If you’re experiencing shoulder or biceps pain or have recently felt a sudden pain or pop, you may have a biceps tendon tear. Fortunately, in many cases a biceps tendon tear can be healed naturally through rest and physical therapy, although some severe cases may require surgery to correct fully.
What does it feel like when a biceps tendon ruptures?
When a biceps tendon ruptures, there are immediate and noticeable signs that are hard to miss:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the biceps or elbow: Many describe the initial sensation as a “snap” or a popping sound in the arm during activity.
- Bruising: Bruising may quickly appear in the upper or lower arm, depending on where the rupture occurred.
- Muscle weakness: You will almost certainly notice difficulty lifting objects or performing movements that require bicep strength.
- Visible bulge or deformity: Often referred to as a “Popeye deformity,” the biceps may appear bunched up due to the torn tendon pulling the muscle upwards.
- Limited range of motion: Movements such as bending your elbow or rotating your forearm can feel restricted or painful.
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and begin the right treatment plan.
How does a biceps tendon rupture occur?
Understanding what causes a biceps tendon rupture can be crucial in preventing this injury from occurring in the first place, or addressing it if it happens. This type of injury can happen both in response to a single high-strain event or over time due to consistent use of the tendon.
There are a few common risk factors and activities that may make a person more susceptible to biceps tendon injuries:
- Overuse from repetitive motions: Sports that involve heavy lifting, throwing, or pulling—like weightlifting, baseball, or rowing—can overstrain the biceps tendon over time.
- Sudden high-intensity force: Catching a heavy object unexpectedly or trying to lift something heavier than you normally do can lead to a rupture.
- Age-related wear and tear: Tendons naturally weaken with age, making individuals who are older more susceptible to a proximal biceps tendon rupture.
- Pre-existing conditions: Arthritis, tendonitis, or previous injuries to the arm can weaken the tendon, increasing the likelihood of a rupture.
- Steroid use or smoking: Both factors are known to affect tendon strength and overall tissue health, raising the risk of injury.
By recognizing these risk factors, athletes and active individuals can take measures such as proper training techniques and rest to reduce the likelihood of a biceps tendon rupture.
Does a ruptured proximal biceps tendon get better on its own?
The critical question people in pain have is whether they need professional help or if the issue will heal on its own. While some partial biceps tears might improve over time with rest and care, a full biceps tendon rupture typically requires medical attention for the best chance at full recovery.
For people who can afford to dramatically reduce the use of the affected arm, non-surgical treatments may be enough for a proximal biceps tendon rupture. These include:
- Resting the injured arm
- Applying ice packs regularly to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
- Using a sling to limit movement during the early stages of healing
- Participating in a physical therapy plan
Physical therapy treatments for ruptured biceps tendon
One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective for many types of pain is that it’s highly personalized to target your injury while accommodating your lifestyle. If you’re still in pain after a few days of hurting your bicep, here’s what we may recommend when you come in for an evaluation:
- Range of motion exercises: Gradual stretches and movements help regain flexibility in the elbow and shoulder.
- Strengthening exercises: These focus on rebuilding bicep and surrounding muscle strength to protect the tendon during future activities.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques like massage and joint mobilization can reduce stiffness and improve muscle function.
- Pain management techniques: Modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation can be used to minimize discomfort without the side effects of medication.
- Activity-specific training: For athletes, therapists may incorporate sport-specific drills to ensure a safe return to activity.
Tendon rupture treatment in Apache Junction
Biceps tendon rupture isn’t an injury most people focus on trying to prevent, so when it happens, it can be shocking and upsetting. The good news is that for folks in Apache Junction, treatment is almost literally around the corner. Our clinic is here to help with tendon ruptures or whatever other kind of arm pain you’re dealing with that won’t go away on its own. Call us or request your appointment online to get back to your normal lifestyle today.
