Bicep Tendon Rupture - 1 Year Post Op Update / Recap
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Andy's gives an update on the status of his bicep tendon repair one year to the date of the surgery. In addition he recaps his rehab protocol starting 6 weeks post op and his return to regular training at 12 weeks post op. Strategies and tips to help your recovery go smoothly after surgery, what you can expect after surgery, some obstacles during recovery, and what's his status one year post op.
If you suffer the same injury and want to discuss with Andy and/or want a referral out to Dr. John Petrizzo for professional medical consultation, please contact via www.AndyBaker.com
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great video, helped me a lot during my recovery, I got a complete tendor tear during a deadlift (at 90% of my max) using alternate grip. Although Ib had been doing deadlifts like this for the past 13 years, I will never, ever again use alternate grip. I am now at month 3 after surgery and will start with hook grip little by little.
I tore mine Oct 11, 2019 changing a fricking tire LOL. Rehab taking awhile because I was released right about the start of the bloody COVID shutdown, open, shutdown again, just back in the gym 3 weeks now, can't believe how flabby my muscles have gotten. Looking forward to building back up. Thanks brother. Bill 50 year old
I'm 0 years post op.
Didn't even see a doctor due to no insurance, alcoholism and negligence of what the damage was.
It's a long story but it still works. Deformed but working.
How long ago did you injure?
Dis you lose a lot if strength and mobility?
I tore my distal 2 days ago and don't want to get surgery. I'm 53
I am always amazed at people who thumbs down good videos and wonder why they didn’t like the video.
Thanks for the vid. I'm one week post op endo button on my left bicep. Did it wakeboarding. Just popped off from pulling on the rope to initiate a spin. Years of heavy weight lifting have taken it's toll on me. Last year tore my left pec lifting my arm up it just tore. No Pain No Gain is not a saying I live by now. Dr all ready has me in a brace and able to move my arm actually was told to move it just not rotate the wrist.
Yep, supination was harder and more painful than flexion actually.
I just did this a couple of days ago and I am getting the surgery tomorrow
How’d it go bro
I just popped my distal tendon on Wednesday night. Got the MRI on Friday... so waiting to meet with a surgeon and find out if surgery is an option. Thank you for this video, four years later, info is still not easy to come by.
Did u get surgery
I did. It went well... 7 months later, it's feeling about 75% strength recovered.
@@MaNo0sss
Had the Endobutton repair 3 days ago on the left bicep due to flipping a tractor tyre once too many times for a 45 year old. Great to find this video. Looking forward to recovering and getting back training. No more tyre flipping though.
Had the same surgery. My doctor didn't tell me how long I should keep the sling. So I took it off the next day. I started working out about a week after my surgery. When I went back to the doctor for a follow up he couldn't believe that I was already moving that well without pain. It's been 3 weeks now and I'm doing dumbbell curls with about 2/3 the weight of the other arm. I know I started to soon probably and could have reinjure myself but by doing that I didn't lose any muscle mass.
I am 7 weeks post surgery. Just wondering on your thoughts on using Elbow sleeve or Arm compression sleeve when returning to the gym. Thanks for the videos
Went to the walk in clinic right after the injury to get the ball rolling. I knew what had happened. I could hear the tendon tear. I am a week after injury. Surgery scheduled in three days.
Right arm I babied after surgeryand it was probably full year before I regained all size and strength. Left arm I’m not even 4 months post op and expect to be close to 100 percent at 6 months. It’s scary but you will come back as strong as ever just be patient.
I just tore my right. Tore left last year.
What if you didn't do the surgery
Yesterday night during bench press torn my muscle too . today is my surgery.. good to know will get full strength back sooner or later
@@joellefrancis960 I’m reading conflicting info on whether to get the surgery or not. I go to the VA, so of course my Dr. was like you’ll be fine. I’m 39yo active male though, I want full use of my bicep…
@@newbluerugby i had the option of surgery i didn't do it i supplemented organic vitamin c vitamin d 50000 glucosamine zinc magnesium and 5 times 10 pills a day collagen and now 4 months later 90 % strength back
Thank you, Andy. This is probably the most detailed video I’ve seen on this yet.
I had a full distal tear as well and am 2 weeks post op. Feeling better everyday but I know its a long road ahead to full recovery.
I’m fairly surprised at the large differences in post op protocol for roughly the first 6 weeks that I’m seeing in comparing different people’s experiences. For example, my splint came off at day 7 and i was put in a ROM brace with already some ROM allowed. With time there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference, as i will also only be allowed some light lifting around the 10-12 week mark.
Happened to me just over a week ago and got the surgery last Friday.
Mine happened moving a chest freezer.
I have a month or so to go before I (hopefully) get out of the sling and onto rehab.
Thanks for the video Andy. Great info.
This is the pinnacle video of Distal Rehab!!
