Jerome Dinh's Pec Tear Journal

[injurypr0ne]

I think I've been living with a torn pec for around a year and a half. I felt a tear while lifting heavy on decline bench press, took it easy for a month, then started lifting again and felt the same exact sharp pain. 18 months later, I have extreme weakness in my left pec and my armpit feels like it is missing some muscle where the sternal head of the pec should connect. It is extremely uncomfortable to live with, and I hate not being able to be in the gym. Orthopedic surgeon told me it was a partial pec tear after it happened, and told me I should do physical therapy to rehab it. Never healed so a year later I got an MRI and he told me that he saw nothing wrong with the MRI, but from what I have researched it seems pretty obvious to me that I have a pec tear.

Just seeing if I could get any of you guys thoughts... I cannot stand to live like this anymore.

[injurypr0ne]

anyone?

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by injurypr0ne

I think I've been living with a torn pec for around a year and a half. I felt a tear while lifting heavy on decline bench press, took it easy for a month, then started lifting again and felt the same exact sharp pain. 18 months later, I have extreme weakness in my left pec and my armpit feels like it is missing some muscle where the sternal head of the pec should connect. It is extremely uncomfortable to live with, and I hate not being able to be in the gym. Orthopedic surgeon told me it was a partial pec tear after it happened, and told me I should do physical therapy to rehab it. Never healed so a year later I got an MRI and he told me that he saw nothing wrong with the MRI, but from what I have researched it seems pretty obvious to me that I have a pec tear.

Just seeing if I could get any of you guys thoughts... I cannot stand to live like this anymore.

sorry buddy i didnt realize i was on page 13....

so they did an MRI and didnt see any tear??!! maybe you should get a second opinion and get an MRI else where because by the sounds of it, you did some serious damage. judging by your picture it appears (if your looking at the picture straight on) the right side(your left pec) has disfigurement where the outter pec isnt as rounded.

if you wouldnt mind, have someone take a picture of you doing a double bicep, side chest and most muscular(keeping hands together, not crab) and post them here and i'll take a look at it again.

def go get a second opinion by someone who has experience in pec tears(which is rare as most orth surgeons specialize in delts & knee) and have them send you elsewhere for MRI

keep me posted and KEEP YOUR HEAD UP bro..it will workout, stay positive and be proactive and GOOD LUCK!

[injurypr0ne]

Originally Posted by jeromedinh

sorry buddy i didnt realize i was on page 13....

so they did an MRI and didnt see any tear??!! maybe you should get a second opinion and get an MRI else where because by the sounds of it, you did some serious damage. judging by your picture it appears (if your looking at the picture straight on) the right side(your left pec) has disfigurement where the outter pec isnt as rounded.

if you wouldnt mind, have someone take a picture of you doing a double bicep, side chest and most muscular(keeping hands together, not crab) and post them here and i'll take a look at it again.

def go get a second opinion by someone who has experience in pec tears(which is rare as most orth surgeons specialize in delts & knee) and have them send you elsewhere for MRI

keep me posted and KEEP YOUR HEAD UP bro..it will workout, stay positive and be proactive and GOOD LUCK!

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I had an MRI a year after the initial injury and the orthopedic surgeon said that he saw nothing wrong. A couple of weeks ago I had a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon, who flashed the MRI's up on the screen for only a second probably just for show. I am certain he just went with what the radiologist wrote on the report. Both said there appears to be no damage at all, yet the ultrasound showed I have an excessive amount of scar tissue. I wonder if that could possibly be hiding the tear. Is there a such thing as a bad MRI?

Anyways, one ortho thinks the scar tissue could be hindering my muscle contraction and is sending me to physical therapy that will poke needles in my scar tissue and trigger points and the other ortho signed me up for an EMG where they will send electric shock through needles I guess to test for possible nerve damage. I think that they are both wrong because of their lack of experience with pec tears since I feel neither one of these solutions appropriately addresses my symptoms.

For this reason, I am going to mail my MRI's to Dr. Schepsis out of Boston since he literally wrote the book on pec tears, along with pictures and a video of my chest doing different movements. From doing research and reading up on these types of injuries, it seems obvious to me that this is what is wrong, but I'm just not sure if it is possible to be misdiagnosed by two different orthopedic surgeons. Maybe it is because of inexperience, but I guess I'll know for sure as soon as I hear back from Schepsis, huh?

