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How Long Does It Take For Distal Biceps To Repair?
Question: Hello,
I am a soon to be 52 year old healthy male. I am 10.5 weeks removed from distal bicep rupture surgery and the healing has been much quicker than the doctor/physical therapist expected. I stopped physical therapy 3 weeks ago (it was mutual w/therapist) as there was nothing else for me to accomplish. I had achieved full extension and full range of motion. There is no pain whatsoever. My question is: I have been working out for almost 2 months now...being very careful with my movements to not tax the tendon. When and how can I expect to start bicep rebuilding the bicep, at what pace should I go, and how will I know that I am re-building muscle to the point I am not putting the bicep at risk? Original injury resulted from a pull-up exercise. I played high school and college baseball and still play in a men's amateur league. Many of the years I pitched. I'm left handed and injured my left arm.
I am a soon to be 52 year old healthy male. I am 10.5 weeks removed from distal bicep rupture surgery and the healing has been much quicker than the doctor/physical therapist expected. I stopped physical therapy 3 weeks ago (it was mutual w/therapist) as there was nothing else for me to accomplish. I had achieved full extension and full range of motion. There is no pain whatsoever. My question is: I have been working out for almost 2 months now...being very careful with my movements to not tax the tendon. When and how can I expect to start bicep rebuilding the bicep, at what pace should I go, and how will I know that I am re-building muscle to the point I am not putting the bicep at risk? Original injury resulted from a pull-up exercise. I played high school and college baseball and still play in a men's amateur league. Many of the years I pitched. I'm left handed and injured my left arm.
Brief Answer:
You should wait at least 4 months before putting stress
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. Distal biceps repair takes some time in healing because we are uniting tendon with bone and it is a slow process. Usually full strength comes after 6-9 months. Since you have already past two and half month with good range of motion I would suggest you to start weight training after one month.You should initially start with 500 gm and then increase weight gradually reaching two kg in next two months.You need to stop if there is pain in or around elbow.
If any activity causes pain than you should not increase weight for next two weeks. A repeat MRi after 7 months can confirm complete healing.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks
You should wait at least 4 months before putting stress
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. Distal biceps repair takes some time in healing because we are uniting tendon with bone and it is a slow process. Usually full strength comes after 6-9 months. Since you have already past two and half month with good range of motion I would suggest you to start weight training after one month.You should initially start with 500 gm and then increase weight gradually reaching two kg in next two months.You need to stop if there is pain in or around elbow.
If any activity causes pain than you should not increase weight for next two weeks. A repeat MRi after 7 months can confirm complete healing.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2002
Answered : 4486 Questions
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