Excellent video! I'm going through recovery on my second operation on my left arm. First surgery in January re-tore two months later. I had graft put in on the second surgery this past April and its been a slow process bouncing back.
I'm 4 weeks post OP. What do you feel caused the second tear? Did something suddenly happen that caused you to suddenly use your arm forgetting it was injured?
@@BrianPhobos I didn't really do anything drastic. I could feel in hurt for some time again...
@@DelValleRecords1 Sorry to hear that. I still sleep in my brace because sometimes I chase baseballs in my sleep and also have PTSD from two douche bags trying to break into my apartment while I was sleeping in college so somethings I just flip over and thrash around. So I'm trying to be extra careful. Slowly getting stronger but still have to be careful.
@@BrianPhobos Just take your time...
@@BrianPhobos How did you tear yours?
Thank you for all the information, very Encouraging for sure
I had my surgery done earlier today. I’m also in a splint.
I had my right arm done today. I'm in a splint for 2 months
how long after injury did you get surgery? I'm a week after still no appointment
I had my surgery done 5 days after the initial injury.
@@billmelindagatesshots4all805 i had mine after 11 days. Today is day 1 after op
How are you now booster
Great video, glad I came across this🙏
Thank you... super helpful Brother.
Having mine tomorrow morning. I like doing strongman stuff, log, axle, farmers, sandbag, tire flipping, atlas stones etc.. for awhile now. Was lifting my kitchen table and I ruptured my right distal bicep tendon. Not even a cool story. After all the stuff I do the kitchen table got me...,😭
I never had surgery or even went to the doctor. My bicep shortened and rolled up towards my shoulder. I have zero pain and full range of motion. I do have a bit of the reverse popeye deformity, not super super noticeable unless I front flex
And you have zero strength
Okay lol
Today is my 1 year mark post op 🥲
Thanks for doing this. How do you find the right surgeon. My surgeon does not want to to do the button technique.
Don't know. I had to use the VA. Luckily that was the technique my guy used. Perhaps your surgeon has a reason not to do it, but perhaps get a second opinion if you get the sense he's just behind the times. I'm not a doctor and like anything, I'm sure it's not a one sized fits all solution.
Did you have any problem with pronation and supination? im week one post-op and have horrible wrist range of motion.. seen some guys who dont get the range back and ive had years of tennis elbow - thanks so much for the upload
How are you doing with this now
Thanks for the video! Had a question for you. I have a 1cm full thickness tear; however, I have no rom issues and no supination issues. The ortho gave me the option of going a nonsurgical route or getting an endobutton if I choose surgery. My underlying question is: if I get the surgery will I lose the full ROM and supination that I currently have?
I just tore my right distal bicep Saturday breaking up a fight at work. I work at a DYS. I love doing pull- ups. I was up to doing sets of 20 and was doing 70lbs strapped to me for sets of 3. Do you think I’ll ever be able to do pull-ups again? Also do you think you will ever be 100% again?
Yes. It will take a while, but you can do pull ups again.
I tore my left and I'm 2 weeks post op. I'm seeing a lot of comments of people saying they're on their 2nd tear on the other arm. Do I have that to look forward to if I start working out again? Is there an underlying issue that I can address to avoid that?
They had me moving 45 degrees 1 week after then 10 more degrees every week
I'm 2 years post OP. But still scared to lift normally. When it happened to me I had 9month old. I couldn't change, her pick her up, etc. Now she 2.5 years and I'm 2 years out. I'm back in gym but keep it real light on arms, even chest and back I stay around 60 to 70lbs. On arms 15lbs one arm and 30 to 40 for both. Can people get back to 100% or close to it? I'm at 20%.
What can I do with a partial tear?
I was told by 4 medical professionals I hadn't torn my bicep. physio just made it worse. went to see the 5th person yesterday and he told me I had indeed torn my bicep. I've now spent 5 months doing nothing and my bicep is still torn. is there any hope of getting surgery?
That's a question for a surgeon. I can't answer that for you. You need to go see an orthopedic doctor / surgeon. This is not a difficult diagnosis to be honest. You may not be talking to the right people.
Injuries suck
I am 8 days post surgery...And I appreciate you uploading this.......
How’s the outcome?
@@TheSantos173 I'm very happy. I'll feel occasional fatigue in that bicep but nothing life changing, still get a good pump and enjoy lifting just fine.
@@juggernaut8044 how are you lifting already 8 days posts surgery? Most ppl mention months of rehab
@@TheSantos173 Oh no, this is a reply to his video from 3 years ago! Hehe
i'm 3 days past surgery. At eight days could you turn wrist and Supinate?
I recently underwent bicep tendon surgery at the VA, and it was quite a different approach! Instead of a cast, they just put it in a sling for a couple of days. They encouraged me to move my arm freely, with some restrictions for the first month. After three months, I should be able to lift anything I want. The procedure involved two incisions, one in the forearm and another to reach the end of the bicep tendon. They needed the second incision because they couldn't reach the end of my biceps from the initial one, according to the doctor. It's not always necessary, but in my case, it was.
amazing info.. I'm 2 weeks post op. Endobutton technique. I'm documenting my rehab process as well as my physio. Your videos have helped me a lot, and hope that I can return the favor for others here on youtube!