Here are the pictures. The injury is most evident in the first picture I posted, where I am leaning on a table in the decline bench position (how it was initially injured). I obviously not buff enough to have ever posed before so bear with my poses. In the double bicep, it is evident that my left pec has lost a little of its muscle mass, and in the most muscular, you can see a little indentation below my armpit. I can't really tell anything from the side chest.

Thanks again

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by injurypr0ne

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I had an MRI a year after the initial injury and the orthopedic surgeon said that he saw nothing wrong. A couple of weeks ago I had a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon, who flashed the MRI's up on the screen for only a second probably just for show. I am certain he just went with what the radiologist wrote on the report. Both said there appears to be no damage at all, yet the ultrasound showed I have an excessive amount of scar tissue. I wonder if that could possibly be hiding the tear. Is there a such thing as a bad MRI?

Anyways, one ortho thinks the scar tissue could be hindering my muscle contraction and is sending me to physical therapy that will poke needles in my scar tissue and trigger points and the other ortho signed me up for an EMG where they will send electric shock through needles I guess to test for possible nerve damage. I think that they are both wrong because of their lack of experience with pec tears since I feel neither one of these solutions appropriately addresses my symptoms.

For this reason, I am going to mail my MRI's to Dr. Schepsis out of Boston since he literally wrote the book on pec tears, along with pictures and a video of my chest doing different movements. From doing research and reading up on these types of injuries, it seems obvious to me that this is what is wrong, but I'm just not sure if it is possible to be misdiagnosed by two different orthopedic surgeons. Maybe it is because of inexperience, but I guess I'll know for sure as soon as I hear back from Schepsis, huh?

Here are the pictures. The injury is most evident in the first picture I posted, where I am leaning on a table in the decline bench position (how it was initially injured). I obviously not buff enough to have ever posed before so bear with my poses. In the double bicep, it is evident that my left pec has lost a little of its muscle mass, and in the most muscular, you can see a little indentation below my armpit. I can't really tell anything from the side chest.

Thanks again

no prob man thats what this thread is for. 2 different orthos and same conclusion?? it could very well be scar tissue thats giving you all the problems but 3rd opinion by someone who is knowledgable in the subject will give you a piece of mind plus getting an answer on how to improve the ailment is a bonus!

its hard to see any damage with the pictures you provided...if it was torn, maybe it was partial, nonetheless there really isnt any disfigurement which is a def plus..so take comfort in that!

if i were you, stay away from too many compound movements that involve your chest...stick to isolation movements and keep your reps from 10-20 and make sure you do a good warmup before increasing your weight. stretch and make sure to use correct form..cheating will only ensure injury and you will not make any muscular progress.

anything else im missing here?? let me know if you have more questions...

[JFlo37]

Congratulations on your sponsorship and recovery, doing a fantastic job. I'm about 15 weeks post op from my repair, I started the "strengthing phase" for my pec. I was given a couple different bands to use but while I can feel the muscle working, they are really easy to do. The atrophy in my arm is finally almost gone, after the sling removal the right arm was over 3" smaller than the left, but now it's less than a quarter inch difference. My question is how long was it until you were able to do anything with your shoulder (overhead press, shoulder flies, etc) with light weight? Also when did you start doing any kind of dumbell presses with lighter weights? I don't want to overdo it, but I also want to be doing what I can to get back. Thanks again for your help and this thread, it's a great resource to be able to communicate with someone who has gone through the same thing!

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by JFlo37

Congratulations on your sponsorship and recovery, doing a fantastic job. I'm about 15 weeks post op from my repair, I started the "strengthing phase" for my pec. I was given a couple different bands to use but while I can feel the muscle working, they are really easy to do. The atrophy in my arm is finally almost gone, after the sling removal the right arm was over 3" smaller than the left, but now it's less than a quarter inch difference. My question is how long was it until you were able to do anything with your shoulder (overhead press, shoulder flies, etc) with light weight? Also when did you start doing any kind of dumbell presses with lighter weights? I don't want to overdo it, but I also want to be doing what I can to get back. Thanks again for your help and this thread, it's a great resource to be able to communicate with someone who has gone through the same thing!

