Question
Hello Doc,

I was doing skull crushers in the gym (stupid exercise Never gonna do it again!!!) and I felt a pop in my elbow/triceps region.  the back of my arm swelled up and I have some slight swelling around my elbow, with bruising in the center of my tricept.  After the pain subsided with ice 20 min on 2 hours off (about 3 hours later) I have all of my range of motion with some pain throughout.  I also have a history of tendinitis

I know I tore my muscle (mild severe I don't know) that much is obvious.  My question is...  Is there any way to tell (without an MRI) that it was just a muscle tear as opposed to a tendon or ligament tear which I know is much more severe???

Answer
Hello Frank,

   Doctor's of Chiropractic specialize in the biomechanic's of the joints and muscular system of the human body.  A exam should reveal the location of the tear/sprain/strain.  Obviously with bruising some tissue was torn.  With complete ligament tears you will instability of the joint, tendon tears you will experience muscle loss and weakness.  You may want to try treat for a couple weeks if your condition does not improve you may want to get a MRI then.  Your doctor of Chiropractic will be able to decide the proper treatment for you.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.