I’m 56, weight lift and do cardio about 5x week for about 60-90 minutes very intensely and have a very nutritional diet. PT training in the U.S. Marines never got out of my lifestyle. While putting my mt. bike into the back of the SUV one handed in the supination grip, I heard the loud pop of my distal tendon rupture off my forearm bone. I was lucky to get surgery within 72 hours and had the “endobutton procedure” done by one of the best orthopedic sport surgeons (Dr. Laura Timmerman). I was one of the unlucky 3-4% who lose all mobility of my fingers which was very unnerving (pun intendoned). She said my radial nerve must have been stretched but she was adamant she was extremely cautious about this. Fortunately within a week I regained full feeling and mobility of my fingers. I’m mentioning this to ease anxiety if this happens to you. I have a high tolerance to pain but I will tell you after I got the immobilized splint off a week later my pain level was about an 8 early in the mornings then about a 3-4 the rest of the day until evening when it starts climbing again. I’m now a month post op and the pain level remains the same. I have numbness on my forearm but I can make a fist and squeeze really hard. I can fully extend my arm out but I certainly can’t twist open a doorknob or bottle top. I’m starting PT this week. So my question to anyone who has experienced this horrible injury is this. A month after the surgery are you at a pain level around 8 early in the morning like 3 or 4a.m.? So far Andy’s videos have been the most informative and most helpful above any other information I have heard. Thanks and may the rest of you have a speedy and full recovery! Semper Fi Andy!
@scottsantos255 Hey Scott - I know your post is a bit old, but wanted to see how things went sine this port you made. Hopefully, all is well.
Following
@Andy Baker, thanks for the update. I echo your statement that continued training during recovery is a must. Full right distal biceps tendon rupture for me. Hyper-extended the elbow after making a mistake on a ring muscle-up. Endo-button repaired. I only took 10 days off of training post OP. I continued uni-lateral weight training and modified CrossFit 5 days per week beginning at day 12 post OP. Went into a ROM brace at 10 days post surgery and was allowed to begin physical therapy (PT) the same day. At week 2 post OP physical therapy consisted of blood flow restriction (legs) and close to FULL range of motion at the elbow, shoulders, wrists etc. Week 3 post OP and I’m allowed to actively activate my bicep by moving the arm from full extension to bent elbow. Week 3 also included dry needling with electric stimulation in the brachialus, bicep and forearm. I’m now in week 4 and rarely use the arm brace and am allowed to keep the arm safely moving and keep ROM active in the elbow, shoulder and wrist.
How's your arm now?
Thanks Andy, great vid. Im two weeks post surgery and this is just what im after. Im serving with the Australian Air Force and was lucky enough to have surgery the day after my injury (on gymnastic rings which i had no business being on as a 45 year old). I started back in the gym this week. Leg extensions and hamstring curls, bodyweight squats, one arm dumbbell press, and one arm pulls with cables.
Hi Brett would you mind if i ask who was your doctor. I'm planning for my second surgery but haven't found a good doctor. Cheers
I hope you are doing well! I thought that rings were good for joints and tendon health. May I ask specifically how you had that injury?
Super helpful. I go in tomorrow for my procedure. Good to know it’s not likely to be a whole 6 months before I can do anything. Obviously with caution.
Mine was basketball. Help defender got a hand on the ball and had an abrupt extension of the left arm as I tried to go to the basket.
Still, 6 weeks in a brace/sling :/
I'm 1 year post op here in east Texas and love lifting the hardest thing for me has been on the mental side, I think about that pop every rep. Thanks for the Video its encouraging that you've got back to the weight from before.
I know what you mean. I am afraid of that pop. 3 weeks post off. Double entry. Button repair.
I was climbing of the truck when I snapped it. God the pain. I fell hurt my pelvic hip and banged my head. Heavy cap on.
Told dispatcher at 22.00 hrs. All he was interested was who was doing the run. 450miles round trip two trailer drops.
Old school. 62 yrs old did the job finished at 10.00 in the morning and straight to hospital.. I'd like to thank my trucker mates for helping me change trailers.