nice man, i d idnt do ANY chest movements for months after my sling removal. i figured why risk injury, my chest will be worked secondary when i work other bodyparts.

i think i started doing shoulder presses about 8-12 weeks post sling removal and it was like 5lbs to start. i was doing a lot of isolation movements eg side laterals, rear pull backs, etc. you really just have to feel it out. i remember there was a great deal of tension when doing the movement as well as any cable pulldowns...BUT overtime it will go away.

what ever you do, no matter how strong you feel...take it easy and slow. i kept my reps from 15-25reps for months just have patience. it will all come back in time. like you i lost 3" on my arm and my front delt was GONE but in 8 weeks post sling removal i got it about back. now im stronger then ive ever been!

let me know if that answered your question or if you have more.

jerome

[injurypr0ne]

Originally Posted by jeromedinh

no prob man thats what this thread is for. 2 different orthos and same conclusion?? it could very well be scar tissue thats giving you all the problems but 3rd opinion by someone who is knowledgable in the subject will give you a piece of mind plus getting an answer on how to improve the ailment is a bonus!

its hard to see any damage with the pictures you provided...if it was torn, maybe it was partial, nonetheless there really isnt any disfigurement which is a def plus..so take comfort in that!

if i were you, stay away from too many compound movements that involve your chest...stick to isolation movements and keep your reps from 10-20 and make sure you do a good warmup before increasing your weight. stretch and make sure to use correct form..cheating will only ensure injury and you will not make any muscular progress.

anything else im missing here?? let me know if you have more questions...

Yea it doesn't look bad at all, but for the past 18 months ever since feeling that tweak when I was benching I haven't been able to put up any considerable weight without a sharp pinch, and my chest towards my armpit always feels kinda numb and tight and there is noticeable muscle loss under my armpit. It doesn't really get a good pump or feel like its pulling when I lift. Kinda feels like there is a knot in it constantly. I've been lifting in the 10-20 rep range with isolated movements for quite some time now with no real progress.

I really do hope its nothing serious like a partially torn pec, but I'm really not sure what else it could be. I've never heard of scar tissue giving anyone problems like this for this long of a time frame. I have an appointment today where they are going to stick needles in my pec to try and remove some, so we will see if that helps at all.

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by injurypr0ne

Yea it doesn't look bad at all, but for the past 18 months ever since feeling that tweak when I was benching I haven't been able to put up any considerable weight without a sharp pinch, and my chest towards my armpit always feels kinda numb and tight and there is noticeable muscle loss under my armpit. It doesn't really get a good pump or feel like its pulling when I lift. Kinda feels like there is a knot in it constantly. I've been lifting in the 10-20 rep range with isolated movements for quite some time now with no real progress.

I really do hope its nothing serious like a partially torn pec, but I'm really not sure what else it could be. I've never heard of scar tissue giving anyone problems like this for this long of a time frame. I have an appointment today where they are going to stick needles in my pec to try and remove some, so we will see if that helps at all.

wow, maybe you need to up the cals then ?? either way you should progressively be getting stronger..is your bodyweight going up? there could be a number of factors as to why your not gaining strength.

if its a partial tear..hopefully tendon they could still repair is from what i've read...not sure if they can actually repair the muscle belly itself because they couldnt for me but my doc wasnt a specialist in pec tears...its like sowing wet noodles together is the best way to discribe it.

let me know the scoop when you get back

[ygbodybuilder10]

hey rome, u ever pull or tweak a nerve in ur hand before

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by ygbodybuilder10

hey rome, u ever pull or tweak a nerve in ur hand before

No cant say that i have bro but for the past week i've been working through a TRAP injury! In my 14 years of training i've never dealt with something like this before. Its fine its injuried i can deal with that and work around it...taking time off back but i had NO IDEA that it would dramtically effect the pressing movements in my arm on the injured side!! im not talking about a couple reps difference but like 10lbs difference! its SUCKS and messes up your moral but ...HARDSHIPS IS WHAT MAKES US GROW SO GOTZ TO STAY POSITIVE MAN..AS HARD AS IT IS. right now im going for a killer pump, doing high reps and volume.

so how does your hand feel? sometimes i gets this weird strain in my left hand when i do cable cross overs so i have to continually adjust my grip.

