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Hey all!
I’m now 8 weeks post-surgery for a complete distal biceps tendon rupture. The surgery was performed 3 weeks and 3 days after the injury — not within the ideal 2-week window, but still within an acceptable timeframe. My understanding is that the sooner the repair is done, the less complex the surgery tends to be, with less pre-operative scarring and tendon retraction.
Due to the nature of the injury, the Popeye deformity (muscle shortening and bunching) was a big concern. Function is far more important though, and I’m very happy with the results and my surgeon. They were quite surprised that I have no stiffness or supination issues. After reading about post-surgical scar tissue and stiffness, I chose not to wear a brace (with my surgeon’s approval). Using only a sling with small flexion motions has made a massive difference, although it does carry a higher risk of injury. I have zero nerve damage. The arm already feels stronger, but I’m not pushing it.
I’m about to start physiotherapy. There is a little muscle atrophy, as expected, and the biceps hasn’t fully returned to its original position (although it’s better than before surgery). I suspect this is mainly because the repair wasn’t done within the ideal 1–2 week window.
When I’m ready Are there any exercises that specifically focus on lengthening the biceps toward the elbow after an injury like this? I’d even like to isolate each brachii (long and short head) if possible. If that would help.
Happy with the progress overall — just looking to optimize the rest of the recovery.
I’m now 8 weeks post-surgery for a complete distal biceps tendon rupture. The surgery was performed 3 weeks and 3 days after the injury — not within the ideal 2-week window, but still within an acceptable timeframe. My understanding is that the sooner the repair is done, the less complex the surgery tends to be, with less pre-operative scarring and tendon retraction.
Due to the nature of the injury, the Popeye deformity (muscle shortening and bunching) was a big concern. Function is far more important though, and I’m very happy with the results and my surgeon. They were quite surprised that I have no stiffness or supination issues. After reading about post-surgical scar tissue and stiffness, I chose not to wear a brace (with my surgeon’s approval). Using only a sling with small flexion motions has made a massive difference, although it does carry a higher risk of injury. I have zero nerve damage. The arm already feels stronger, but I’m not pushing it.
I’m about to start physiotherapy. There is a little muscle atrophy, as expected, and the biceps hasn’t fully returned to its original position (although it’s better than before surgery). I suspect this is mainly because the repair wasn’t done within the ideal 1–2 week window.
When I’m ready Are there any exercises that specifically focus on lengthening the biceps toward the elbow after an injury like this? I’d even like to isolate each brachii (long and short head) if possible. If that would help.
Happy with the progress overall — just looking to optimize the rest of the recovery.