Please god the next 4/6 weeks go quickly so I can get back to work. No insurance
I tore my distal bicep tendon Sept 1 , 2020 Covid injury ..lol 61 year old retired Fire fighter and lifter , carpenter . My surgery went well and no nerve damage and used the sling for only a few days then I was able to complete a Kitchen Reno that I was working on prior to my injury . I had my cast removed this week and full range of motion after 4 weeks with only tenderness in the radial bone after the procedure ..get active and know your limits !! Good luck
Unfortunately my operating didn't go so well as my surgeon wasn't professional as he said that my tendon was short to attach. I will be having another operation but now any time soon. Any advice? I live in Australia Thank you
Sorry to hear about your injury Richard. Unfortunately the details of the surgical procedures are way outside my expertise. From the reading I have done on the procedure there are instances where the end of the tendon is badly damaged and reattachment is very difficult or just not very strong. Hopefully you can find a decent surgeon....it's pretty basic as far orthopedic surgeries go so you don't need to find a guru or anything. Good luck
great video and very helpful, not a huge lifter but my sport of choice is boxing.
ruptured mine 2 weeks ago during my bout now waiting for my surgery, feeling very heartbroken as you do.
my brother did the same and made a full recovery as well, so it's good to see those on the other side.
fun fact Deontay wilder has ruptured both his during his career.
seems fairly common in combat sports to, did mine with a uppercut.
After how long you got the surgery?? 2 weeks,3 weeks, 4 weeks ?? Also , how bad the rupture was ?
Thank you for this. Had to wait 17 days for my surgery but am now one week post op. Needed to hear all of this right now more than you know. Being out of the gym is the hardest part for me mentally. Itching to start pt.
It's a long recovery mate - the first 6 weeks immobilisation is awful. I just hit 12 weeks post-surgery and have full supination/pronation back finally (pronation took much longer). After the first two weeks of doing nothing I started going back to the gym (wearing the sling) just to do *something* with the other arm and leg presses etc. I then did super light free weights work (1-2kg) with the injured arm from weeks 6-12, still massive muscle wastage. Apparently can taper the weight back up gradually now for the next 12 weeks. They say 6-12 months for 'full' recovery, I'm aiming for 6... Good luck with your recovery!
@tchpandy iam three weeks post op. I live in the uk. I am starting physiotherapy on Monday. How long does this pain and numbness last in the arm
@@Peter-sl6mf Hey mate, I'd say 'it depends' as everyone will be different. I only had very mild numbness in the top of the forearm, and this only lasted about 8 weeks. Most of my pain was gone at 3 months, occasionally it'd have some mild discomfort.
Good luck getting started with physio (probably just assisted range of motion at this stage but it's important to get everything moving in a controlled manner) and your ongoing recovery!
@@tchpandy thank you for getting back to me Pandy.
I was on a real downer last Thursday I don't do depression but I was down with it for two days.
Quadruple heart bypass surgery last year off work for 7 months just getting back on my feet financially then 6 weeks ago slipped off the truck and snapped the tendon.
Yes good to hear the numbness and pain will end in another 4 weeks.
Are you glad you had the repair. Reading some other comments from patients they are doing OK.
My consultant said I didn't need it. I could function.with.20% loss of power in my arm. Iam 62 a truck driver. The consultant said I could go straight back to work. But my social outlet is the 🏋️♂️ gym.
Once again thank you for responding
@@Peter-sl6mfHi again mate, yes the mental side of it really knocked me around and ruined X-Mas/New Years/January/February. I am glad I had the surgery but it has been a very long 6 months. I am waiting for clearance for a full return to sport (indoor cricket) on Tuesday. I also wasn't allowed to drive for the initial 6 weeks as it had to stay in the splint/sling, perhaps rehab protocols treat this one differently in the UK? Anyway, there'll be small improvements for you each day, even though some days it'll give you aches/pains. Hang in there! -Andy
Hey man I just tore my bicep yesterday. I'm fairly sure it's a partial as I can do a hook test and hook the tendon with a little poking and I have some activation in the bicep, no "popeye"ing and I can supinate with some force (and pain). I'll go for imaging today or tomorrow - from what I can gather surgery is indicated with 50% or more of a tear. Anyhow, this vid was really great to see, broken down sensibly from my someone that wants to keep/add strength. Appreciate it.
Did you end up doing/needing surgery? My pre imaging diag sounds very similar
Thank you for the informative video Andy. I had surgery 3/23/22 and it's just like you mentioned. I'm glad I came across your video. At 53, I still work out somewhat, but my rupture came from lifting a TV set while moving, when I heard and felt the rupture. My trade is Cable Splicing so no choice but to undergo the surgery. You've laid it out just as it has gone thus far. I'm hitting the gym first thing tomorrow and plan to be back at work in a couple of months. Hoping all is good with you Bro. Thanks again.
I’m just finding this video now and I gotta thank you for making it.
I’m a year and a half in from my distal bicep tear (been a tough road) and am wondering two things.
One did your bicep ever regain full original size? Asking as I’m noticing a bit of a gap between the elbow and bicep still with mine.
Second is there anything you can recommend for lengthening the bicep head to help regain size?
Thank you in advance.
Thank you Andy for your vid. I just got the same surgery 4 weeks ago...1 year and a half after your surgery do you think you are at 100% and if not tell me the % you are at. After 6 weeks is it safe to lift between 2 to 5 pounds (curls). I know it sounds ridiculous but you have to start somewhere to make sure to heel properly.
