Torn biceps tendon proximal-distal
Physiotherapy for biceps tendon ruptures depends first of all on whether the rupture is proximal (i.e. a tear near the shoulder) or distal (i.e. a tear near the elbow). Approximately 95% of bite tendon tears are proximal.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the aftercare. In the case of a proximal tear of the biceps tendon, physiotherapy can be used as a conservative therapeutic procedure. This is particularly common in older people, since a large part of the strength of the arm is still retained despite the tear.
In the case of a distal tear, surgery is usually unavoidable and physiotherapy is an essential part of rehabilitation. In both conservative and surgical therapy, patients must first spare the arm and take pain and inflammation-relieving medication. Sport must be completely avoided.
In the initial stages, the aim of physiotherapy is to make the arm mobile again and to relieve the pain through passive exercises. As rehabilitation progresses, stretching and strengthening exercises are gradually added to help the patient to make the arm fully mobile and resilient again. As a rule, patients can start exercising again after about 3 months. However, the exercises should continue to be performed at home, since a biceps tendon rupture is rarely caused by sport, but rather is a consequence of years of overuse.
Physiotherapy/exercises for biceps tendon rupture
The physiotherapy exercises after a biceps tendon rupture aim to make the arm as flexible and resilient as possible again. To achieve this, a series of strengthening and stretching exercises are performed, which are described below. 1.)
Stretching the bicepsGet your hands together behind your back so that the palms of your hands are facing the floor. The arms are stretched out. Then lift your arms towards the ceiling until you feel a slight stretch in the biceps area.
Hold for 20 seconds, then relax again. 2.) Stretching the bicepsPosition yourself about half a step away from a wall and stretch the arm close to the wall backwards parallel to the floor.
Touch the wall with the palm of your hand only and then slowly lean your upper body towards the wall until you feel a stretch in the shoulder area. Hold this stretch for about 20 seconds. 3.)
Strengthening the shoulder muscles Stretch your arms sideways from the body. Then slowly bring them together above the head. The arms remain stretched during the exercise.
Then slowly lower them again. 15 repetitions. To increase, light weights can be taken in the hand as the exercise progresses.
4.) Biceps tendon mobility Stand upright and straight. The arm hangs down loosely beside the body.
Now make slow and controlled circular movements with your arm, keeping it stretched. Repeat 10 times, then change direction. 5.)
Strengthen the shoulder/neck muscles Stand upright and straight. Take a light weight in each hand. Now lift your shoulders towards your ears and then lower them again slowly and in a controlled manner.
The movement comes only from the shoulder joint. 15 repetitions. 6.)
Stretching the biceps Sit with your back to a table so that the edge of the table is at shoulder height. Place your arms stretched out on the table. Now slowly move your arms backwards until you feel a stretching in the biceps area. Hold this for 20 seconds, then return to the starting position.
