How to Recover From a Bicep & Elbow Tendon Injury

Suffering a bicep tendon injury is a rare and painful occurrence. There are three tendons that hold the bicep muscle in place, two by the shoulder and one by the elbow. A complete tear of this tendon will render the bicep muscle 40 percent less effective in its movements. Surgery is required to properly recover from this type of injury.

Things You'll Need

• Physician
• Surgeon

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Instructions

Surgical Treatment

• 1

  Contact your physician. Only a physician should diagnose the severity of the bicep tendon tear at the elbow. While some individuals, especially those who are elderly or inactive, may decide against surgery, it is most likely that your physician will suggest surgery to regain the full strength and range in motion of the bicep.

• 2

  Your health care provider will make an incision by the elbow tendon. Depending on the particular case, the surgeon will either make one or two incisions by the injured tendon.

• 3

  Your health care provider will then drill holes into the bone. Small holes are drilled into the bone where the tendon was once attached. The holes are only partially through the bone.

• 4

  The tendon will then be stitched into the bone after which the surgeon will stitch the injured tendon back into place. Another option is to anchor the tendon using metal hooks. Discuss these options with your physician before the procedure.

• 5

  The incision will then be cleaned and finally closed with stitches. After the surgery, the arm will be immobilized so that the tendon and incision can properly heal.

• 6

  When cleared to do so, rehabilitation exercises should begin. Recovery from this type of injury is a slow process. When the arm is ready, perform strength training exercises as prescribed by your doctor. Over time, you will regain a full range of motion and strength.