Torn bicep right arm...comments please...

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 01:09 PM

Good afternoon luminaries....

On Monday at the end of my workout I tore my right distal bicep.
I heard the tear occur and it was a damned unpleasant experience that I would not wish on anyone....yet.

Saw the doctor yesterday and confirmed the tear in the muscle and not the tendon which (in a perverse sort of way) I was happy about.
I presume a tendon would not heal as quickly and surgery would be the best option.

Ok...overtly there is little to no swelling although it feels weird, is very uncomfortable and I have to move the arm with some care.
If I look closely I see a minute bit of bruising but again hardly noticeable.
'Popeye'?....yes...there is a noticeable 'Popeye' look but not nearly as bad as some of the pics I saw on the web.
A good tear but not a complete one.

What did the doc say:
- see him again in two weeks or so
- about 6 weeks for the muscle to completely heal
- the Popeye look will go away.
- it may be stiff because of scar tissue when starting back
- I can't think of anything else now

This is putting me in a (well concealed) funk right now.
So...if any care to comment I would welcome your alien remedies, suggestions and/or experience with this?
In my ignorance, I'm fearful the Popeye look will NOT go away and that is bothering me.

Thanks to all for any comments....
Later

Guinness42 · 03-18-2009, 01:32 PM

Sorry for your back luck Wayne.

Back in the late 80's on was on a demolition project and a 20' 4x4 fell out of the ceiling (about 16' in the air) and hit me square in the left bicep. Damn near hit me in the head, which probably would have killed me. Anyway, I still have a scar about 3" acrosss my bicep. I had what appeared to be the Popeye look that you mentioned. I was dumb and young and never went to see a doc, but it took a couple of months before I got the full use back and the Popeye look went away. I assume that I probably tore the bicep or very badly bruised it. This probably tells you nothing since I was never diagnosed, but mine did heal up in a couple of months.

Prayers to you for a speedy recovery.

Old-Time-Lifter · 03-18-2009, 01:51 PM

I can feel your pain, I train with a partially detached bicep tendon and often wonder when I'll screw up and fall through the ice so to say. My doctor said he wouldn't advise surgery until it tears completely........... great.

It's good to hear it will heal without surgery though. Keep up the faith!

GreenWave1 · 03-18-2009, 01:51 PM

That's a tough break. Best to you in the healing process. 6 weeks will go by in no time.

MT_Pawkits · 03-18-2009, 01:54 PM

I offer no advice but wish you a speedy recovery!

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guinness42

Sorry for your back luck Wayne.

Back in the late 80's on was on a demolition project and a 20' 4x4 fell out of the ceiling (about 16' in the air) and hit me square in the left bicep. Damn near hit me in the head, which probably would have killed me. Anyway, I still have a scar about 3" acrosss my bicep. I had what appeared to be the Popeye look that you mentioned. I was dumb and young and never went to see a doc, but it took a couple of months before I got the full use back and the Popeye look went away. I assume that I probably tore the bicep or very badly bruised it. This probably tells you nothing since I was never diagnosed, but mine did heal up in a couple of months.

Prayers to you for a speedy recovery.

Ouch....
I was a carpenter for several years in the Mountains up by Yosemite and have had my bodily skirmishes too but nothing like the one you had.
I'm glad you fared well and it healed.

****fire....I just broke (albeit minutely) 16" on my arms so I guess I get to look forward to starting all over again in 6 weeks or so
I was really concerned about the extent of healing in this situation.

Thanks for chiming in, the kind words and confirming the Popeye look will go bye bye.
I'm in a funk now and feel the need for a 4 pack of Guinness.

Thanks again....

EDIT: Old time lifter....Greenwave1 and MTpawkits....thanks for the kind words.

JohnTheBlaze · 03-18-2009, 02:09 PM

Hang in there Wayne...you'll be training again before you know it...

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnTheBlaze

you'll be training again before you know it...

I am counting on that!

Side note: Something else that distressed me....I thought I wouldn't be able to play guitar either.
So, last night I gingerly put the guitar strap over my head and slowly tried some different positions (no..not those positions) and was able to play but I had to start out slowly.
I don't think I would do well beyond 160 bpm but I can at least play guitar in place of workout time.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

SP1966 · 03-18-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Evans

I am counting on that!

Side note: Something else that distressed me....I thought I wouldn't be able to play guitar either.
So, last night I gingerly put the guitar strap over my head and slowly tried some different positions (no..not those positions) and was able to play but I had to start out slowly.
I don't think I would do well beyond 160 bpm but I can at least play guitar in place of workout time.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

No Pete townsend big arm swings for awhile then!

TuffGirl · 03-18-2009, 03:35 PM

Damn!, I'm sorry Wayne.

I feel for you.

I am nursing a torn rotator cuff...

Doc gave me a Kenalog injection 12 days ago - so far so good, I'm hoping I won't have to be scoped... we'll see.

