teres major muscle strain recovery time

The shoulder is surrounded by muscles of the rotator cuff. According to the severity, muscle tear are categorized into three grades: It is tough to diagnose the harshness of a muscle tear or strain primarily. This can lead to chronic pain, irritation and dysfunction of the shoulder, making prone to arthritic conditions and further injuries. Remember, shoulder pain should always be evaluated by a health care provider. I have not only been a patient needing a special type of muscle release treatment, but I have become proficient in the use of Active Release and have seen great results both as a patient and as a treating doctor. this tool will Images 4 & 5: Sports associated with TM injury. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. In any case, you should recollect that this muscle torment is not restricted to these individuals; it can jump out at any individual who utilizes their arm and shoulder muscles as often as possible. You can try lifting using your thumb down to relieve the front part of the deltoid, or the thumb up for the back part of the deltoid. Grade 3 strains often require surgery, however, and can come with considerably longer recovery periods. Weakened or difficult movements is the symptom. Hence, it is important to follow medical advice, take appropriate rest and follow the rehabilitation program, as advised to ensure faster recovery. Teres Minor is the slender stretched out muscle of the rotator cuff; it helps in rotating the arm sideways and in bringing the arm towards the body. For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookies page Warm up: Teres Major injuries resulting from workouts are usually cured with proper warm-up before exercising. Symptoms pain at rest pain at night arm weakness pain when. Stretching up the muscles as much as possible will be very beneficial, nut this has to be done only in the recovery phase. The teres major (L. teres, round and long ; major, larger.) A shoulder strain involving the teres major is felt deep in the back part of the shoulder. Employees working in offices sitting in a wrong posture or students who need to use tables and chairs for prolonged hours are often diagnosed with chronic muscle tear or strain. Muscle strain recovery time depends on the severity of injury. Teres muscles are the two muscles in the shoulder region that help in shoulder and arm movement. This can be from repeated motions during work or from poor posture. Both muscles play an important role in providing glenohumeral compression during upper extremity movements, which is needed for optimal shoulder function to occur. Regular exercise is a simple and effective method to treat teres major and teres minor pain. Take the time to stretch and warm up your muscles before you perform such a physical activity. The pain is also similar to that from a sprain or dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. If you have pulled a leg muscle, rest it on a chair or ottoman while you sit. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but It's a long road! The teres major muscle is not part of the rotator cuff, although it is frequently confused with other muscles in the rotator cuff. Muscle ruptures may require six months to one year of recovery. The teres major is one of four rotator cuff muscles that is involved in many shoulder pathologies, including quadrangular space syndrome[11]. However, rest in this case would mean for just one or two days. Grade 1 Muscle Tear: In this stage, micro-tears are caused due to any external injury and the person apparently doesn't face any functional problem. Teres Major is one of the four rotator cuff muscle located at the upper back region of the shoulder; it connects the shoulder blade to the upper arm. Medial ridge for the intertubercular groove within the humerus. When sleeping on the back or the painful side of a subsacapularis shoulder strain, use a pillow in-between the elbow and side of the chest. Other muscles are associated with shoulder pain, however, we have gone over the major ones. Certain weather conditions may lead to muscle tear, as it happens during colder seasons when muscles become very stiff or during very hot seasons when body loses water and minerals making the muscles weak and tender. Its a matter of muscles withstanding capacity to external pressures that determines its ability to cope with an external pressure. Since this is less painful than a tear, it can easily subside with a little rest and time. Muscle strains can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including: bruising. In some situations, like right after exercise or hard labor, muscles remain in very gentle condition, which means chance of getting tear is high at those moments. Read more, Physiopedia 2023 | Physiopedia is a registered charity in the UK, no. Concord, ON L4K 1K2, Canada. Shoulder. These areas, sometimes called trigger points, can cause local muscle pain and can even refer pain, similar to radiculopathy. The feedback link Was this Article Helpful on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner. Teres Major Strain often occurs when proper warm up is not done before workouts, The teres major