Sports Rehab: Is Physical Therapy Required For My Bicep Tear?

What Is A Bicep Tear?

The bicep is one of the biggest muscles in the arm. Two large, strong tendons attach the muscle to the shoulder and elbow. Overuse or overexertion in sports like tennis, baseball, golf, and swimming can cause one of these tendons to rupture. Bicep tears aren’t common, accounting for less than 1% of sports injuries. However, the injury can be painful and require sports rehab through physical therapy (PT).

Treating your bicep tear

Bicep tears can cause intense pain, swelling, and bruising in the impacted area. There is also arm weakness and reduced range of motion (ROM). If left untreated, the injury can shift the muscle, causing an unwanted deformity. Some cases would require surgery to reattach the tendon. However, there are other cases where physical therapy can help, with or without surgery. PT is a range of exercises and stretches to strengthen the tendon and the surrounding muscles. A surgeon can help determine if surgery and PT are necessary.

Starting your physical therapy

Athletes with surgery will start PT 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Those who do not need surgery may begin right away. The type and degree of treatment would depend on the location of the tear. Most bicep tears happen in the proximal tendon located at the top of the shoulder. The therapist will assess the tendon and muscle the devise a treatment plan that can last between 3-6 months. The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain while improving motion.

Taking things up a notch

After the first 2 weeks of therapy, the caregiver will assess the progress of the tendon. Additional exercises will help restore strength and flexibility. These exercises include bicep curls, rotations, and lateral raises. PT gradually increases intensity, testing the limits of the tendon. After 3 months, the tendon should be healed. Simple activities like jogging will be encouraged at this stage.

Returning to game-fitness

Athletes will need additional time to get conditioning and fitness. Another PT or sports physio may take over at this stage. The athletes will go through the motions necessary to perform the sport. Further exercises will help strengthen smaller surrounding muscles. After 6 months, most athletes can return to full fitness.

A necessary process

Physical therapy is an absolute must for athletes with bicep tears. Even if the patient needs surgery, PT can speed up recovery time, improve strength, and get athletes back to the game. The therapy will involve a range of exercises as part of an overall sports rehab program. Connecting with competent physical therapists is vital in achieving fantastic results.