should feel lucky since i don't have any major muscle tissue tear, the tear was simply my tendon pulling away from my humerous when bench pressing. this caused extensive bleeding which went down by arm and it looked like my arm was severely bruised, which wasn't the case at all. they are going to secure the tendon using anchors and then my tendon will eventually re-attach itself back to the bone along with having this anchor support. i should have a complete restoration of my strength in this shoulder since , again, no muscle tear, tendon tear which doc says heals better than muscle and will naturally grow back onto the bone. i'm not sure if i'll get back to lifting heavy on the bench again but this is a humbling experience that i plan not to repeat. i'll slowly work my way back into benching 225 lbs and see where my training leads me...hope this info. helps anyone else who is going thru this. fyi, never go with just one doc's opinion, talk to at least two and make sure the guys not going to do exploratory surgery. Have a doc who reads the MRI correctly and go from there, if you have any questions or doubts then go for a 3rd. This is something you don't play with... never ever bench without a good spotter and never collar your weight on the bench press...

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Jun 22, 2009
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two stupids = an injury
by: Anonymous

Benching 365 and had some idiot spotting me,I should have known better. I am the other idiot who was stupid enought to max out on a day I was totally worn out.Anyway I started the lift and I am about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up and I can't get any further and the bar stops and my spotter just stood there watching me struggle until I wore out and the bar started to come back down which is of course when my pec tore,then he tried lifting the weight hollering that he couldn't lift it, all the while he is in the way so I could not attempt to upend the bar without risk of hurting him in the process finally 3 guys came running over and got the bar off me.Then I went to Kaiser where they told me I was fine even though I was black and blue all down my arm and my pec muscle was hanging to the center of my chest and the only reason I would want surgery would be for cosmetic reasons I would be ok in 7 to 8 weeks. 8 weeks later I wasn't better so I went in and a different person told me I would forever have weakness in my injured side unless I got surgery and why did I wait so long?upshot? I ended getting surgery.The surgeon misdiagnosed my MRI as tendon off the bone. It turned out the muscle had torn away from the tendon.I was suppose to wear a sling for 6weeks but only used it for 2 1/2 weeks as I had to return to work and did not want the boss to know I was hurt. I am 2months post surgery and am getting fairly good ROM back and some strength but am being cautious as I can feel where they anchored it whenever I move it around much.I never took any of the painpills just iced it whenever it started hurting which was a bit the first day postop.never really started working heavy on the bench until after I had to stop olympic lifting due to an ACL injury.I use to make fun of guys who used to try and see how much weight they could bench.I guese the jokes on me now.wish I had gotten my ACL repaired and never started benching heavy.one thing for sure I will never again use so much weight in a lift that I need someboby to spot me again, ever.

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Jun 22, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Benching 365 and had some idiot spotting me,I should have known better. I am the other idiot who was stupid enought to max out on a day I was totally worn out.Anyway I started the lift and I am about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up and I can't get any further and the bar stops and my spotter just stood there watching me struggle until I wore out and the bar started to come back down which is of course when my pec tore,then he tried lifting the weight hollering that he couldn't lift it, all the while he is in the way so I could not attempt to upend the bar without risk of hurting him in the process finally 3 guys came running over and got the bar off me.Then I went to Kaiser where they told me I was fine even though I was black and blue all down my arm and my pec muscle was hanging to the center of my chest and the only reason I would want surgery would be for cosmetic reasons I would be ok in 7 to 8 weeks. 8 weeks later I wasn't better so I went in and a different person told me I would forever have weakness in my injured side unless I got surgery and why did I wait so long?upshot? I ended getting surgery.The surgeon misdiagnosed my MRI as tendon off the bone. It turned out the muscle had torn away from the tendon.I was suppose to wear a sling for 6weeks but only used it for 2 1/2 weeks as I had to return to work and did not want the boss to know I was hurt. I am 2months post surgery and am getting fairly good ROM back and some strength but am being cautious as I can feel where they anchored it whenever I move it around much.I never took any of the painpills just iced it whenever it started hurting which was a bit the first day postop.never really started working heavy on the bench until after I had to stop olympic lifting due to an ACL injury.I use to make fun of guys who used to try and see how much weight they could bench.I guese the jokes on me now.wish I had gotten my ACL repaired and never started benching heavy.one thing for sure I will never again use so much weight in a lift that I need someboby to spot me again, ever.

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Jun 23, 2009
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Torn Pec
by: Kimo

Tore my pec muscle on 12 June 09. Of all things surfing down in Waikiki. The sad part is I have a pretty good bench press right around 385 for a solid single.

Had an MRI done on the 18th of June 09. Thought it was just a bad sprain in that area. The tech in the office did see some damage, but she stated the doctor would have to give the officially answer.

Still have a lot of pain in the chest area, swelling, and bruising. Depending on the severity of the tear it may require surgery. If it doesn't require surgery rest and treatment with ice and heat should do the job within 4 to 6 weeks.

