Located at the front of your upper arm, your bicep muscle plays an essential role when you lift and rotate your arm — and a bicep tear is a painful and debilitating injury that can quickly impact your daily life.
If you’ve suffered a bicep injury, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to heal and when you can get back to your favorite activities. The answer is that healing takes time, but you can set yourself up for a smoother recovery by seeking professional care as soon as possible.
Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in bicep tear treatment, and we’re here to help you navigate the healing process more effectively. Here’s an in-depth look at bicep tears and what you can expect during recovery.
A bicep tear happens when the tendon that connects your bicep muscle to your shoulder or elbow partially or completely ruptures. There are two main types of bicep tears: proximal and distal.
A proximal bicep tear occurs at your shoulder, where the bicep tendon attaches to the shoulder joint. Proximal bicep tears are the most common type, and they usually affect the long head of the bicep tendon.
A distal bicep tear occurs at your elbow, where the bicep tendon attaches to the forearm bone (radius). Though distal bicep tears are less common, they can significantly impact arm strength and function.
Bicep tears can happen to anyone, whether they’re the result of acute injury or chronic wear and tear. Sudden, forceful movements or heavy lifting make your bicep tendon tear, and this is particularly common in athletes and people who engage in heavy manual labor.
Repeated overhead motions or activities that put strain on your bicep tendon can also cause tearing. Overuse may lead to micro-tears and eventual rupture. Individuals with a history of shoulder problems or rotator cuff injuries are also at higher risk of bicep tears.
Finally, tendons lose elasticity and strength as you get older. They become more susceptible to tears, and older adults are at a higher risk of bicep tears due to this natural degeneration.
If you think you’ve torn your bicep, the first step to healing is seeking a professional diagnosis. Treatment for a bicep tear depends on the severity of the injury and your overall health, and our team is here to help you find the best treatment for your needs.
Partial tears can often heal with nonsurgical treatment, but complete tears may require surgery to reattach the tendon. Initially, resting your injured arm and using a sling to immobilize it can help reduce pain and prevent further damage. We may recommend applying ice to the affected area to manage swelling in the first few days following your injury.
In the weeks that follow, we recommend participating in physical therapy. Your physical therapist designs a rehabilitation program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises to help you regain optimal function.
The healing time for a bicep tear varies depending on the type and severity of the tear, as well as the type of treatment you receive. When we diagnose your injury, we discuss your treatment options and how long it may take to heal.
If you have a partial tear that doesn’t require surgery, recovery can take about three to six months. During this time, physical therapy plays an important role to help you regain strength and flexibility.
If you need surgery for your bicep tear, healing can take four to six months. The initial phase involves immobilization and limited movement, followed by a gradual increase in physical therapy exercises to restore full function.
Dealing with a bicep tear can be challenging, but a smooth recovery is possible with the right care. Call our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or request your first appointment online now.