Yes, it's back to 100% strength at this point. It does still "feel" different than the other side, but strength wise and cosmetically it is basically back to 100%. I say "basically" because I just don't train my curls as heavy anymore after the injury because I just don't like the feeling of really heavy weight on that bicep so I keep things a bit lighter. Still take sets to failure but mostly in the 10-20 range. After 6 weeks I started with compound movements only. Lat pulldowns and seated cable rows for sets of 20-25 reps. Not limit sets at first. Probably used a 50RM at first and then gradually loaded it until I hit 12 weeks and then I sped up the process of loading and introduced free weights. I probably waited 6 months before I did curls. Just felt that compound movements were safer at first.
Andy Baker Thank you so much. You are very kind.
Had operation yesterday, done it boxing, moving quickly and if dehydrated seem to be common, interesting also over 50 sportsmen seem to be vulnerable, good to see you are recovering well.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WITH A FULL BICEP TEAR WHO'S HAD THE INJURY A FEW YEARS HOW.
BTW: I'm not yelling, I just capped everything to make my msg pop as I really am looking for answers. Thx
On my second distal rupture. between insurance and Cleveland Clinic I'm at 6 weeks between injury and repair on the first, and a little longer on the second. So frustrating to wait so long for answers and action. I was coming from contest prep, so I'll have been a full year and a half away from upper body by the time I can lift again. First repair went great, but still very concerned about how long they are making me wait AGAIN. thank goodness i have such a great surgeon.
I am 1 week post surgery, was training in the gym, free weight preacher curls and I literally saw my left arms bicep snap and roll into a ball. Literally saw stars and was borderline scared thinking that my gym days would come to an end. I called my PT who is also my friend and he got me an appointment with the orthopaedic surgery team. I had my surgery on 09/30/24 and now recovering. I sit with hope to recover soon and regain my strength. Had so many home renovations scheduled and this unfortunate incident came along.
2 days post for me.... how are you doing? I'm in a splint/sling, first appointment is in a week. I pray to God they take the splint off, keeping my arm at a 90 for weeks on end sounds like the most horrible thing ever. How's your pain? I've been able to skip the pain meds thus far. 🤞🏼
@@ryanrolf-music163 I’m two weeks post surgery still in a sling will be starting physical therapy today. The sling is not so annoying for me as much as the nerve pain down at my wrist but the doctor say that that is normal and will pass off with physical therapy. Wish you a speedy recovery and get well soon.
@MrWilander88 thank you, good luck!
1 week out for me, just got the splint removed and got fitted for my brace today. It suck’s but gotta take it one day at a time. Very inconvenient but we’ll look back in 6-9-12 months and be surprised we got thru it, best of luck
@@Joed1191 good luck with the recovery my friend. Luckily I was not asked to wear a brace. I’ve got the sling for 6 weeks. Btw I just started with therapy yesterday and it was painful. But I was able to extend my arm a lot more than 90 degrees.
I had to fight with the va to get the surgery. 6 weeks I was very descriptive and explained I needed an MRI and no one believed me. They tried to get me to go to physical therapy first and I refused but the nurse wrote in my chart that I agreed with that plan. I had to use private insurance.
Appreciate the video Andy. I had the same surgery 8 weeks ago. Tough mentally but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter day by day.
Having surgery next week. Answered a lot of my questions. Really appreciate you taking the time to do this video. Thanks.
How did recovery go?
Pronation ans supination still bothers me at the end range, especially pronation. I'm at 5 months.
There are two button techniques. One is to drill through to the middle of the bone. The other is to drill through the bone completely. The problem with going through the bone completely is that there is greater chance of nerve damage. Nerve damage can be permanent, so something to keep in mind.
Thanks, great video!!
I’m 9 weeks post op and my bicep still looks like the day I torn my distal tendon, there is a two finger gap between the head of my bicep and elbow curve, previously there no gap. I am starting today with light excersises.
Will it get back to its normal position?
Aldo
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on how the surgeon did the reattachment. The nature of the reattachment would be a question for the surgeon though. Sorry I can't be more helpful
Took me two years to get back to normal strength, but my bicep never fully regained the exact shape, however my arm was as big and strong but the biceps did not take on the same detail
Do you have any pain two years later?
BTW I had the endo button reattachment procedure done as well. I can feel a very strong presence of the tendon in the inner elbow most likely because it’s somewhat shorter than normal so I’m really hoping in time my bicep will return to it’s full strength and shape 🤞
Andy, did you notice any shortening of your bicep after the endo button reattachment ? Seems a lot of guys have noticed this as well, most saying it’s quite normal and did return to it’s original shape and size in time. Stressful on the mind seeing a 20” arm deflate so much after 28 years of strict bodybuilding 😞 Really appreciate your thoughts Andy, and Thanks for posting your videos 👍 David
Thanks for the detail. Outlining your personal experience and adding in the things you learned along the way should be very helpful. I am on day 3 post injury and should be getting surgery on day 12. The surgeon is the only one who seems to think this needs to be completed in days and not weeks. I am 54 and ruptured the left side scooping a trapeze artist back to the platform. It was more of a freak event than a heavy overload.
