6 Effective Treatments for Torn Bicep Tendon Injuries

In between the elbows and shoulders is a sizable muscle called the bicep. Tendons are built to support the bicep’s movement by connecting it to the bones of the arm.

There are 3 tendons out of which two are in the shoulders and one at the elbow in the forearm. 3 of these tendons connect the bicep to the bones. These tendons enable the arm to flex and assist in holding the bicep in position. Damage to any of these tendons is referred to as a bicep tear. And this tear can be uncomfortable and leads to restricting arm movement.

Bicep tendon injuries can occur suddenly after an accident or gradually over time. It then leads to a variety of symptoms like constant discomfort, swelling, and trouble moving their arm. Depending on how severe the bicep tear is, the course of treatment and healing period will differ. There are many Physiotherapy Manchester Clinics that help in regaining your arm’s flexibility, strength, and functionality.

In this blog, we will help you understand 6 effective treatments to recover your bicep tendon injuries.

But first let us quickly have a look at the causes and symptoms of injuries in the biceps.

Keep reading!

Causes of Bicep Injury

An accident or excessive use are the two main causes of bicep tears.

Your biceps are quite prone to get injured by heavy lifting, direct arm injuries, incorrect arm use, or arm twisting can cause a tear. Without enough rest, the tendons may eventually rip or fully sever.

According to a 2022 analysis, approximately 95% of distal bicep tendon injuries in the human body happen between the ages of 35 and 54.

Additionally, engaging in strenuous overhead exercises like weightlifting or some physically demanding jobs, as well as repetitive motions in sports like tennis or swimming, can wear down the tendons and raise the possibility of a bicep tear at the shoulder.

Symptoms of Bicep Injury

The symptoms of bicep injury depends on where and how severe the tear is, symptoms can differ.

Some signs can be:

• A popping or snapping sound is heard as the damage occurs,
• Intense pain in the arm,
• Swelling and inflammation around the arm,
• Bruising around the tear, etc.

6 Effectively Amazing Treatments for Bicep Injuries

Below are 6 effective and possible treatments for a bicep tear may include the below.

1) Nonsurgical treatment

Nonsurgical treatments help relieve the pain and preserve the arm’s mobility. They might be a good alternative depending on the severity of the damage. Many people can also heal bicep tears on their own over time without surgery.

Nonsurgical alternatives include of:

• Rest:

  Refraining from physically demanding tasks may give the tendon time to heal. A professional Physiotherapy Manchester Practitioner can advise using a sling and take a rest from all the chores.

• Ice:

  Placing ice packs on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time may help to lessen swelling. Applying these straight on the skin is not advisable.

• Physiotherapy:

  A few rehabilitation activities might aid in muscle strengthening and arm mobility. Some drugstore products, like non steroidal anti-inflammatory ones, may also help lessen inflammation and pain.

2) Surgical treatment

A person would need surgery if the bicep tear is severe or if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective. A Chronic Pain Specialist in Manchester might advise surgery as a first course of action in specific circumstances, like a rip close to the elbow.

Reattaching the tendon to the bone is the aim of this procedure. Although they are unlikely, surgical complications are still a possibility. According to many sources, postponing surgery is associated with a higher risk of problems. Which is why doctors frequently suggest it as the first course of action. An individual may take rest or splint after the procedure. In addition, once the arm starts to mend, a practitioner might advise Physiotherapy activities.

3) Prognosis treatment

Prognosis is an effective treatment for bicep tear. Though recovery may need some time and may vary substantially. It can take between 4-6 months for a partial tear and 6-9 months for a total tear to mend correctly. It all depends on the stage of the damage and the care a person takes.

After a successful therapy, it’s critical to adhere to a practitioner’s recommended course of action and avoid aggravating factors. In order to regain mobility and assist people in getting back to their regular activities, physiotherapy and light work activities are essential.

4) Physiotherapy treatment

Surgery is not always necessary to repair any tendon.

To aid in the fastest and safest healing of bicep tendon injury, your physiotherapist will create a customized therapy plan.

Treatment may include:

• Taking proper rest to speed up healing.
• To reduce discomfort and swelling, your therapist will demonstrate how to apply ice to the injured area.
• They might prescribe you activities with a range of motion. To prevent your arm from becoming stiff during the healing process, your therapist will teach you gentle mobility exercises for the shoulder, elbow, and forearm.
• They will give a plan of exercises for building strength. Gentle strengthening activities using resistance bands or modest weights will be added to subside discomfort and swelling.

Your physical therapist will instruct you on how to prevent further harm to your joints. Once the arm has recovered, you will learn the correct lifting techniques as well as how to avoid lifting anything that is simply too heavy.

5) Cortisone shot treatment

In Cortisone shot treatment a potent steroid medicine is injected directly into the injured area. They are administered in a doctor’s clinic and offer prompt pain relief. Before you have a cortisone shot, ask your doctor about all the potential side effects and restrictions to be on the safer side.

6) Platelet-rich plasma treatment

Platelet-rich plasma treatment is a procedure called PRP.

It accelerates the healing process by using your own blood. You will need to collect your blood for this treatment. Then there is a specialized machine that separates the platelets from the red blood cells. The wounded area is then injected with platelet-rich plasma so that the platelets can release growth factors to accelerate healing.

Conclusion

Damage to the tendons that support the bicep muscle can indeed lead to severe bicep injury. They often come from overusing or injuring the bicep, which causes pain and worsen the mobility.

Resting the arm and refraining from movement may be sufficient for recuperation in some circumstances. To regain complete arm function, some people may need surgery to reattach the tendon.

If you are suffering from any bicep injury then CT Clinic’s professionals are always up to help you. We also offer our very own curated COPA therapy that will help you regain the quality of your life.

Reach out to our experts and book an appointment for the best medical assistance.

Connect us at (+44) 0161 4597 034 now!