[ygbodybuilder10]

Originally Posted by jeromedinh

No cant say that i have bro but for the past week i've been working through a TRAP injury! In my 14 years of training i've never dealt with something like this before. Its fine its injuried i can deal with that and work around it...taking time off back but i had NO IDEA that it would dramtically effect the pressing movements in my arm on the injured side!! im not talking about a couple reps difference but like 10lbs difference! its SUCKS and messes up your moral but ...HARDSHIPS IS WHAT MAKES US GROW SO GOTZ TO STAY POSITIVE MAN..AS HARD AS IT IS. right now im going for a killer pump, doing high reps and volume.

so how does your hand feel? sometimes i gets this weird strain in my left hand when i do cable cross overs so i have to continually adjust my grip.

thats kind of like wha it feels like now, like a strain, it happen after my set of deadlifts but at that time it felt like my whole dam hand was numb, not its just a funny feeling on the part of my hand where my thumb is

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by ygbodybuilder10

thats kind of like wha it feels like now, like a strain, it happen after my set of deadlifts but at that time it felt like my whole dam hand was numb, not its just a funny feeling on the part of my hand where my thumb is

well bro, i think i have some nerve problems in my upper back so i put up a new thread and will be updating that frequently. im sure you have a strain...just be careful, injuries are a bitch!

[JFlo37]

Hey Jerome, it's been just over 5 months since my surgery. I saw the doctor yesterday and she said I can go back to everything, except max effort bench. My arms are just about equal now, only about 1/8th of an inch away. However, my right pec and shoulder are still quite a bit smaller since I have been really careful not to push them for the past 6 months. Do you have any suggestions to gain size back on that side (specific exercises, supplements, etc)? Thanks

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by JFlo37

Hey Jerome, it's been just over 5 months since my surgery. I saw the doctor yesterday and she said I can go back to everything, except max effort bench. My arms are just about equal now, only about 1/8th of an inch away. However, my right pec and shoulder are still quite a bit smaller since I have been really careful not to push them for the past 6 months. Do you have any suggestions to gain size back on that side (specific exercises, supplements, etc)? Thanks

sorry i havent been on here for a while. no worries i had the SAME problem, in fact my front delt and chest wasnt firing up. over time you'll gain strength back..i stayed away from most compound movement for 12 weeks after i started training them moved into hammer strength and machine benching movements. then into d-bell presses but till this day i havent been under a bench.

key is to get a killer pump..remember you cant train as heavy so rest less and concentrate more on the movements...by the end of your workouts your bodypart should be twitching uncontrollably lol.

i made sure to eat every 3 hours. upon waking up, after training and before bed i had 2 scoops of Nitro-Tech my Muscletech and that helps me a ton to get my cals in, esp days when i had zero appetite. also pre workout i took/take Nano-Vapor and post workout Cell-Tech. trust me...they helped me a ton! make sure that you're also getting plenty of rest as to not over train.

heres something i WISH i would have done post-surgery is TRAINED MY LEFT/GOOD SIDE. it only took 7 weeks for my right/bad arm to catch up. now my right arm is 1/2 inch bigger then my left. also you'll notice the skin on your arm isnt as tight but NO WORRIES...it will tighten up. i still have a nasty as$ scar but oh well...nothing a little pro-tan cant hide!

[jeromedinh]

Its almost 1 YEAR SINCE MY PEC TEAR and im happy to report that im 10lbs heavier and at least 3% less bodyfat then pre-pec tear!! im the most muscular ive ever been...so DONT FRET, PEC TEAR ISNT THE END OF THE WORLD..its up to YOU on how you want to succeed or fail. you can bitch and mown about WHY ME, BLAH BLAH BLAH or STFU and deal with it and overcome the hardship. you cant control life so make the best of what GOD has given you. excuses are like as$holes, they all stink and everyone has one!!

IM MORE THEN HAPPY TO HELP ANYONE REGARDING THIS SITUATION SO DONT HESITATE TO HIT ME UP VIA BODYSPACE. im rarely on my thread due limited time i have but i check my bodyspace daily when i do my weigh-ins.

[mikevall]

Man i feel really bad for you. I couldnt imagine doing that, if i broke a arm or anything in my upperbody i would be DEPRESSED cuz i couldnt work out. My buddy tried doing 225 and he did the exact same thing as u did. Thats a shame man, hope the recovery goes well.