Any thought of working out after this procedure is out the window. The first 48 there’s pain and rest. Take it easy and be patient the gym will still be there at 6 weeks
3 weeks after op, no exercise, watched your video and started training tonight! Feel great! Even if it's just a few small leg movements and stomach. This was the best advise ever! Thank you!
2 day post-op… I’m in 90 splint…This blows!
Great vid andy. Keep them coming mate
Very useful info. Thank you !!!
Thank you Andy. Going in Friday for surgery. Thank you for the video. Helps me so much and gives me a better idea what to expect.
thanks for this! got my surgery 5 days ago - not a lifter but jiu jits injury- still useful info here. thanks.
I'm a 62-year-old steel hauler. Doc told me there would be no PT. Still in the first week after surgery. He knows I will "get back" to full use. It's all about holding me back while it heals. It happened on the job, and this is just torture for a working man. Thanks for this video, and some idea on the recovery. Being old, but still quite active... it will obviously take a little longer, but I'm in it for the long run.
Don’t let the old man in
Thank you..I am in my fourth week after surgery...only doing lowerbody with body weight only..did some jogging but did not feel good in my arm...your vedio is quit helpful...
Thanks, this injury happened to me. It’s painful and a lot of mental stress. Stay safe!!
Andy, this has been so helpful. I had the surgery 2 weeks ago and I have been researching diligently for any wisdom on recovery for weightlifters. Yours is the best. Question: what kind of split and programing were you using when you had the minor pec injury? I have some concern about that when I am able to bench again because I have had similar issues a while back and don't understand why it happened or how to prevent.
The pec injury has been a recurring problem for many years. Actually first pec tear was in high school - didn't rehab appropriately, reinjured several times in late teens and early 20s via stupidity and overaggression, and it's followed me around since then. Usually I get a minor strain about 1-2 times per year seemingly at random but usually when volume or frequency gets too high on the flat bench. Last somewhat major tear was at the top of a 635 reverse band deadlift. Since I don't power lift anymore I quit flat benching with barbells and now focus on incline / decline variations and don't ever seem to have issues there.
@@andybaker2413 Thanks so much for responding. I've never had an issue with incline either. Every time I have had a pull or minor tear it's been with flat. Anyways, appreciate you. Just got my soft cast off today and I am looking forward to following your guidance. I am at the 3 week mark post surgery
@@chrislerch7566 worst is behind you!!! Good luck
Thanks for the detailed vid. Motocross/Enduro racer here, I pulled something in my left arm about a week ago doing something in the gym. I was trying some new speed work with kettlebells and deadlifts but also tried zercher squats for the first time and I think that's what did it. I didn't know I injured anything till the next day when I was climbing a ladder. Any thoughts on how to tell if I need to go to the hospital? I stopped pulling exercises but my arm doesn't hurt that much just tingles and feels weird, pulling sensations whenever I pick something up with that arm.
Could be just a strain or partial tear. Full rupture is pretty damn obvious and painful, and the bicep will be deformed at the distal end. If in doubt get an appt with an orthopedic doc and he can diagnose in about 30 seconds. I can't tell you anything definitive via RUclips comments so I'd seek out an actual medical diagnosis
Had mine fixed at 3 weeks due to hospital dragging their feet to get me in for mri. Dr said everything went well & he was able to stretch my arm out completely to do the surgery. Time is very important, but getting the medical industry to do anything fast is hard to do. Waiting longer than 4 weeks you run into problems. Also my Dr recommended physical therapy after 2 weeks. I think waiting 6 weeks might be too long to wait.
Do what your surgeon says to do, not what random guy on RUclips did.
Amazing video. I really needed to hear everything you have said. I’m 4weeks post operation and it’s been a mental and physical rollercoaster. Appreciate this video
How are things going now? I'm 4 weeks post OP right now so you are a month ahead of me. I tore mine playing baseball. I bat right handed and it was my left bicep that tore when my arm was fully extended out.
@@BrianPhobos How has your recovery gone?
@@mattchew4161 Pretty decent. My arm feels more normal and all these lifts surrounding utilizing my bicep have been going up. Im up to 155lb on bench. Taking it easy. But 15lb dumbbell curls on that arm still feel heavy and it has been like that for a couple weeks. Also it is hard to flex that bicep. It is like it won't completely neurologically engage
41yrs old, ripped it on my left arm this last Friday unloading tree logs from my truck bed. Completely unexpected. My 70yr old father was unloading them with me. He is fine, lol. Going to the docs this week. Hopefully they can fix me up like they were abe to for you. Thanks for the video! Really appreciate it!
