Distal bicep tendon rupture/rehab

[rugrat]

Thanks man. I was lifting someone who squirmed in my arms. I've heard from some people who had a full recovery, and some that have never been the same since. I'm thinking it has to do with how vigorously you rehab. I'm hoping for a full recovery. Surgeon said all went well.

Any particular exercises that really helped? I think the pronation/outward rotation of the palm is a huge component. I can't rotate my thumb passed straight up yet. Do you remember how many weeks post op before you could play at all?

I would just follow your Therapist's orders. I think i had about 15 sessions, and they were pretty brutal! You should be able to pronate/supinate as much as you want as long as you arm is bent 90 degrees. Also do as many shoulder exercises as they allow. I could barely raise my arm at 4 weeks, so any stretching you can do will really help! I had problems with finger swelling, and my fingers were huge! I actually brought my Bass to therapy at about 6 weeks, and I could hardly push the strings down. Currently, at one year post op, I feel great. I'm not in any pain to speak of, but it definitely feels different that my good arm.

 

[Wolford]

So just a quick follow up..... I was able to play at 6 weeks post op. Couldn't really work the first 3 frets though. Playing is great therapy so do it if you can. At 7 1/2 weeks I had an audition for a band, and next week I will play a gig with them. I'll be 13 weeks post op at that point. Arm is not perfect, gets sore from playing, and still can't lift much of anything, BUT I CAN PLAY. At one point I thought I'd never play again, so I just want to document this for anyone who has this injury. Don't give up and do physical therapy as much as you can.

 

[Lex P.]

^^^good to hear!

It’s been 17 months post op for me. I still do all the PT exercises having incorporated them into my tri-weekly exercise routine. My arm still gets sore and it looks a bit deformed but it works very well! Thank goodness for modern medicine.

 

[DWBass]

I had the injury (caused by lifting a heavy box) and subsequent surgery. I tore the tendon at the shoulder though. Plucking arm. Injury in April 2016 and surgery in May 2016. I took the summer off from playing. Did not like the feeling of the anesthesia. Took about 8 hours for it to wear off.

 

[Gefilter1001]

I just joined "The Club!"

 

[Geddywnt2b]

I am joining the club this Tuesday. Plucking arm. Tore the tendon while playing tennis and will see when I can pick up my babies again. Wish me luck!