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
16
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.
 
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
Messages
2,339
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
 
OP
R

Roofer1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 13, 2019
Messages
243
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
286
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.
 

S.Clancy

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2015
Messages
2,624
Location
Montana
If you do PT rehab they will do it, but make sure you regain the full length of that muscle through stretching, etc. If that muscle shortens or is "tight" you can/will get tendinitis at your elbow. Coming from experience.
 

kelly1

FNG
Joined
Dec 23, 2019
Messages
17
I had a bicep tendon tear at the elbow,Surgeon kept saying you don’t have to have it repaired,I called bs.and had the surgery,so happy I did .,kelly
 
Joined
Aug 15, 2024
Messages
60
If it’s borderline and could possibly heal there is no way I would go for surgery. You never know how it will turn out after surgery and I have seen some (not tricep) that did not turn out well or took years to heal even after surgery.

I had a torn tricep that took over a year to heal. I never had an MRI or saw a surgeon so I have no idea how bad it was but if it can heal I would try that first.
 
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