Just had the surgery yesterday and ill be 41 tomorrow.. How did your recovery go?
Thanks for this. just had surgery 3 days ago (17 days after injury). Complete tear from arm wrestling my oldest son who finally beat me...
That's how mine got torn too.. I'm in pain 3 days after surgery it's miserable 😪
I have a my distal tendon repair surgery this Thursday. But I am starting to question if I need it. And if I this worth the risks. I have been lifting since I was 18 and it is a huge part of my life despite not doing it professionally. How are you now? How is anyone now years later? Any regrets?
Strength and size are fine. No lingering effects from the injury or the surgery. Guys get this surgery all the time and go on to compete at world class levels in power lifting and strongman. I'm not giving you medical advice here but I can't see a reason not to get the surgery if you actually have a full rupture.......the only instances I hear about perhaps not getting the surgery is with elderly folks who might be at a bit more risk to go under the knife. But that'd be a decision for you and the doctor to weigh risk/reward. But if you are a younger or middle aged guys I'd probably get it done sooner than later. Again, just my opinion knowing nothing about your situation .
Does the tendon re connect to the bone or is it just connected by the button
I tore my left distal bicep in 2012, and just tore my right in September of 2019!!!! Just started training again. Great video thanks for uploading
I tore my right distal bicep nov 2014, now here i am tore my left distal bicep yesterday 😭
JaYcBu113T damn bro good luck! Rest up heal quick
Bro just had my right side done just a question. How did you do your second one? Was it not warming up or you favour your good side so you loading more weights?
@@watlalalallala5524 it was poor technique.... trying to lift a piece of lawn equipment and I hyperextended my arm. Distal bicep tendon tour right off the bone.
Thanks for sharing Andy. Last Aug.23rd I was playing with my kids at a park and ended up with a partial tendon rupture. I cant get in to see the ortho until Sept. 13th. I can do everything with my right arm but I cant do a curling motion with anything over 5lbs. The nurse said they want to go ahead and do surgery or the ortho may say just rehab it depending on the severity. I enjoy weight training myself and am currently on leave from work. It is tough mentally but I focus on my kids and the physical things I can do at the moment.
I'm in the same situation I could move my arm completely but I just had the surgery done today a little over three weeks from the injury which is the maximum time you should wait but my muscle was all shredded the doctor said it was challenging but it went well I hope I made the right decision. What did you end up doing? If you don't mind me asking
Having surgery next week. Answered a lot of my questions. Really appreciate you taking the time to do this video. Thanks.
I had It two months ago, my surgery, am reading this now....how is it evolving?
Just tore my right bicep 4 days ago, I'm covered by the VA too and when I went to the ER they were not urgent about surgery so I'm a little worried. I meet with the orthopedic next week though and will request surgery.
My research and conversations with some docs and PTs more or less revealed that surgery within 7-10 days of the rupture is preferred, but isn't necessarily an absolute. I'm sure a few extra days outside that window isn't gonna be a big deal. Perhaps if you waited for months to get it done it might be problematic but I doubt it'll take that long.
56, 6 weeks post op, endobutton. Was in a cast for 2 weeks, now a sling. I have my own gym and have done no training with this arm but doing legs twice a week to have some sort of productive feeling
I'm going to doctor tomorrow. It will be 6 week's post of. I started doing some push ups and light curls today.
Op
Thanks for this. I'm 60 and tore my left one picking up a longboard surfboard on Waikiki Beach (on day one of vacation of course). I'm two days post surgery and feeling frustrated by not being able to do much for while (and the long road of recovery ahead), but your video has definitely encouraged me a lot. Thanks again. I hope to return to the same surfing spot someday for a "do over."
Just tore my bicep on Tuesday and I just wanted to say thank you for making this video it was very helpful.
Had my operation yesterday. How is everything going?
@@mranderz going good I’m 4 weeks after surgery and I’m wearing a brace set to 60 degrees. Hope you have a speedy recovery
@@rjturner4742 thanks! No brace for me, just a cottonwrap and bandage wrapped outside. The pain was horrible day 1 and 2, got better day 3 and yesterday, day 4, i started some really light stretching. All without letting my biceps work at all of course. Without any pain i can almost get the arm all the way out to completely straight. I can rotate my palm about 100 degrees without any pain so all good so far! Yesterday i changed the wrapping and all looked good, 7 stitches. Will start exercise saturday, lightly, stationary bike, and legs, lots of legs :)
@@rjturner4742 This is the routines i follow www.google.se/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.chiropractic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/111118-1_Chiro_62_3i_Wentzell.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjqqZGe5NHxAhWQAxAIHYcVDRMQFnoECDUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1h8vqdFTCPIbrtaA1NgtiY
Also some good info on the recovery.