[I_Enigma_I]

best of luck to you in your recovery.

[mikevall]

How do you avoid tearing your pecs? i tried doing a search all it said was putting to much force on ur muscle... and apparently some nfl guy tore his when he tried tackling someone.. OW ha

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by mikevall

Man i feel really bad for you. I couldnt imagine doing that, if i broke a arm or anything in my upperbody i would be DEPRESSED cuz i couldnt work out. My buddy tried doing 225 and he did the exact same thing as u did. Thats a shame man, hope the recovery goes well.

here is the thing man, **** happens..yeah it sucks but life goes on its how you make the best of your situation. what i went through is NOTHING compared to others...at least i can heal and have movement. the thing is bro, ANY SITUATION could be worse.

recover has went WAY better then planned. i thought it would take me a year to get back to where i was..but it only took me 6 months and now im WAY WAY stronger and muscular then 1 YEAR from TOMORROW. actually...1 year from today, A SUNDAY is when it happened.

Originally Posted by I_Enigma_I

best of luck to you in your recovery.

thanks brutha...its going great!

Originally Posted by mikevall

How do you avoid tearing your pecs? i tried doing a search all it said was putting to much force on ur muscle... and apparently some nfl guy tore his when he tried tackling someone.. OW ha

how to avoid pec tears LOL well i thought i figured it out last year BUT now i know or have a better idea. sports injuries is VERY common, but there are ways to help prevent it from happening in the gym.

thoroughly warming up your WHOLE body, i like to warm up on the treadmill for 10mins prior to working out...get the blood flowing. avoid doing TOO many compound movements for the upper body. overhead dumbell presses, barbell presses, etc. it takes a toll on the body. doing a couple ISOLATION movements prior to any compound movements. keeping your rep range no lower then 6 reps.stretching out after the bodypart is fully warmed up. using mind to muscle connection and make sure your FEELING the movement and not just going through the motions. slow and concentrated reps, control the weight dont let it control you. remember your trying to build muscle not to show off, dont care about HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOUR DOING BUT how your executing the movement..get that pump and let it burn! also i think a good DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE and Chiropractic adjustments is key for maintenance.

im sure there is more sh!t im missing but thats the basics. just be smart and train for you, not anyone else.

[jeromedinh]

205lbs
19"arms
28"quads
18"calves
32"waist

right pec was the one that i tore

[ChiefRocka]

Now recovering from getting surgery on a 2 year old pec tear last Thursday. I traveled to Boston to have it repaired by Dr. Anthony Schepsis in Boston who is the foremost surgeon in the nation on pec tears. Most surgeons will tell you that an old pec tear cant be fixed but Dr. Schepsis has developed a technique which makes any level of pec tear repairable. Pain has subsided but im still immobilized obviously. just taking everything slow, will update this thread every so often.

jerome, how soon after surgery did u get active? i was thinking to rest completely for 3 weeks then maybe start riding the bike or walking the treadmill at the gym.

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Now recovering from getting surgery on a 2 year old pec tear last Thursday. I traveled to Boston to have it repaired by Dr. Anthony Schepsis in Boston who is the foremost surgeon in the nation on pec tears. Most surgeons will tell you that an old pec tear cant be fixed but Dr. Schepsis has developed a technique which makes any level of pec tear repairable. Pain has subsided but im still immobilized obviously. just taking everything slow, will update this thread every so often.

jerome, how soon after surgery did u get active? i was thinking to rest completely for 3 weeks then maybe start riding the bike or walking the treadmill at the gym.

ive heard its harder but do-able. ive heard of people getting pec tear repaired after 7 years! not certain on how successful it was but heard it was done

pain really isnt that bad after the 1st day or 2.

my suggestion my friend is to COMPLETELY REST for 4 WEEKS! yeah you'll feel like a turd BUT the benefit outweights the consequence if you irritate it and it tears again. I started after a couple weeks i think?? i'd have to read back in my thread to fully remember. what eevr it was, it was TOO EARLY. im sure i irritated it again, even wiht the smallest movements...you figure they had to really pull the muscle back and attach it..so there is a ton of stress on it as is.