I confirmed my appointment yesterday with the "Straub Bone & Joint Clinic" for Thursday the 25th of June at 1230hrs. I'll be seeing Dr Walden one of the best orthopedic doctors on the island. I spoke with the nurse yesterday she stated Dr. Walden reviewed my MRI and "Believes" I'll require surgery to re-attach part of the sternal muscle and clavicle pec major.

When I go in on Thursday the doc wants to do a mobility check on my shoulder, arm, and chest. Guess he'll be verifying range of motion in these areas.

If surgery is recommended it'll be done within the month. With this type of injury surgery should be completed within 30 to 60 days. Guess the body attempts to heal itself in all the wrong places.

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Jun 23, 2009
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Submitted by: Kimo

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Comment
Tore my pec muscle on 12 June 09. Of all things surfing down in Waikiki. The sad part is I have a pretty good bench press right around 385 for a solid single. Had an MRI done on the 18th of June 09. Thought it was just a bad sprain in that area. The tech in the office did see some damage, but she stated the doctor would have to give the officially answer. Still have a lot of pain in the chest area, swelling, and bruising. Depending on the severity of the tear it may require surgery. If it doesn't require surgery rest and treatment with ice and heat should do the job within 4 to 6 weeks. I confirmed my appointment yesterday with the "Straub Bone & Joint Clinic" for Thursday the 25th of June at 1230hrs. I'll be seeing Dr Walden one of the best orthopedic doctors on the island. I spoke with the nurse yesterday she stated Dr. Walden reviewed my MRI and "Believes" I'll require surgery to re-attach part of the sternal muscle and clavicle pec major. When I go in on Thursday the doc wants to do a mobility check on my shoulder, arm, and chest. Guess he'll be verifying range of motion in these areas. If surgery is recommended it'll be done within the month. With this type of injury surgery should be completed within 30 to 60 days. Guess the body attempts to heal itself in all the wrong places.

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Jun 23, 2009
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Torn Pec 12 June 09
by: Kimo

Tore my pec muscle on 12 June 09. Of all things surfing down in Waikiki. The sad part is I have a pretty good bench press right around 385 for a solid single.

Had an MRI done on the 18th of June 09. Thought it was just a bad sprain in that area. The tech in the office did see some damage, but she stated the doctor would have to give the officially answer.

Still have a lot of pain in the chest area, swelling, and bruising. Depending on the severity of the tear it may require surgery. If it doesn't require surgery rest and treatment with ice and heat should do the job within 4 to 6 weeks.

I confirmed my appointment yesterday with the "Straub Bone & Joint Clinic" for Thursday the 25th of June at 1230hrs. I'll be seeing Dr Walden one of the best orthopedic doctors on the island. I spoke with the nurse yesterday she stated Dr. Walden reviewed my MRI and "Believes" I'll require surgery to re-attach part of the sternal muscle and clavicle pec major.

When I go in on Thursday the doc wants to do a mobility check on my shoulder, arm, and chest. Guess he'll be verifying range of motion in these areas.

If surgery is recommended it'll be done within the month. With this type of injury surgery should be completed within 30 to 60 days. Guess the body attempts to heal itself in all the wrong places.

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Jun 23, 2009
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Submitted by: Kimo

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Jun 24, 2009
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Total rupture left pectoralis major
by: slyman

hello,
i ruptured my left pec major on 4-12-09. i had my surgery on 6-23-09. the ligament has been attached to the humerus and the muscle sutured. the surgeon explained the muscle was tucked in and he had to extend the pec to the original location with great difficulty. the delay for surgery was with the x2 mri approvals with my insurance. i was benching 315 x5 reps. have been benching for x20 years. the injury actually occured during a sparing session. this is my third sports injury in 20 years. according to my research, surgery is the best option if you desire to lift weights. i am also in the medical field so i received unbiased opinions.

sly

Aug 13, 2009
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total detachment from shoulder
by: scott

Tore my chest about 3 years ago.

I have no strength on the left side where the tear is and it is droopy. Looks freaky when I flex.

Was planning to just live with it but it really is a problem. It is always sore and has sharp pains whenever I try to use it.

Can surgery still be done at this point. If so can anyone recommend a surgeon in the Southern California area.

Thanks,
scott

Aug 31, 2009
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my pec/tendon
by: Anonymous

I tore my pec/tendon in may. Im extremely nervous because I think I may have re tore it. I feel no pain at all and was wondering if its possible for no pain or bruising but a slight deformation. All I have been doing is therapy. It looks like my tendon just under my arm pit is compensating especially when I push my palms together but I have no pain and I have full rotation. But still very nervous especially because my job is physically demanding

Dec 26, 2009
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Torn Decision
by: KEVIN