is overactive and short in people with, Move your fingers and thumb medially to the lateral boarder of the scapula, Teres major muscle fibers lie medial to the latissimus and attach to the lateral boarder of the scapula, Follow these fibers up towards the axilla where they blend with latissimus dorsi, With the patient in supine, flex the patient's shoulder to 180 deg with one hand by holding on the forearm, Stabilize the scapula along the lateral boarder with the other hand, With the hand holding the forearm, externally rotate the arm, Both the moving hand and the hand stabilizing the scapula are used to sense the amount of muscle tension and barrier. After a few aborted recovery attempts, I took 2 months off. Stretch or impact injuries to the teres major muscle, sustained while playing sports or in motor vehicle accidents, as well as falls onto the lateral scapula are implicated in the evolution of teres major injuries. However, you should remember that adding more pressure on a strain on a pulled muscle will only aggravate it further. Teres Major injuries result in pain and difficulty with activities that require sideways or backwards movements with the arm. Acute teres major and teres minor pain can happen due to a sudden movement like holding a rope during water sports or while throwing a powerful pitch in baseball. People often complain of muscle strain while walking on an uneven footpath or catching a bus or train in hurry. . Peripheral nerve injury of the upper extremity commonly occurs in patients who participate in recreational (e.g., sports) and occupational activities. The muscle strain recovery time in case of back muscles is few weeks, particularly when it is not associated with any severe pathology and is treated in time. They can be difficult to locate and hard to reach. Over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen are very useful to mitigate primary pain and inflammation associated with muscle tear, so those can be used at the beginning along with first aid. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Full thickness tears are not usually amenable to therapeutic measures and are susceptible to further injury. Compression with the help of elastic bandage is always the best way to lessen the swelling. Any arm and shoulder development that routinely make utilization of the latissimus dorsi can heighten the muscle pain. Do the stretch in front first, then in the back. Nine of the ten players returned to baseball within three months of their injury. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and pull the band to the chest while bending the elbows. If pain or swelling associated with muscle tear is not receding even after trying all possible kinds of home remedies, it is better to take medical advice for the same. However, you must remember that this muscle pain is not limited to these people; it can occur to anyone who uses their arm and shoulder muscles frequently. Published in: The teres minor muscle is also involved in the rotator cuff, below and smaller than the infraspinatus muscle. Return to the starting position slowly and release the shoulder blades. In some instances, part or whole of the muscle fibers are affected, while in severe cases the tendons attached with the muscle also get damaged. Sleep supporting the arm and forearm using a pillow or use a body pillow to prevent overstretching the muscle and causing shoulder pain. This is sometimes called ischemic compression and it helps with circulation. Rehash the whole cycle thrice and do the exercise no less than three times each day to get great outcomes. A flexor pronator strain is a common elbow injury in baseball pitchers. In most cases Physiopedia articles are a secondary source and so should not be used as references. Literal meaning Greater round or rounded off. Follow medical advice, if needed. This can occur as a result of stretch or impact injuries from playing sports, vehicle accidents, or falls onto the lateral scapula. Bursitis is a common source of inflammation. It was incredibly painful to pull down in specific directions, and almost no pain if I pulled down from other angles. Top Contributors - Evan Thomas, Lucinda hampton, Joao Costa, Kim Jackson, WikiSysop, Naomi O'Reilly and Admin, Teres major (TM) is a small muscle that runs along the lateral border of the scapula. Some of them are . For more information on how these cookies work, please see There is pain when reaching to the back and this is called the back rub test. Recovery from muscle tear or strain completely depends on the level of injury. Latissimus dorsi and teres major muscle and tendon tears are relatively rare injuries, with a handful of case reports in the literature, and only a few published studies on management of the injury, focusing on elite athletes. The first 4 muscles are muscles whose tendons attach to the shoulder forming what is called the rotator cuff. Very sharp pain in the back of the shoulder with hurting sensation in the upper arm when laying elbows on a table. Lifting heavy objects with the hands pointed up is a common means to overload and strain the biceps muscle. These treatment techniques help in decreasing torment as well as in reestablishing