Partially torn triceps tendon

ztc92

WKR
Joined
May 8, 2022
Messages
421
I have something going on with my bicep tendon right now, been bugging me since early December, and it’s irritating… don’t realize how much you use certain things until they give you problems

I am trying to avoid going to the doctor, because I know what they will say best case, and can’t really even consider worse case

Assuming you still have decent strength and function, not sure going to a doctor is needed yet, if at all. Unless someone tears the bicep completely (especially at the elbow), we often start with a trial of PT before talking about imaging, procedures or surgery.

Many bicep tendon issues relate to poor shoulder mobility and weakness of the rotator cuff, putting the shoulder in vulnerable positions and placing more stress on the biceps tendon. A good PT can greatly help with mobility, strengthening and proper shoulder mechanics, which often solves the problem for good.
 

Eship

FNG
Joined
Jan 29, 2025
Messages
17
Location
Maryland
As a therapist myself, although OT not PT, I’d generally go with the conservative approach of getting some PT first, especially since it’s only a partial tear. Slowly work your way back to strengthening it with very light weight and maintaining a full range of motion if you can without pain. Often I see people who jump right to surgery only to be worse off after the fact. Also, make sure to bump up your protein consumption if you haven’t already. Tendons are mostly avascular, so they can take a very long time to heal. You’ll just have to be patient. If after a long time that does not do the trick AND you are experiencing a loss of ROM and strength, then consider surgery. They might due a biceps tenodesis anyway which will stop the pain but still result in loss of strength and maybe some loss of shoulder ROM
 
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
Messages
2,320
Location
VA
I have something going on with my bicep tendon right now, been bugging me since early December, and it’s irritating… don’t realize how much you use certain things until they give you problems

I am trying to avoid going to the doctor, because I know what they will say best case, and can’t really even consider worse case

Take a collagen supplement. your body needs collagen to heal tendons


BPC-157 for rehab/healing -sped up my torn bicep surgery recover

if you can get this do this too. I haven't been able to find a Dr. to perscribe it
 

Eship

FNG
Joined
Jan 29, 2025
Messages
17
Location
Maryland
As a therapist myself, although OT not PT, I’d generally go with the conservative approach of getting some PT first, especially since it’s only a partial tear. Slowly work your way back to strengthening it with very light weight and maintaining a full range of motion if you can without pain. Often I see people who jump right to surgery only to be worse off after the fact. Also, make sure to bump up your protein consumption if you haven’t already. Tendons are mostly avascular, so they can take a very long time to heal. You’ll just have to be patient. If after a long time that does not do the trick AND you are experiencing a loss of ROM and strength, then consider surgery. They might due a biceps tenodesis anyway which will stop the pain but still result in loss of strength and maybe some loss of shoulder ROM
Sorry I didn’t read that correctly. I read biceps instead of triceps. Ignore the last sentence
 
OP
R

Roofer1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 13, 2019
Messages
242
Location
WI
Did the surgery. been a week and have another 12 days in the immobilizing brace. the week prior to surgery i (per usual) did something stupid and then didn't have a choice. didn't completely tear it but enough to seal my fate. will try to give another report once the brace is pulled off. thanks for the input
 

Davyalabama

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 23, 2023
Messages
267
Did the surgery. been a week and have another 12 days in the immobilizing brace. the week prior to surgery i (per usual) did something stupid and then didn't have a choice. didn't completely tear it but enough to seal my fate. will try to give another report once the brace is pulled off. thanks for the input
I don't remember being in a brace 12 weeks, I was in it a while for sure. The PT did start giving me more and more motion as I went through therapy. Do what they tell you, do everything sssssssssllllllllllllllloooooooowwwwllllllllyyyyyyyy. My therapist told me that speed will be the kryptonite to healing.

I'm not much into following directions, but I followed his advice. I'm glad I did, it didn't take too too long to be mostly healed enough to be able to do a few things. The hardest three things: sleeping in that stupid brace to start; not being able to life the grand baby; missing the rut of our deer season. I killed two before I went under the knife, still was stupid enough to lift both into the SXS by myself, "Pain is just a thing, get over it, there's work to do."

Good luck, do things slowly, that includes just reaching for a cup of coffee.
 
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