A breakdown is manifested by various symptoms over time:

1) First, there is a sudden, violent pain, like a stabbing, which is accompanied by a snap and which forces the stopping of the current effort.

2) The muscle in question becomes paralyzed and becomes difficult to mobilize for the victim. Stretching (passive) and isometric contraction are then impossible and very painful¹. The pain becomes permanent, and any movement requiring the muscle in question induces pain close to the initial one. The pain is also sharp and extensive on palpation.

3) One or more bruises appear within hours or days, sometimes accompanied by bruising and discolorations around the injured muscle (depending on the extent, position and depth of the injury.

4) The muscle remains stiff for several weeks.