The muscles of your upper arm play a key role in nearly every motion — from lifting and reaching to carrying and throwing.
When one of these muscles is overstretched or torn, the result is an upper arm strain, a painful injury that can limit mobility and daily function.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand how frustrating arm pain can be, especially when it interferes with work, exercise, or daily tasks.
Led by Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, our team provides comprehensive, personalized care for muscle strains and related soft-tissue injuries across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.
Our goal is to restore strength, relieve pain, and prevent reinjury through evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs.
Understanding Upper Arm Muscle Strains
A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibers are stretched beyond their limit or torn due to overuse, sudden force, or poor conditioning. In the upper arm, this commonly affects: among:
Strains can range from mild (minor overstretching) to severe (partial or complete tear). Prompt treatment helps ensure proper healing and minimizes scar tissue formation.
Risk Factors:
Even minor strains can worsen without proper rest and rehabilitation.
Upper arm muscle strain symptoms can vary based on injury severity but typically include:
Mild strains may feel like tightness or soreness, while severe ones can make arm movement difficult or impossible.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke performs a thorough evaluation to determine which muscle is affected and the extent of the injury.
Diagnostic process includes:
Physical Examination:
Imaging:
Accurate diagnosis ensures that you receive the most effective treatment plan for your injury’s grade and severity.
Treatment focuses on relieving pain, restoring motion, and rebuilding muscle strength safely and progressively.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Most upper arm muscle strains heal with conservative care.
Non-surgical options include:
With consistent therapy, most patients experience improvement within 2–6 weeks.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is rarely required for muscle strains but may be necessary for complete muscle or tendon tears that fail to heal naturally.
Post-surgical care includes immobilization, followed by progressive rehabilitation to regain strength and prevent reinjury.
Rehabilitation goals:
With Dr. Burke’s personalized therapy programs, most patients return to normal function pain-free.
Most upper arm strains heal completely with timely care.
However, poor rehabilitation or returning to activity too soon can lead to reinjury.
To prevent future strains:
Maintaining balanced muscle strength is key to long-term arm health.
You should contact Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you experience:
Prompt orthopedic evaluation can prevent worsening injury and ensure full recovery.
Upper arm strains can limit your strength and mobility — but with the right care, recovery is within reach.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine advanced diagnostics, evidence-based therapy, and compassionate guidance to help you heal safely and completely.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online
Serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas — trusted care for upper arm and shoulder injuries.