@@mranderz that’s awesome I’m close to full extension and can rotate my wrist almost all the way. Hopefully won’t need the brace by next week. Keep up the good work and you’ll be 100 percent soon
Hi Andy. I appreciate your video. I learned quite a bit. I'm at 12 weeks post OP. I am 66 years young and joining a Gym this coming week. I appreciate your advice on exercises for my rehab. My main goal is getting back on the Golf Course and being as active as I was pre injury. If you have any further advice it will be appreciated. Have a great day and good luck in your endeavors.
ScottyD
Thank you that was very useful I just got the same injury 3 days ago and going tomorrow to set up the surgery hopefully on Saturday
Mr. Baker, thank you tons for your informative video. I have a similar issue, but the doctor is telling me that the MRI is showing no tear, only a small anomaly that might be a spot where the distal biceps tendon “peeled” or “pulled away”. The tendon is still very much intact, but I get pain upon using the biceps or any strenuous lifting/supination.
Was wondering if you had any recommendations for this- I’m about to get a nerve conduction test to see if it’s possibly a compressed radial or musculocutaneous nerve that’s causing the issue. If it’s indeed the tendon that won’t heal, they’re telling me I’m pretty much SOL, since they rarely operate on people with tears less than 25% of the total tendon.
Thanks again!!
My incision was long ways with the forearm not across. I wonder why different surgeons do different incision angles?
Mine is long on the back and across closer to the bend inside. So 2 incisions. Not sure why there's so many different ways. How are you doing. I'm 1 week post
@@rickhunter9966 I'm doing well. Thanks for asking! I like to work out lightly at my age and I can curl dumbbells with no problem. The bicep doesn't look quite as good on the left surgery arm as the right, but the muscles definitely developing 8 months later. I'm very happy with the results and glad I got the surgery! There were no complications with infections or anything. My doctor said I didn't necessarily have to go get this surgery but I'm so glad I did. Honestly think he's giving bad advice. If you're really old I wouldn't get the surgery necessarily, but if you're in your 30s 40s or '50s and you're active, I'd definitely get the surgery.
I ruptured mine. Its passed 6 days since surgery I already do little things like fixing broken cars headlights plastic cover, fixing my bathroom shower and stuff like that lol. Hope I heal cleanly. Also the curatives are getting loose I somewhat am stretching the tenro
Hey Andy.
Thank You for the Video!
I just wanna ask if you any problems whith pronation/supination.
Im 4 weeks after surgery, i can supinate quite good , but my pronation is stuck , i mean almost zero movement and it hurts in elbow area when i try to to pronate.
Any ideas?
Hi,I'm 3 weeks past the surgery, you give me the information and motivation i needed, still waiting to see my surgeon,I was wondering if the exercises had started or should i wait for my appointment,great video, thanks.
Crazy, I had the same injury went through the same struggle, but I’m still able to train and fight professionally, if I could add anything, if you go through this remember the human body is a lot stronger than you can imagine, like I. The video I just wish I would of worked sooner on getting in shape.
Wow this came on my RUclips feed and was happy to watch. I partially tore my bicep/forearm doing heavy bb rows but that day did it reverse grip and it happened. I immediately checked to see if it rolled up but it was still there. Over the week the bruising came in from my bicep to my wrist. Went to see the surgeon and he confirmed it was partial and that heavy weights should be stopped although I will find it hard to not go heavy anymore lol
Started back to the gym this week slowly certain back exercises still pinch a bit on the bicep but it’s ok. High reps for now. Thanks for this video
Thank you for the video Andy, I am 4 weeks post surgery and I have lost a lot of mass but this video was a big help on what to expect and what your experience was.
I’m just starting back in the gym, I tore mine in 2017 and had surgery, just kinda nervous about lifting, I wanna get more strength and size to my arms, didn’t know if there was any ideas other then going slow and being careful?
I had a right hand bicep toren muscle five years ago and didn't have the chance to get a quick surgery... Can i still have a surgery after five years now ? Thank you
That's a question for a surgeon. I'm just relaying my experience here, but I can't give you personalized medical advice via youtube comments
@@andybaker2413 thank you for your reply, and your video Was very helpful and informative
I had my surgery six months after the tear And they had to use a piece of a cadaver To replace the part that They couldn't use anymore. I'm still recovering now
Feel your pain re: info on bicep muscle issues.
Trying to find info on moderate weightlifting POST shoulder injury (no surgery).
Tore the longhead bicep tendon at the shoulder 1 year ago (bike crash). So all I have is the shorthead to
lift with. Shoulder specialist and PT says it would be no problem to resume lifting with just one attached
tendon but am still worried that I may tear that too and then have no bicep function at all.
BTW, 68 yrs old and only want to return to a moderate routine of bench, curls and dumbell work.
And not looking to go to heavy anymore.
I’m also 8 days post surgery
Healing pt starts tues. I’m a gym rat too. 500+ deadlifter
Hurt at work - bullshit ugh