Supplements to Repair Torn Muscle

Torn muscles, also known as muscle strains, occur when one or more of your muscles is stretched beyond its natural length. Muscle strains are classified as mild, moderate or severe, based on the amount of muscle damaged and the symptoms you experience. MayoClinic.com states that your tendons may also develop tears if they are overstretched. Dietary supplements have been used for many years to help heal torn muscles, but you should always clear the use of supplements with your doctor beforehand.

Muscle tears usually occur when you place significant pressure on a muscle or lift an object that is too heavy. KidsHealth.org states that strains, or tears, occur more frequently in people who have not warmed up properly before performing a strenuous task. A warm-up is necessary because it allows blood to circulate to your muscles. You can develop tears in any of your muscles, although your hamstrings, quadriceps, calf and rotator cuff muscles are among the most commonly affected muscles.

There are numerous nutritional supplements that may be appropriate in repairing your torn muscles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, both herbal and non-herbal nutritional supplements have historically been used in treating muscle tears, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, bromelain, vitamin C, zinc, white willow bark, turmeric, and horse chestnut. Further clinical research evidence for some of these supplements may be required to determine their true effectiveness for this particular health complaint.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, may be one of the most helpful supplements in treating your torn muscle. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for tissue growth and repair. MayoClinic.com notes that vitamin C may help thwart exercise-related muscle damage in healthy people, although the clinic also states that more research is needed to support this supplement for this health purpose.

A torn muscle, depending on the severity of your injury, can cause considerable difficulty in performing your usual tasks and activities.If you suffer a muscle strain, report to your family physician for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Dietary supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy for your torn muscle. However, the use of supplements should not supplant other treatment methods recommended by your primary care provider. Dietary supplements should always be used with the same caution used when taking prescription drugs.