It is possible to pull a muscle in your armpit. This area, known as the axilla, contains a complex network of muscles crucial for arm and shoulder movement. A strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when muscle fibers are stretched or torn, and several muscles in or around the armpit are susceptible to such injuries.
Muscles Around the Armpit
The armpit region contains several muscles that facilitate shoulder and arm movements. The latissimus dorsi, a large, flat muscle spanning much of the back, extends into the armpit. It plays a role in internal rotation, adduction (bringing the arm towards the body), and extension of the arm, also assisting in movements like pulling the trunk upward.
The pectoralis major and minor muscles are located in the chest but extend towards the armpit. The pectoralis major is involved in bringing the arm across the body and rotating it inward, while the pectoralis minor lies underneath it. These muscles are frequently involved in pushing movements and can be strained during activities like lifting weights or contact sports.
The teres major muscle, often called the “lat’s little helper,” works closely with the latissimus dorsi to extend, adduct, and internally rotate the humerus. It is a thick muscle connecting the shoulder blade to the upper arm. While not part of the rotator cuff, it contributes to shoulder joint stability. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—that surround the shoulder joint, stabilizing the upper arm bone and enabling various movements.
Recognizing a Pulled Armpit Muscle
Symptoms of a pulled armpit muscle include sudden, sharp pain at the time of injury, evolving into a dull ache or tenderness in the armpit or surrounding areas like the upper back or shoulder. This pain typically worsens with movement, especially when reaching, lifting, or performing activities that involve arm rotation or extension.
You may notice swelling or bruising in the affected area, and the muscle might feel stiff. In some cases, a popping sound or sensation may occur at the moment of injury, particularly with more severe tears. Such injuries often result from sudden, forceful movements like throwing, heavy lifting, or overstretching. Repetitive overhead motions or improper technique during physical activities can also contribute to muscle strains in this region.
Initial Steps for Recovery
When you suspect a pulled muscle in your armpit, initiating self-care measures can help manage symptoms and promote healing. The RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is a widely recommended first-aid approach for soft tissue injuries like muscle strains. Resting the injured area by avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort is important to prevent further damage and allow the muscle to begin healing.
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. This should be done for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every two to three hours during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury, using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to protect the skin. Gentle compression, such as wrapping the area with an elastic bandage, can also help control swelling, but it should be snug without being too tight to avoid restricting blood flow. Elevating the injured arm above heart level, especially when resting, can further aid in reducing swelling by promoting fluid drainage. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation in the initial days following the injury.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many pulled armpit muscles can improve with self-care, there are situations where professional medical attention becomes necessary. You should consult a doctor if the pain is severe, persistent, or worsens despite home treatment. Significant swelling or bruising that does not subside, or a noticeable change in the contour of the armpit or upper arm, also warrants medical evaluation.
Seek medical attention if you experience an inability to move your arm or shoulder, or if there is weakness in the affected muscles that hinders daily activities. Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand, or any signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, or pus, are also reasons to see a healthcare provider promptly. If the injury resulted from significant trauma or if you heard a “pop” at the time of injury, a medical assessment can help determine the severity of the strain and rule out more serious damage, such as a complete muscle tear.