I was a competitive bodybuilder in the early 90's
have bench pressed for many years. I have had 3-4 times where I would be benching & would experence severe pain in my left pec. Always had a spotter & had them remove the bar.Never had any discoloration etc.. but could not bench for aprox.6 weeks after such.Never had problems with dumbells! While frustrating & a bit uncomfortable just chalked it up to a minor tear.Then nearly a year ago & @ 48 years old while training my son for football & convinced to get back to an over 400lb bench."never stopped working out just not as heavy as i once had" I while pressing 300lbs felt an enormous pain & an imediate muscle twitch & an increadable & imediate hole in my pec. My son pulled the weight off of me & I knew that this time it was much more severe than in the past! I called my Doc.but was traveling out of the country the next morning so he just got me some Loratab for the trip.My pec,bicep etc was very swollen & turned black & blue.by the time we got back the pain had subsided & I had decent motion so I didnt go back to him. Then about 6 months ago & with a very noticable hole in my pec. I saw a local specialist who diagnosed it as a tear."my family Doc never did an MRI or anything as they said they didnt know how to go about it since it was so close to the heart??" The specialist he recomended me to didnt ask for one either? His recomendation was to live with it if it was not bothering me to much & I didn't mind the look.& that it would be very hard to fix since I had waited so long. I do have pretty good range can do altered push-ups but have what seems to be getting worse sagging & weird looking pec.
I can feel the weakness in just lifting normal things around the house.When flexing the chest the hole is very pronounced! Now I can't decide what to do? I hate the look I hate the weakness I feel. Any words of advice? It sounds like from reading the posts I should get an MRI? I assume it will continue to get worse? HELP??

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Dec 26, 2009
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Submitted by: KEVIN

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Comment
I was a competitive bodybuilder in the early 90's have bench pressed for many years. I have had 3-4 times where I would be benching & would experence severe pain in my left pec. Always had a spotter & had them remove the bar.Never had any discoloration etc.. but could not bench for aprox.6 weeks after such.Never had problems with dumbells! While frustrating & a bit uncomfortable just chalked it up to a minor tear.Then nearly a year ago & @ 48 years old while training my son for football & convinced to get back to an over 400lb bench."never stopped working out just not as heavy as i once had" I while pressing 300lbs felt an enormous pain & an imediate muscle twitch & an increadable & imediate hole in my pec. My son pulled the weight off of me & I knew that this time it was much more severe than in the past! I called my Doc.but was traveling out of the country the next morning so he just got me some Loratab for the trip.My pec,bicep etc was very swollen & turned black & blue.by the time we got back the pain had subsided & I had decent motion so I didnt go back to him. Then about 6 months ago & with a very noticable hole in my pec. I saw a local specialist who diagnosed it as a tear."my family Doc never did an MRI or anything as they said they didnt know how to go about it since it was so close to the heart??" The specialist he recomended me to didnt ask for one either? His recomendation was to live with it if it was not bothering me to much & I didn't mind the look.& that it would be very hard to fix since I had waited so long. I do have pretty good range can do altered push-ups but have what seems to be getting worse sagging & weird looking pec. I can feel the weakness in just lifting normal things around the house.When flexing the chest the hole is very pronounced! Now I can't decide what to do? I hate the look I hate the weakness I feel. Any words of advice? It sounds like from reading the posts I should get an MRI? I assume it will continue to get worse? HELP??

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Dec 30, 2009
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reinjured
by: anthony c

tore my left pec a year ago working out after mri dr told me that surgery would not be a option it wood be like sewing spaggettie together ihave now tore it again i can see the dimple in my chest when i flex the muscle and have lost 50 percent of my stregth i am going for my next mri this week and am thinking that surguery is my only way to repair this for good am nervous about the whole scenerio but i have to do it and thats that so i would appreciate any response a to who is the best dr in north new jersey for this type of surgury

Dec 30, 2009
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Feb 15, 2010
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Torn Pec
by: AFWR

Almost three weeks ago I partially torn my right pec while doing ji-jitsu. I have surgery tomorrow. I'm in the military and 3 surgeons looked at the MRI, yet still not sure exactly where the tear is, they think it from the bone. I have selling in my pec, my right bicep bruised but not like most tears and by armpit lost definition. Hopefully everything goes well and I can get back to my activities. Good luck on everyone's recoveries I hope you get back to your activities that you enjoy.

Mar 02, 2010
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torn pec?
by: Hector

I wish I could post a picture. So about two weeks ago I was training Braizlian Jiu Jitsu and I felt this werid pain/sensation. It all happened so fast I can't even recall exactly what I was doing. It felt like my should came out of the socket but, after laying there for about 2 minutes I was able to move my arm. I had a hard time changing and driving home. When I woke up in the morning I had major swelling from my arm pit to the bottom of my elbow. I went to see a friend of mine who is Chrio not an ortho and he guessed it was a torn pec. Currently the brusing has gone away I feel that I have all of my range of motion. The only thing that I can't do is push ups? I've tried curling some weight and stretching and there's really no pain. On a scale of 1-10 I would say 1-1.5. Is it possible that maybe I strained it really bad? Should I still go see a doctor? The reason I haven't gone is the lack oh health insurance.

Mar 02, 2010
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Mar 08, 2010
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Torn Pec
by: Anonymous

Im in you same situation Hector I think I tore my Pec or the tendon myself. The injury happend this Valentines day but my insurance deductable is so high I have to pay for the visit out of my pocket so Im saving the money so aspecialist can have a look at it.