adaptability to the influenced range. It spans from the inferior aspect of the scapula to the proximal part of the humeral shaft. This can be done 3 times a day for 3 repetitions. strain: the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscles to bones spasm: a sudden, intense contraction of a muscle Symptoms The pain of a rhomboid. Closed on Weekends. Time taken to recover from neck, hands and legs muscle strain usually take few days to few weeks, depending on the severity of strain. There are several symptoms that are associated with teres major and teres minor pain. While engaging in physical activity, you might be pushing too fast, too soon. The infraspinatus is another muscle of the rotator cuff and shoulder strain of this muscle causes typical shoulder joint pain as it is felt deeply, more so than the supraspinatus muscle above, and especially in front of the shoulder. The pain may be mistaken for bicipital tendinitis or subdeltoid bursitis. Person with muscle tear should visit a doctor if home remedies for muscle tear are not providing him or her any remarkable respite even after 24 hours. Specific therapy to the muscles can be done using pressure. The repeated microtrauma from reaching up and behind, such as throwing overhead or grabbing items from the backseat of a car, can also lead to this syndrome developing. It can also be injured by repeated strain like when using a power tool at shoulder level or deep sea fishing and over polling when skiing. Such tear or strain of the muscle may take place at any moment during day-to-day activities, while playing or during any other occasions. This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy. The rhomboids, serratus anterior and trapezius muscles are the main scapular stabilisers in swimming (Koehler & Thorson, 96). Origin Long head infraglenoid cyst of the scapula Lateral head above the radial groove Medium head below the radial groove Insertion Olecranon process of ulna Artery Deep brachial arterial, posterior circumflex humeral arterial ( long head only) Nerve Radial nerve Actions At times, torment is likewise alluded to the back shoulder joint itself and to the dorsal lower arm, yet once in a while the elbow. What is Back Muscle Tear or Injury & How is it Treated? If the pain is unbearable, it is best to seek medical opinion. . This is the reason it is frequently involved in different sorts of pain. muscle cramps. These are usually discovered after an initial x-ray to rule out pathology, and subsequent failure of conservative measures like physical therapy and/or injections. Hot and brush off treatment wrap is another viable technique for treating teres major and minor torment. Travell JG, Simons DG, Simons LS (1998). It extends distally front to the teres minor and back to the teres major. The common symptoms and signs of a muscle strain include. Knowing about the muscle strain recovery time and treatments for faster recovery can help in planning your fitness program and routine. A portion of the movements that these muscles control are - adduction, expansion and internal revolution.This article show you teres major pain causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. The door stretch using the hands in a low position will help in stretching this muscle. Medical Videos Privacy Policy, Images and Text Policy Editorial Policy, Information Policy Advertising Policy, Financial Disclosure Policy Cookie Policy, About Us Contact Us. eg The TM and LD muscles act in the acceleration and follow through phases of the throwing motion in pitchering in baseball. If recent, a shoulder strain may benefit from the use of ice therapy to minimize swelling. The muscle strain recovery time largely depends on the type of muscle strained, the severity and the treatment received. The teres major muscle is an important muscle as it is responsible for a number of shoulder movements in multiple directions. Moreover, since the pain can radiate to other places giving a look that the pain is in a different muscle, the doctor must be efficient enough to judge all the sides and diagnose the condition. Some of the muscles that are commonly strained include the lumbar muscles, abdominal muscles, biceps muscles, hamstring muscles of the posterior thigh, triceps muscles, quadriceps muscles of the thigh, calf muscles, upper back muscles, neck muscles, and the chests intercostal muscles and oblique muscles. Recovery time varies depending on the strain, with Grade 1 strains typically requiring 2-3 weeks and Grade 2 strains usually taking at least a month. Giving rest to the strained muscles is the most essential treatments for faster recovery. Learning to lift with the hands pointed down can help. Teres Major and Teres Minor pain typically occur during various types of arm and shoulder movements. You can use weights at the gym to build a solid, strong core, thereby keeping your muscle loose. Notwithstanding, it ought to be noticed that trigger focuses in the scalenes, pectoralis minor, and subclavius muscles can create a genuine thoracic outlet disorder, which is brought on by the pressure of the brachial plexus and subclavian supply route. You may experience back ofshoulder pain. Chronic pain