Karl_Hungus · 03-18-2009, 03:57 PM

Sorry to hear about that Wayne. How did you tear it (if you don't mind my asking)?

I don't have any advice as I have never had a real tear before, but, you might take a look at Layne Norton's journal for inspiration if anything else. He tore his pec over a year ago, and it still isn't totally 100% yet (last I read). But, he still hit the gym hard, really focused on his legs, and made huge gains in that area. Also, he recently set a deadlifting record!

So, don't focus too much on what you can't do -- but, if you can still hit the gym, there are more gains to be made! Even if you can't do anything involving the bicep.

Good luck, and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP1966

No Pete townsend big arm swings for awhile then!

Haha....

Well...when I pick up the axe there is about 8-10 songs that I play through (because they are just fun to play) to warm up and thankfully NONE require the 'Townsend' moves.
My 'arm swings' would not be pretty.
At least I can still flip off bad drivers on the way home from work. (j/k)

Tuffgirl....mierda!
Sorry to hear that.
I feel fortunate that my bi did not tear at the shoulder which (I perceive) could be much more serious.
I hope your injection takes care of your problem.
Good luck and keep us informed.

Thanks to everyone for the comments.

plmb1 · 03-18-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Evans

Good afternoon luminaries....

On Monday at the end of my workout I tore my right distal bicep.
I heard the tear occur and it was a damned unpleasant experience that I would not wish on anyone....yet.

Saw the doctor yesterday and confirmed the tear in the muscle and not the tendon which (in a perverse sort of way) I was happy about.
I presume a tendon would not heal as quickly and surgery would be the best option.

Ok...overtly there is little to no swelling although it feels weird, is very uncomfortable and I have to move the arm with some care.
If I look closely I see a minute bit of bruising but again hardly noticeable.
'Popeye'?....yes...there is a noticeable 'Popeye' look but not nearly as bad as some of the pics I saw on the web.
A good tear but not a complete one.

What did the doc say:
- see him again in two weeks or so
- about 6 weeks for the muscle to completely heal
- the Popeye look will go away.
- it may be stiff because of scar tissue when starting back
- I can't think of anything else now

This is putting me in a (well concealed) funk right now.
So...if any care to comment I would welcome your alien remedies, suggestions and/or experience with this?
In my ignorance, I'm fearful the Popeye look will NOT go away and that is bothering me.

Thanks to all for any comments....
Later

Sorry to hear about bicep. I have had problems such as torn ham, rotator cuff etc..... over the years (all mishaps in gym). Anyway, every time I have had a torn muscle I would just ice, ice, ice, ice and more ice for several times a day (once an hour for twenty min is great for the first 2 or 3 days. after that 20 min every 2 or 3 hours is good).

It's a waiting game for sure. Be sure you do not use it anymore than you have to. Let it rest and do not move it around or stretch for several days.

After the pain lessens ALOT then you prolly should start some light stretchs. Your PT (if you see one and I would) will tell you exactly what to do.

If your doc told you it would only be 6 weeks thats great. But, my doc told me about the same but you have to remember that most docs do not workout and have no idea that your idea of healed is way different than theirs.

When I tore my ham the doc told me I would be back at it in 3 to 6 months. Well, lets just say he was off by a little there...lol. I did ALOT of rehab work on my own and thats where it's at for sure. It's all up to you in the long run. So, be very careful and DON'T try to get back at it to soon and when you do...........take it VERY, VERY EASY AND SLOW.........good luck....I feel your pain.

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl_Hungus

Sorry to hear about that Wayne. How did you tear it (if you don't mind my asking)?

I don't have any advice as I have never had a real tear before, but, you might take a look at Layne Norton's journal for inspiration if anything else. He tore his pec over a year ago, and it still isn't totally 100% yet (last I read). But, he still hit the gym hard, really focused on his legs, and made huge gains in that area. Also, he recently set a deadlifting record!

So, don't focus too much on what you can't do -- but, if you can still hit the gym, there are more gains to be made! Even if you can't do anything involving the bicep.

Good luck, and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Hey Karl....

No, I don't mind you asking.
I just wasn't going to bore anyone unless I was asked.
Here's the story.....

I was on my third set of wrist curls using the curl bar.
It was 75# and I went to pick up the bar but my right arm was rotated to the point as if I was using a straight bar (straight bar position kills both my elbows) and when I lifted the bar to get in position I heard it occur, felt the muscle tear and it went through all kinds of spasms for the following 2 minutes as I tried not to move it.
I knew it was not good.
I was wearing a thermal top and I struggled to get it off.
I immediately went inside and put some ice in a sandwich bag, wrapped it in a small rag and held it there for about 15 minutes.
Next, I got on the web and did some fact finding (with one hand typing) and it was recommended to do some ice (lucky logic for me) and that I may see some significant bruising and swelling.
But, as stated above, neither of those aspects are terribly obvious.
I didn't sleep well thinking I would wake up in the morning with a grapefruit for a bicep...whew.