I've read and heard at least 4 weeks rest then SLOW WALKING, nothing faster then 3mph..I DID NO UPPERBODY for i think 12 weeks post surgery but started legs after 4 weeks..leg extentions and curls(couldnt lay down so i reversed my body upright and used the leg extension machine for leg curls).

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by jeromedinh

ive heard its harder but do-able. ive heard of people getting pec tear repaired after 7 years! not certain on how successful it was but heard it was done

pain really isnt that bad after the 1st day or 2.

my suggestion my friend is to COMPLETELY REST for 4 WEEKS! yeah you'll feel like a turd BUT the benefit outweights the consequence if you irritate it and it tears again. I started after a couple weeks i think?? i'd have to read back in my thread to fully remember. what eevr it was, it was TOO EARLY. im sure i irritated it again, even wiht the smallest movements...you figure they had to really pull the muscle back and attach it..so there is a ton of stress on it as is.

I've read and heard at least 4 weeks rest then SLOW WALKING, nothing faster then 3mph..I DID NO UPPERBODY for i think 12 weeks post surgery but started legs after 4 weeks..leg extentions and curls(couldnt lay down so i reversed my body upright and used the leg extension machine for leg curls).

Great thanks for the advice...gonna take it even easier then, no action at all for 4 weeks. what kind of diet did u implement during this time in order to try and maintain a good level of fat and muscle since you werent working out? I gotta be extra careful during this time since i wont be doing anything

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Great thanks for the advice...gonna take it even easier then, no action at all for 4 weeks. what kind of diet did u implement during this time in order to try and maintain a good level of fat and muscle since you werent working out? I gotta be extra careful during this time since i wont be doing anything

keep carbs & fat to a minimum but keep protein high but dont beat yourself if you need some junk food, this is a great time to get some R&R and get you on track physically and mentally. i still at every 2-3 hours, shake upon waking up and before bed and if i felt like a burger and fries...why not.

you cant go back in time so approach your recovery cautiously..this time is relatively nothing compared to the rest of your life! use this time to work on yourself, things you wouldnt have been able to do due to time constraints... read books, study, time with friends and fam, etc..stay productive and utilize this time to the best of your ability!

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by jeromedinh

keep carbs & fat to a minimum but keep protein high but dont beat yourself if you need some junk food, this is a great time to get some R&R and get you on track physically and mentally. i still at every 2-3 hours, shake upon waking up and before bed and if i felt like a burger and fries...why not.

you cant go back in time so approach your recovery cautiously..this time is relatively nothing compared to the rest of your life! use this time to work on yourself, things you wouldnt have been able to do due to time constraints... read books, study, time with friends and fam, etc..stay productive and utilize this time to the best of your ability!

Good stuff brotha, appreciate that info.

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Good stuff brotha, appreciate that info.

no prob... ive been through it so hit me up anytime!

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by jeromedinh

no prob... ive been through it so hit me up anytime!

Tried pming u but i guess u have it disabled...just had a question about AAS. Forgive me from assuming that most people who have torn their pec were on AAS like myself (cause of everything ive researched and even my dr. who said hes never seen a natural pec tear) if so, just wanted to know if you started back up again and if so how long after surgery. thanks.

[jeromedinh]

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Tried pming u but i guess u have it disabled...just had a question about AAS. Forgive me from assuming that most people who have torn their pec were on AAS like myself (cause of everything ive researched and even my dr. who said hes never seen a natural pec tear) if so, just wanted to know if you started back up again and if so how long after surgery. thanks.

AAS?? i assume you mean the sauce? no bro, it was natural pec tear and it happens to everyone, natural or not, and can happen for a number of reason not affiliated with weight training,like wrestling, construction, etc.

im not in the know about the sauce but im sure there are plenty of threads about it. i have read that some peeps have taken deca and growth because, supposedly it has tendon strengthening properties?

on offense taken either, people have been assuming that since i was in high school

[JFlo37]

Hey Jerome, it's 8 months to the day of my pec surgery. I feel great, I am in better shape than I was before the injury happened. I am still reluctant to try bench even though I feel like I can (not max effort, but light weight). I've just been doing dumbells since the surgery. I am wondering if you have done bench since your injury or if you have stayed away from it. If so, do you have any suggestions for good chest work outs? Thanks again for your help through this, very much appreciated.

James