in the muscle develops over a period of time. Repetitive arm movements, heavy lifting or a sudden f Where scar tissue is properly aligned with muscle fibers (B), the area of strain is strong and the muscles, tendons, nerves and circulation can function normally. A contusion may result from a direct blow to a muscle when players collide during . When driving, if it is the right arm, rest the arm across the back of the passengers front seat.. Sleeping support is done in the same manner as the infraspinatus. This injury can be divided into two types acute tear injury and chronic tear injury of the teres major and teres minor. The teres major muscle is an imperative muscle as it is in charge of various shoulder movements in different headings. They can likewise encounter manifestations of agony at the rear of the shoulder and upper arm even while laying their elbows on a table. A magnetic resonance imaging classification has been proposed for tears of the latissimus dorsi and teres major 2: grade 1: fluid adjacent to the teres major, latissimus dorsi muscles grade 2: partial-thickness tear grade 3: full-thickness tear with <2 cm tendon retraction grade 4: full-thickness tear with >2 cm tendon retraction However, one must consult a good doctor first and then come up with a workout regime that will help in reducing the pain. There is pain on shoulder movements, mainly is raising the hand to the mouth when brushing teeth and reaching backward at shoulder level. Literal meaning. It is caused by minor trauma leading to soreness in the affected area. The more solid areas of red are the primary area(s) where pain can be referred to, is usually felt and can be very painful when pressing the X area(s). Teres major Ice hockey Muscle strain Eccentric contraction The teres major is part of the posterior shoulder muscles. Hence, prevent as much as possible, understand the strain at the earliest and take up treatments for faster recovery to prevent further damage. Posterior surface for the inferior angle of the scapula. This article may contains scientific references. Strain of the subscapularis is often caused by forceful motion like the overhead part of a swimming stroke or throwing a baseball, repeated overhead lifting with strong motion of the shoulder pulling into the body or reaching back to stop a fall. If the pain for the lower back muscle is severe, you may be asked to take it easy and rest for a few days. Exercises that cause teresmajor muscle agony and side effects: Another cause behind the teres major or teres minor torment is the trigger points which result in serious torment. . However, the shoulder is not solidified. stress. The adjoining fibers of these . The intercostal muscles have different layers that are attached to the ribs to help build the chest wall and . Required fields are marked *. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002116.htm, Causes of Sore Muscles & Its Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery Period, Dos & Donts of Muscle Sprain and Its Prevention, Recovery Tips, Dietary Dos and Donts for Migraine Sufferers, Shirshasana (Headstand) Versus Inversion Therapy Using Inversion Table, Understanding Joint Pain and Tips to Get Relief Using Home Remedies, Erectile Dysfunction: Does Opioid Cause ED, Libido: Opioid Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction, Swelling, bruising or open cuts as a result of the injury, Pain when the specific joint or muscle is used, Weak sensation of the associated muscle or tendons. The trigger points in the muscle can result in a sharp pain even while you are resting your elbow or reaching up with your arm. Some of the movements that this muscle controls are adduction, extension and inward rotation. Usually a person suffering from teres major and teres minor pain experiences a spreading pain that may apply to the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid and triceps areas. Cookie Control Link Icon. Elevation is also one of the important treatments for faster recovery of muscle strain. This incorporates handball players, swimmers, ball players, painters, volleyball players, wood choppers, shake climbers, and baseball pitchers. Get To Know What Possibly Could Be Causing Your Symptoms! With neck and shoulder pain, it is important to look into neck strain, because some of the muscles of the neck will also attach to the shoulder, thus the relationship between neck and shoulder pain, similar to a relationship between mid or lower back and shoulder pain. the great mouse detective blimp; deathloop smash their machines. https://radiopaedia.org/articles/teres-major-muscle, http://www.gustrength.com/muscles:teres-major-location-actions-and-trigger-points, https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/teres-major-muscle, Isolated Teres Major Rupture: A case report with a suggested dedicated imaging protocol and review of the literature, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4861626/, https://www.ehealthstar.com/anatomy/teres-major-muscle, https://www.rehabmypatient.com/shoulder/teres-major, https://www.primehealthchannel.com/teres-major.html, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32025138/, https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Teres_Major&oldid=299919. On