Muscle tears can be debilitating if left untreated. If you experience muscle discomfort, pain management specialist Alexander Kulick, MD, offers you relief using advanced pain management solutions at his practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Call the New York City office or use the online booking tool if you suspect a muscle tear.

request an appointment

What are muscle tears?

When you feel like the weight of the world rests on your shoulders it may very well be a physical injury. The shoulder, one of the most flexible joints in your body, allows you to reach up, down, and to the sides as well as to rotate fully.   It is comprised of a ball and socket joint, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursae and cartilage, and they are all susceptible to damage and pain.

At the Center for Integrated Pain Management customized treatment plans target problem areas to give the patient optimal health and pain relief.  Below is a list of conditions the Center treats.

  • Shoulder Sprain, Strains and Tears, Muscle Spasms 
  • Shoulder Bursitis
  • Shoulder Osteoarthritis 
  • Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis
  • Nerve Entrapment/Radiculopathy
  • Biceps Tendonitis
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Shoulder Instability/Partial Dislocation

A diagnosis will be made once Dr. Kulick reviews your family history, completes a thorough physical examination and conducts an in-office ultrasound. If necessary,  Dr. Kulick may request that you obtain an MRI, a CT Scan or additional X-rays in order to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan.

To learn more about the treatment and relief of shoulder injuries please call us at 212-867-1777.

Muscle tears, or muscle strains, are injuries within muscle fibers. These tears might occur from playing sports, falling down, lifting something heavy, or overuse. A torn muscle often occurs in your arms, legs, or lower back. Proper treatment offers you pain relief and accelerated healing.

What are the symptoms of muscle tears?

If you have a muscle tear, you might experience:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Soreness
  • Swelling
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle weakness
  • Bruising or redness
  • Limited motion
  • Stiffness
  • A knotted feeling

Pain from muscle tears ranges from mild to severe. If your pain is long-lasting or intense, see Dr. Kulick for an evaluation. 

How are muscle tears diagnosed?

Dr. Kulick reviews your symptoms and medical history. He examines areas of your body that are painful and might use ultrasound, X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to diagnose a muscle tear or other injuries.

How are muscle tears treated?

Your personalized muscle tear treatment plan is based on the severity of your injury. Dr. Kulick might recommend:

RICE therapy

Resting, icing, compressing, and elevating an injury can enhance healing, reduce pain, and prevent reinjury. 

Regenerative medicine

Dr. Kulick offers regenerative medicine injections to accelerate healing naturally without surgery or downtime. They include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), sourced from your blood, and stem cells.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist shows you strength and flexibility exercises that can relieve pain, stimulate healing, and prevent reinjury.

Immobilization

Dr. Kulick can help you immobilize the site of a muscle tear using a splint or brace.

Surgery

In severe cases of muscle tears, surgery helps you fully recover muscle and joint function. Surgical procedures are often a last resort if other treatments haven’t worked.

Can I prevent muscle tears?

Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle may lower your risk of developing muscle tears. Conduct strength and stretching exercises, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and avoid overuse when possible. Warm up before sports activities and strenuous exercise.

Despite taking precautions, muscle tears can still occur. If they do, you can trust Dr. Kulick with your care. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online at the office of Dr. Alexander Kulick today.