Let’s start with the anatomy - the pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle on the front of the chest that plays a key role in arm movements like pushing, lifting, and rotating the shoulder inward. It has two parts—the clavicular head and the sternocostal head—that work together to move the arm and stabilize the shoulder. A tear in this muscle can happen suddenly, often during heavy lifting or intense physical activity, and may cause sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the chest or shoulder. In some cases, a visible gap or “dimpling” near the armpit may appear, especially when the muscle retracts.
Diagnosing a pectoralis major tear involves a thorough physical examination and a detailed history of how the injury occurred. Your trusty OHL Physiotherapists are trained to assess shoulder strength, range of motion, and muscle integrity through specific movement tests. They also help rule out other conditions that can mimic similar symptoms, such as rotator cuff injuries, biceps tendon ruptures, or shoulder dislocations. If needed, they may refer you for imaging like an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the tear.
Once we have a diagnosis, your Physio plays a vital role in helping people recover from pectoralis major tears—whether managed conservatively or after surgery. In the early stages, treatment focuses on reducing pain and protecting the healing tissue through rest, gentle movement, and postural support. As healing progresses, physiotherapists guide you through a structured, individualised rehabilitation program that includes range-of-motion exercises, progressive strengthening, and manual therapy to improve flexibility and reduce scar tissue. Education on maximising common body movements, lifting techniques, and safe return to activity ensures long-term recovery and helps prevent re-injury.
With the right support, most people regain full function and return to their usual activities with confidence. If you have suffered a pec tear, and/or any other muscle tears, don’t delay your care and call us on 9431 5955 to get started ASAP. Alternatively, if this has happened outside of our opening hours, you can book a Physiotherapy appointment online via our Client Portal. Don’t delay starting your care, as delayed care can see poorer outcomes in these injuries!