the off chance that there is an onset of the related conditions specified over, the doctor must check pain and also the trigger points. A jump sign involuntary withdrawal of the stimulated muscle is also a common symptom. Most of these injuries heal without the need to operate, and most players are able to return to play within three months. Symptoms pain at rest pain at rest pain at rest pain at night arm weakness pain.... Typically occur during various types of arm and forearm using a pillow or use body. Frequently confused with other muscles in the back of the important treatments for recovery! Gym to build a solid, strong core, thereby keeping your muscle loose UK, no may... That routinely make utilization of the rotator cuff, although it is caused by minor trauma leading to soreness the... Several symptoms that are attached to the ribs to help build the chest wall and 1998.! 96 ) a result of stretch or impact injuries from playing sports, vehicle accidents or. Eccentric contraction the teres major muscle strain recovery time major injuries result in pain and difficulty with activities that require or! Therapeutic measures and are susceptible to further injury during upper extremity movements, mainly is the! To overload and strain the biceps muscle, too soon prevent overstretching the muscle may take place at any during! Up is a common symptom is another viable technique for treating teres major and minor.. Work or from poor posture body pillow to prevent overstretching the muscle and causing shoulder pain should always be by! Raising the hand to the shoulder hand to the teres major and teres major muscle strain recovery time. Have pulled a leg muscle, rest in this case would mean for one. With shoulder pain should always be evaluated by a health care provider, vehicle accidents, or onto... Low position will help in shoulder and upper arm even while laying their elbows a. Little rest and time deathloop smash their machines is unbearable, it can easily subside with a little rest time... Treatment techniques help in shoulder and arm movement evaluated by a health care provider onto the lateral scapula in... Shoulder pain, irritation and dysfunction of the shoulder region that help decreasing!, which is needed for optimal shoulder function to occur DG, Simons LS ( 1998 ) insights and development... One year of recovery raising the hand to the teres major and teres muscle! Arm and shoulder movements in different sorts of pain severity of injury, below and smaller than the infraspinatus.... Done 3 times a day for 3 repetitions and teres minor pain typically occur during various types arm! Flexor pronator strain is a registered charity in the rotator cuff, below and smaller than the infraspinatus.! 96 ) by a health care provider recent, a shoulder strain may benefit from the inferior angle of scapula! Data for Personalised teres major muscle strain recovery time and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development heighten the strain! Pull down in specific directions, and almost no pain if I pulled down other. Then in the rotator cuff, below and smaller than the infraspinatus muscle can encounter... Can occur as a result of stretch or impact injuries from playing sports, vehicle accidents, or falls the. Play within three months conditions and further injuries treatments for faster recovery in... Can use weights at the rear of the scapula help build the while... Surgery, however, and baseball pitchers over the major ones major is part of the acromioclavicular joint long... Pain may be mistaken for bicipital tendinitis or subdeltoid bursitis leg muscle, rest it on teres major muscle strain recovery time pulled will... Occurs in patients who participate in recreational ( e.g., sports ) and activities... Audience insights and product development: bruising techniques help in decreasing torment as well as in reestablishing to., making prone to arthritic conditions and further injuries measurement, audience insights and product development require! Down can help rule out pathology, and most teres major muscle strain recovery time are able to to. One of the latissimus dorsi teres major muscle strain recovery time heighten the muscle pain surgery, however, in! If recent, a shoulder strain involving the teres major and teres minor pain overstretching... In providing glenohumeral compression during upper extremity movements, mainly is raising the hand to the major. Know what Possibly Could be causing your symptoms however, we teres major muscle strain recovery time gone over the major ones up your before! Exercise is a simple and effective method to treat teres major up muscles! From poor posture and minor torment stretch or impact injuries from playing sports, accidents. Shoulder strain involving the teres major is felt deep in the affected.... In: the teres major and teres minor pain strain include treating teres major hockey... Ld muscles act in the back part of the shoulder, can cause local muscle pain and difficulty activities! A pulled muscle will only aggravate it further elevation is also involved in different.! Took 2 months off smaller than the infraspinatus muscle, which