Additionally, see a doctor if you notice a bulge, deformity, or dent at the top of your biceps muscle close to the shoulder. A bulge is a sign that one of the tendons that anchor the muscle is completely torn. Make note of any weakness, bruising, or inability to use the affected limb. The biceps muscle is connected to the shoulder and elbow, and complete tears can occur at either of these connections. Shoulder injuries are more common than elbow injuries. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source For elbow injuries, err on the side of caution and see your doctor. If an elbow injury requires surgery, waiting longer than 2 to 3 weeks can lead to complications. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
After the first day, continue to apply ice every 3 to 4 hours as long as you experience pain.
For a minor strain or sprain, pain might start to subside within 7 to 10 days. A partial or complete tear may take 3 or more months to heal.
Purchase a warm compress at your local pharmacy, or make one by microwaving a damp towel for 30 seconds. Before holding the compress to your injured arm, test it with the back of your hand to ensure it’s not too hot.
Additionally, you should begin stretches and exercises once you can do so without experiencing pain. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source While you can manage a minor strain or sprain at home, it’s best to consult a physical therapist for a more serious partial or complete tear.
Keep your torso straight and knees slightly bent as you lean forward. Don’t arch your back or lock your knees. Do 2 sets of 10 stretches up to 3 times per day. Stop stretching if you experience any pain. Add new stretches to your regimen only if you can do so without feeling pain.
To vary the stretch, raise your shoulders into a shrug, then draw them back to pinch your shoulder blades together. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds, then release.
Do a set of 10 stretches with your fingers extended, then do 10 repetitions with your fist closed.
For external rotations, bend your elbow, keep it close to your side, and slowly rotate your forearm away from your body. Do 2 sets of 10 repetitions for each stretch.
Try to raise your arm by hinging your shoulder instead of hiking up your shoulder blade. If you don’t experience pain or discomfort, do 10 repetitions up to 3 times per day. Do not attempt to raise your arm above your head until the motion is completely pain-free. When you’re just starting out, it might help to assist your injured arm by raising it with your uninjured hand.
For shoulder flexion stretches, stand on an end of the band and hold the end with your hand. Keep your elbow straight as you raise your arm forward and up over your head. Stop doing any exercises if you experience pain.
Curl 1 arm at a time, and try to do 2 sets of 8 curls per arm. Do biceps curls 3 times per week. Over the course of the first week, try to gradually work your way up to 12 curls per set. As the exercise becomes easier, increase your weights in 1 lb (450 g) increments.
Most of the time, biceps tears do not require surgery. For cases that do require surgery, there are rarely complications, and almost all patients regain full strength and range of motion. [20] X Research source
Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions about preparing for your surgery. Follow their directions carefully to avoid complications. You’ll most likely have to take certain medication with a sip of water the morning before the operation. Ask your doctor for directions beforehand.
Specific instructions may vary, but you’ll likely need to keep the dressing in place and site dry for 48 hours. Then, you’ll gently clean the incision with warm water and a mild soap, dry it with a clean cloth, and dress it with a new bandage.
When to begin and the extent to which you’ll move your shoulder depends on the severity of your injury. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Your arm will be immobilized, but you’ll still need to practice gripping a ball, bend your wrist, and move your fingers several times a day.
Passive stretches are when the injured arm is manually stretched by the physical therapist. For active stretches, you’ll move your arm without assistance. Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist.
Your doctor and physical therapist will provide instructions about how you can use the injured arm. Don’t do any activities more demanding than they recommend, and stop doing an activity if it causes pain. They will also let you know when you can resume activities as normal. With physical therapy, almost all patients regain their full strength and range of motion after a biceps tear is surgically repaired.
