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Physical Therapy & Torn Bicep

Your bicep is the muscle in the front of your upper arm. It helps you bend your elbow and twist your forearm.


Types of bicep tendon tear injuries


There are three types of bicep tendon tear injuries, categorized by their location and severity. Tears can also be partial or complete (in which the tendon completely detaches from the bone).


They are:

  • Proximal biceps tendon tear at shoulder

  • Distal biceps tendonitis and tear at the elbow

  • Tendonitis (microtears from use)



Torn bicep tendon symptoms


  • a “pop” or tearing sensation when the injury happens

  • warmth around the injury

  • swelling

  • bruising

  • pain or ache at the injury site, and throughout your arm (usually severe at first, and may get better over a few weeks)

  • arm weakness

  • difficulty turning your palm

  • fatigue or increased pain in your arm when you do repetitive activity

  • bulge in your upper arm, because the bicep is no longer being held in place (you might also see a gap or indentation in front of your elbow)


Causes of a torn bicep tendon


  1. Injuries might be caused by lifting something heavy or falling on your arm. Most tears of the elbow bicep tendon happen because of an injury.

  2. Overuse can cause the tendons to wear down or fray over time. This happens naturally as you age. It may also be made worse by repetitive motion.


Physical therapy treatment


Physical therapy can help you regain strength and range of motion after a bicep tendon injury. A physical therapist will take you through a series of motions designed to help heal your injury and relieve pain.


A physical therapist or your doctor might also give you exercises to do at home when you’re healed enough to do so. These might include exercises to flex and extend your arm, arm rotations, and strength-building exercises like bicep curls.


Recovery time


Recovery time depends on the severity of the bicep tendon tear, as well as type of treatment. Even mild injuries can take at least two months to heal. It often takes four to five months before you can start returning to normal activities.

Complete recovery from surgery can take up to a year, although most people recover much of their range of motion and strength in four to six months.


Conclusion


Bicep tendon tears can be serious, but many respond to nonsurgical treatment, such as rest and physical therapy. If you think you might have injured your bicep tendon, see a doctor as soon as possible. Getting a diagnosis and treatment early can help you recover more fully.


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