Bicep Injury

dcraiga · 08-07-2005, 06:03 AM

Experienced a tear to the left bicep or the distal bicep tendon this past Friday. While performing preacher curls, felt a burning pain in the crease of my arm at elbow and hear about four quick popping/ripping sounds. Got rid of the weight and noticed that the bicep had shortened and bulged to the top of the arm. Will see an orthopedic surgeon on Monday. Arm turned black from top of bicep down to mid forearm overnight and experienced massive swelling. Am following ER instructions, medication etc. until seeing surgeon on Monday. Just curious if anyone else is familiar with this type of injury. Main concern is how long it will take to heal/recover. Hate the thought of not being able to lift. Guess my legs will be built when recovery is complete!

PrimeBeef · 08-07-2005, 06:30 AM

Sorry to hear about your injury. This seems to be a common injury that is usually caused by going to full extension. This puts the bicep tendon and the bicep itself in a precarious position. Couple that with a heavy load, and you have all the ingredients for a serious injury.

I am also 45 and have learned the hard way with numerous injuries, that full range of motion is something that changes with age. My most recent injury was some torn connective tissue and/or broken ribs that occurred while I was doing leg presses of all things (excentuating the stretch at the bottom of the movement, going extra deep). I have experienced most of my recent injuries while in the "start" or bottom portion of the movement.

Good luck with your recovery.

chiefhog · 08-07-2005, 07:50 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I am an athletic trainer for a living, so I deal with sports injuries for a living. Take what I say with a grain of salt because nothing can replace an in-person physical examination. Depending on how severely torn the bicep tendon is, it could take a year to fully recover. Even if it is a moderate tear, you'll not be lifting for quite awhile. I dont know your insurance situation, but if it pays for rehab, you will be doing outpatient rehab for at least 4-6 months. Not trying to be a downer, but just want to prepare you for what may lie ahead.

You will know alot more once you talk to an orthopedic surgeon. Make sure you use a GOOD one. Talk to your local sports teams (college or pro) to find out who they use.

**fitnessman** · 08-07-2005, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefhog

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I am an athletic trainer for a living, so I deal with sports injuries for a living. Take what I say with a grain of salt because nothing can replace an in-person physical examination. Depending on how severely torn the bicep tendon is, it could take a year to fully recover. Even if it is a moderate tear, you'll not be lifting for quite awhile. I dont know your insurance situation, but if it pays for rehab, you will be doing outpatient rehab for at least 4-6 months. Not trying to be a downer, but just want to prepare you for what may lie ahead.

You will know alot more once you talk to an orthopedic surgeon. Make sure you use a GOOD one. Talk to your local sports teams (college or pro) to find out who they use.

This is a very good opinion.

want-to-be-big · 08-07-2005, 09:07 AM

I am sorry to hear about your injury
I hope you get better soon
best wishes

joed · 08-07-2005, 10:27 AM

Do what needs to be done DC, & don't get too discouraged.

jaguarr · 08-07-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefhog

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I am an athletic trainer for a living, so I deal with sports injuries for a living. Take what I say with a grain of salt because nothing can replace an in-person physical examination. Depending on how severely torn the bicep tendon is, it could take a year to fully recover. Even if it is a moderate tear, you'll not be lifting for quite awhile. I dont know your insurance situation, but if it pays for rehab, you will be doing outpatient rehab for at least 4-6 months. Not trying to be a downer, but just want to prepare you for what may lie ahead.

You will know alot more once you talk to an orthopedic surgeon. Make sure you use a GOOD one. Talk to your local sports teams (college or pro) to find out who they use.

Big bump to this! Wishing you a speedy recovery, dcraiga. Never like to see an injury to one of the Brothers Of Iron, but it does happen. Do what must be done to get yourself back on track!

jag

Carolina Lifter · 08-07-2005, 08:17 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about your injury. I haven't been in your situation yet so I can only imagine what it must be like. Just be sure to get good professional advice and to take it easy once you due resume training.
Best of wishes to you!

dcraiga · 08-13-2005, 11:45 AM

Appreciate all the replies with encouragement. I am scheduled for surgery on Thursday, 18 August. The surgeon will reconnect the bicep tendon at that time. I understand it is a long process for recovery. I guess I'll just visit more to this site and stay encouraged through the process. Hope to be lifting again soon. Thanks again!!

AssToGrass · 08-15-2005, 06:20 PM

Hope everything goes well for you. This type of injury is my greatest fear.

dcraiga · 08-28-2005, 04:55 PM

Another learning experience in lifting!! Surgery is done and now about 10 days past. All went well and the surgeon was very optimistic about full recovery. Again, I appreciate all the enccouragement. I know it will be a while before I can lift again, but, my legs, abs, etc should be awsome!! I will never give it up, unless I absolutely have to. I guess the key is to be a little more careful as I get older.

joed · 08-28-2005, 05:01 PM

That's good news.