What's the Difference Between a Pulled Muscle and a Torn Muscle?

A muscle strain is an injury that occurs when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched. A muscle tear is when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched and it tears.

How do you tell if you've strained or torn a muscle?

Swelling, bruising, or redness due to the injury. Pain at rest. Pain when the specific muscle or the joint in relation to that muscle is used. Weakness of the muscle or tendons.

Can a muscle tear heal on its own?

When a tear happens, the muscles have been stretched or overworked too quickly. As the body begins to repair itself, the muscle fibers regenerate and connective scar tissue starts to form, with your body's collagen aiding the process. However, the clean, orderly fibers never go back to their original formation.