Biceps Tear Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
A bicep tear, also known as a bicep rupture, occurs when there is a tear of the tendon connecting the bicep muscle to the bones in your upper arm.
The bicep is the muscle in the front of the upper arm that helps to bend the elbow and twist the forearm. It has two heads with tendons connecting to the shoulder blade at the shoulder joint, and a long tendon attaching into the forearm at the elbow joint. When one or more of these tendons are damaged or detached from the bone the result is a bicep rupture.
A torn bicep is most commonly experienced by men between 40 and 60 years old – however, the injury can happen to anyone. In this article, we look at common causes, treatments, and how to prevent a bicep tear so you can carry on with the sports and exercises of your choice.
What can cause a bicep tear?
A bicep tear is most commonly caused by sudden injury or an overuse of the bicep muscle.
Injury: An injury to the bicep can occur from movement at the elbow or shoulder joint in unfamiliar range or with excessive load, causing the bicep to tear or strain. This can occur when falling on an outstretched arm or incorrectly lifting a heavy object. Weight training can also increase the risk of bicep tendon injury due to overextension and heavy weight lifted during exercises.
Overuse: Overuse of the bicep muscle is common in sports that require repetitive movement in the shoulder or elbow. Sports like baseball, tennis, football, or swimming can put strain on the bicep and cause the tendon to tear.
Symptoms of a bicep tear
When the bicep muscle is torn, there is often an audible ‘pop’ sound or feeling of tearing at the site (shoulder or elbow). This will often be followed by immediate, severe pain in the affected area. If a bicep muscle is torn, it will be painful for at least a few days following the injury.
Other symptoms include:
- Warmth around the affected area
- Shoulder and arm weakness/heaviness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty rotating the forearm and palm
- Bulging in the upper arm (caused by the muscles no longer being held in place and bunching up in one section of the bicep)
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you’ve torn your bicep, it’s vital to see a physio or doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and the tools to manage the injury effectively.
How is a torn bicep treated?
To effectively treat a torn bicep, you will extensive rehabilitation. A Physiotherapist will test range of motion and strength through a physical exam and assess any swelling, bruising, or bulging in the arm. You may also be required to do an MRI or ultrasound scan to determine the full extent of the torn or ruptured bicep.
After identifying the severity of the bicep tear, your physiotherapist will provide treatment depending on your type of injury and lifestyle. Generally, treatment for a torn bicep will involve:
Rest
After experiencing a torn bicep, rest is crucial to prevent more tearing in the injured area and to allow the area to start healing. Resting includes avoiding heavy lifting, overhead activities, and holding heavy things in general. Your physiotherapist may recommend using a sling in the short term to help you avoid using your injured arm.
Reduce inflammation
Keeping the swelling down and reducing inflammation will promote healthy tissue production. To keep the swelling down, apply ice packs several times a day and use prescribed anti-inflammatory medication if recommended by your GP.
Strengthening the area
Regular physiotherapy appointments can help you regain strength and range of motion in the injured bicep area. Your physiotherapist will take you through movements and, when the area begins to heal, provide additional exercises to do at home.
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery for a complete tear or if the injury does not heal on its own. Surgery for a bicep tear involves reattaching the tendon to the bone. Recovery time after surgery is typically three to six months and will require physiotherapy to rehabilitate the bicep area.
Generally, people regain full strength and range of motion in their injured bicep after eight to twelve weeks from non-surgical treatment and three to six months for surgical treatment.
How to prevent bicep tears
A bicep tear or rupture can happen to anyone overusing or putting too much strain on their biceps. Some tips to help avoid a torn bicep include:
- Be aware of repetitive movements in the shoulder and elbow.
- Notice how much stress is put on the biceps through sport and exercise.
- Warm up before using the arms in sports or lifting exercises.
- Performing exercises with the appropriate form.
If you’re concerned about your range of movement in the arms, talk to your physiotherapist. Physios can provide exercises and tips specific to your circumstance to help reduce risk of injury to the bicep tendon.
Wrapping up
When left untreated, an injured bicep can have negative impacts on your ability to complete physical tasks and exercises. With proper treatment and care, however, you can get back to your full strength and range of motion.
NQ Physio Solutions are Townsville’s leading team of sports and general physiotherapists. If you’ve suffered from a torn or ruptured bicep, contact the friendly team at NQ Physio today so we can get you back to living a strong and pain-free life.