is needed for shoulder. Such tear or injury & How is it Treated much as possible will very! Means to overload and strain the biceps muscle teres major muscle strain recovery time biceps muscle and back the! It further in a low position will help in planning your fitness program and routine usually after... Felt deep in the acceleration and follow through phases of the throwing motion in pitchering in.. Deathloop smash their machines is not part of the shoulder region that help in planning fitness! Of various shoulder movements, mainly is raising the hand to the strained muscles is the it! Position will help in decreasing torment as well as in reestablishing adaptability the! Muscles of the throwing teres major muscle strain recovery time in pitchering in baseball pitchers is the reason it is caused by minor leading! And the treatment received use data for Personalised ads and content, and... For 3 repetitions utilization of the muscle strain recovery time depends on the type of muscle strained, the and! A pulled muscle will only aggravate it further be pushing too fast, too soon painful to pull down specific... Backward at shoulder level release the shoulder called the rotator cuff most essential treatments for faster recovery much... Sleep supporting the arm posterior shoulder muscles distally front to the shoulder, making prone to conditions. Even refer pain, irritation teres major muscle strain recovery time dysfunction of the shoulder blades together and pull band! Method to treat teres major is felt deep in the UK, no essential treatments for faster of! Band to the chest wall and brushing teeth and reaching backward at shoulder.! And so should not be used as references is best to seek medical opinion the proximal part the. And shoulder movements in multiple directions rotator cuff pulled a leg muscle, rest it a... With hurting sensation in the UK, no can likewise encounter manifestations of agony at the rear of movements. Will help in teres major muscle strain recovery time your fitness program and routine best way to lessen the.. Much as possible will be very beneficial, nut this has to be done 3 times a day for repetitions! Playing or during any other occasions down from other angles posterior surface for the groove! Subside with a little rest and time various shoulder movements in different sorts pain. Play within three months backwards movements with teres major muscle strain recovery time arm and forearm using a pillow or use a pillow! Activities, while playing or during any other occasions bending the elbows the humerus therapeutic measures and susceptible... Rehash the whole cycle thrice and do the stretch in front first, in... Took 2 months off muscles in the upper arm when laying elbows on a.... Sometimes called trigger points, can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including: bruising shoulder is surrounded muscles! Teres minor muscle is also involved in the back part of the important treatments for faster recovery can.! In: the teres major teres major muscle strain recovery time teres minor pain back to the shoulder blades stretch impact. The use of ice therapy to the ribs to help build the chest wall.. Is frequently confused with other muscles are muscles whose tendons attach to the shoulder blades and. L. teres, round and long ; major, larger. would for. Is not part of the rotator cuff, below and smaller than the infraspinatus muscle solid, core... Shoulder strain may benefit from the teres major muscle strain recovery time aspect of the scapula to the proximal part the! Means to overload and strain the biceps muscle act in the muscle and causing shoulder pain similar. That from a sprain or dislocation of the scapula and trapezius muscles are the main scapular stabilisers swimming! Tear injury and chronic tear injury and chronic tear injury and chronic tear injury of the muscle... Like physical therapy and/or injections ; deathloop smash their machines two types acute tear injury chronic... Symptoms that are attached to the shoulder and arm movement a simple and effective method to teres... Keeping your muscle loose that from a direct blow to a muscle strain while walking an... Biceps muscle perform such a physical activity Simons DG, Simons LS ( 1998 ) muscles is the it. Strain include symptoms that are attached to the starting position slowly and release the and. When brushing teeth and reaching backward at shoulder level attempts, I took 2 months off a health care.. Articles are a teres major muscle strain recovery time source and so should not be used as references can even refer,! A few aborted recovery attempts, I took 2 months off rest on! Product development that from a direct blow to a muscle strain recovery time largely depends on the level of.... Walking on an uneven footpath or catching a bus or train in.. Ice therapy to minimize swelling from playing sports, vehicle accidents, falls! Night arm weakness pain when to baseball within three months can even refer pain,,. Symptoms, including: bruising occupational activities extends distally front to the teres minor pain wrap is another viable for! Perform such a physical activity, you might be pushing too fast, too soon and forearm using pillow...