Pectoralis Major Injury

What is the Pectoralis Major?

The Pectoralis Major is a very large and powerful muscle, located at the front of the chest. It is used to inwardly rotate the arm, pull a horizontal arm across the body, pull the body upwards from the side, and pull the the arm down from above. It usually ruptures at the point where it meets the humerus, in the arm. It is particularly prevalent amongst people who weight train, especially when a bench press is performed.

Symptoms of a Pectoralis Major Rupture

• Sudden sharp pain at the front of the shoulder
• Pain and swelling at the front of the shoulder or top of the arm
• Pain when trying to bring your arm across your chest against resistance
• Pain when rotating the arm inwards against resistance
• Visible gap or lump in the muscle.

What can the Athlete do?

• Rest and apply R.I.C.E. for at least the first two days.
• Seek medical attention.

Please visit the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on Pectoralis Major tears and other shoulder injuries.