Your right....this party is not over quite yet but I will have to see (other than legs) what other movements I can squeeze in....I hate losing my current gains.
I work out at home so I will have to get creative now.

Maybe some of you could share tonight's DOMS with me so I don't feel remiss?

Thank you for your comments and kind words.

Later all....

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plmb1

Sorry to hear about bicep. I have had problems such as torn ham, rotator cuff etc..... over the years (all mishaps in gym). Anyway, every time I have had a torn muscle I would just ice, ice, ice, ice and more ice for several times a day (once an hour for twenty min is great for the first 2 or 3 days. after that 20 min every 2 or 3 hours is good).

It's a waiting game for sure. Be sure you do not use it anymore than you have to. Let it rest and do not move it around or stretch for several days.

After the pain lessens ALOT then you prolly should start some light stretchs. Your PT (if you see one and I would) will tell you exactly what to do.

If your doc told you it would only be 6 weeks thats great. But, my doc told me about the same but you have to remember that most docs do not workout and have no idea that your idea of healed is way different than theirs.

When I tore my ham the doc told me I would be back at it in 3 to 6 months. Well, lets just say he was off by a little there...lol. I did ALOT of rehab work on my own and thats where it's at for sure. It's all up to you in the long run. So, be very careful and DON'T try to get back at it to soon and when you do...........take it VERY, VERY EASY AND SLOW.........good luck....I feel your pain.

WOW.

YOU are truly a veteran at this process....ha.
That must have been hell....and all the waiting for recovery.

My doc is a strong looking guy and he tore his hamstring playing tennis a couple of months ago....ha...so he feels our pain too.

I promise...I will not be stupid.
I will give it the time it takes and start slowly.
I have been in the habit of stretching every night since my Tae Kwon Do days so that will be easy to for me to incorporate quickly.

Thank you for chiming in and the suggestions.

Later......

DeathtoToasters · 03-18-2009, 04:36 PM

Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathtoToasters

Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Thank you sir....I am 'willing' it to happen as we speak!

Later...

rpaul11 · 03-18-2009, 05:54 PM

Wayne, I am in the final stages of recovering from a distal biceps tendon detachment....so though a different injury...I can relate to a large degree. I had to have surgery and full recovery is 6 months. However I am allowed to lift some weights at this point. May 15 will be my full release date if all goes well.

What did I do?

I watched my diet, hit legs HARD and did lots of cardio for many months.

PM me with any specific questions ya might have...or check my journal as it is all about my ups and downs from right around my surgery time.

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpaul11

Wayne, I am in the final stages of recovering from a distal biceps tendon detachment....so though a different injury...I can relate to a large degree. I had to have surgery and full recovery is 6 months. However I am allowed to lift some weights at this point. May 15 will be my full release date if all goes well.

What did I do?

I watched my diet, hit legs HARD and did lots of cardio for many months.

PM me with any specific questions ya might have...or check my journal as it is all about my ups and downs from right around my surgery time.

Hey rpaul11....

OMG...'tendon detachment'...'surgery'....sounds terrible.
Not to mention the recovery time.
My first thought was 'tendon' when I heard/felt it occur and I feel damn lucky that it was the muscle.

Ha...I'll be doing the same thing you were doing.

Thanks for sharing your experience and offer to answer my questions via PM....I know where to find you.

Later....

Muscle_Sliver · 03-18-2009, 06:23 PM

Sorry to hear it Wayne. Heal fast.

GnomusMaximus · 03-18-2009, 07:15 PM

Had a similar injury last year. Took a few weeks off. Learned to work around it. When doing DL's I started from the hang position to limit the ballistic first pull on the bar. I also got a good pair of wraps and used them with an overhand grip. Curling was out and is still at one year later painful. I can do hammer curls but other than that yuck....I also started wearing pretty strong elbow sleeves to keep that area nice and toasty and a bit supported. Also once the initial tear is healed see a Massage therapist that knows their stuff. I also did a lot of ultrasound with a real one at a Chiros' office. Never used one of those home things. If you can find it, there was a great article in a magazine called Milo by an acquaintance of mine named Bill Crawford. He had a complete detachment while carrying the Hussafell Stone in Iceland. He is also a Physician so the article really hits the perspective of the medical and lifting end of things. Find it...if not and you want PM your snail mail address and I can copy it and mail it. I don't think he would mind.

Wayne Evans · 03-18-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muscle_Sliver

Sorry to hear it Wayne. Heal fast.

Thank you sir....I'm going to keep the same eating habits and provide this injury with all the nutrients it can take.

GnomusMaximus,,,,,
You too huh!
Sorry to hear that amigo.
Not pleased to hear a year has elapsed and you still have pain.
Maybe your injury was more severe than mine.
I've used the elbow straps for some time since my bouts with tennis elbow.

Thanks for all the tips.

Later...