A muscle tear is an injury to a muscle may occur during heavy physical effort.
It can affect many so-called “striated skeletal” muscles, which are made up of muscle fibers (elongated cells) and are attached to a skeletal bone. Muscle tears most often occur in the thigh (anterior or posterior) or calf. The severity of the tear varies, from a simple stretch, to a “muscle strain” (incomplete tear), to a complete tear. In this article, we show you how to use electrostimulation in the various stages of recovery.
What does a muscle tear feel like?
A muscle tear usually manifests itself as a sudden, sharp pain, accompanied by a “snapping” or “cracking” sensation. It's not usually the kind of pain with which you can continue playing your sport. Even if you can, you shouldn't, as you risk aggravating the situation. Other symptoms may include tightness in the muscle, a particular area being tender and painful to the touch, swelling and strugging to weight bear. All these symptoms normally improve with rest.
Relieving muscle tears with electrostimulation
Use of Compex after a muscle tear must always be applied with extreme caution, as there is a significant risk of aggravating the injury if used inappropriately. We strongly recommend that you consult a health professional before any treatment.
The electrostimulation protocol we recommend for the treatment of a seriously diagnosed muscle tear (muscle strain) is as follows:
1-Protocol for the first 3 days after the accident
ONLY use a TENS pain relief program (NO other programs, as they may aggravate the haematoma).
📍Electrodes
Cover the painful area with as many electrodes as necessary
🧘Body position
Place yourself in the most comfortable relaxed position
⚙️Adjust intensity
Desired effect: A pronounced but pain-free tingling sensation.
For devices not equipped with mi-TENS technology, the aim is to obtain a pronounced but painless tingling sensation.
Gradually increase stimulation level until you feel a pronounced tingling sensation. Reduce the stimulation energy level if undesirable muscle contraction occurs.
For devices with mi-TENS technology, the intensity zone that induces optimal stimulation automatically regulates the level of stimulation energies to avoid unwanted muscle contraction. On SP 4.0 and SP 8.0, as soon as the intensity is too high and an unwanted contraction is detected, the device will automatically lower the intensity.
🕒Treatment frequency
Depending on the evolution of pain, several sessions per day if necessary.
2 - From Day 4 Until Complete Healing
(theoretical duration: 21 days, to be confirmed by medical examination)
✅Program
CAPILLARISATION → promotes healing by increasing local blood flow.
📍Electrodes placement
Place the small positive electrode (red wire connection or button on the module) on the most painful point upon palpation.
Place the large negative electrode (black wire connection or module without button) at the end of the muscle.
🧘Body Position
Adopt the most comfortable neutral position.
⚙️Intensity Setting
Gradually increase the intensity until you obtain a strong muscle vibration (visible muscle twitches).
🕒Treatment Frequency
At least one session per day. Ideally, one session in the morning and another in the evening.
3 - From Day 21 Onward: Healing Achieved
(the timeframe may be longer and could require medical advice)
✅Program:
Muscle Wasting (1 week), then Strengthening (2 to 3 weeks)
📍Electrodes placement
In the case of a quadriceps strain: wired and wireless placement options.
For calf muscle strains: wired and wireless placement
⚙️Intensities
Increase very gradually until you achieve a visible contraction during the first session. Then increase with each session to reach the maximum bearable intensity.
Stimulation should never reawaken the pain perceived during the initial accident.
🕒Treatment Frequency
At least one session per day.
Pain is a sign that must not be ignored. If it is pronounced and/or lasts too long, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
FAQ
Can electrostimulation worsen a muscle tear?
If used improperly, electrostimulation can aggravate the injury. Always consult a health professional before starting electrostimulation, particularly after a severe tear.
How long should I use electrostimulation after a muscle tear?
Continue using electrostimulation daily, starting with TENS programs during the acute phase. As healing progresses, shift to capillarisation and strengthening programs as advised by your doctor.
What intensity should I use for electrostimulation after a muscle tear?
During the early stages, use a mild intensity that causes only a tingling sensation. As you progress, increase intensity to achieve muscle vibrations, but avoid pain or contractions.
How often should I use electrostimulation for muscle tears?
Initially, you may need 2-3 sessions per day for pain relief. Once the healing process advances, 1 session per day is typically sufficient.
Can I exercise during muscle tear recovery?
It's important to rest and follow a structured recovery plan. Avoid intense physical activity during the acute phase. Only resume light exercises once you've reached the healing stage, with guidance from a healthcare provider.
What is the recovery time for a muscle tear with electrostimulation?
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the tear, but it typically ranges from a few weeks to several months. Electrotherapy accelerates the healing process but should be used in conjunction with medical advice.
