Torn Biceps (not that big a deal)

[Proximal]

Knew my long head was going to go sooner or later for a while now after an MRI on that shoulder (RC thrashed). I was really unnerved by what it was going to look like & if my days in the gym would be over. So sure enough, about 2 months ago, while doing inclines, it tore. At first I it grossed me out to look at it.

Swelling and bruising subsides in about 2-3 weeks, can work out everything else without issue during that time.

Gradually build from very light, low volume work.

At about 6 weeks, only about 10-15% weaker, no issues, full workouts.

Can’t notice it in short sleeves (too old for tanks) in fact looks normal. Suddenly the 60’s looks brighter.

[kelkel]

Why no surgery Prox?
Good to see you as well.

[Proximal]

From all of the Ortho Docs I’ve spoken to, it’s rarely done. Maybe on a younger man who needs every ounce of strength in that biceps for employment purposes. So it’s largely considered cosmetic surgery. Plus there’s a pretty good failure rate as well. So for my age, just not worth the hassle. I’m pretty shocked on how little strength deficit there is.

Thanks for responding to the post, nice talking to you as well, hope you’re good!

[kelkel]

I'm always curious about those decisions. I had a partial distal bicep tear last July to which no surgery was needed and there's no visible damage. Two months later in September i had a partial left hamstring tear. Went through PT with a great therapist and then in November had about a 50% tear of the opposite hamstring. Back in therapy again for that. In otherwords, not a great year but kept hitting it and all is well.

[Proximal]

Damn Kel rough year for your tendons. Glad you bounced back from the biceps & didn’t need surgery, that would have been a long recovery. Hamstrings are literally a pain in the a** if it’s high.

The long head is a strange one, really pretty fragile & pretty commonly tore. Just pops right off the bone when it’s time.

[kelkel]

First pic is the first partial tendon tear. Only a little bit of blood there initially but in a few more days there was residual blood from the calf to mid ham.
Second pic is the other leg a couple months later which is a muscle tear at about 50%. Leg is relaxed there to show how the ham hangs a little different. When flexed it's fine though.

[BG]

Was it completely tore off? If not they dont recommend surgery unless your going to be power lifting or training to that extent. My left bi came off at the elbow, curled all the way up to my shoulder.....I finally had a peak like Kels but no size. I had it reattached and the doctor told me it would be my better arm and it is. My right is bad now, its actually what keeps me from training these days.

Glad it work out well for you and good to see you.

[kelkel]

My right is bad now, its actually what keeps me from training these days.

That's due to all those years on internet porn.

[Proximal]

First pic is the first partial tendon tear. Only a little bit of blood there initially but in a few more days there was residual blood from the calf to mid ham.
Second pic is the other leg a couple months later which is a muscle tear at about 50%. Leg is relaxed there to show how the ham hangs a little different. When flexed it's fine though.

Do the therapists groan when you come in? I mean, my god, you must put them through a workout to treat those monsters.

[Proximal]

Was it completely tore off? If not they dont recommend surgery unless your going to be power lifting or training to that extent. My left bi came off at the elbow, curled all the way up to my shoulder.....I finally had a peak like Kels but no size. I had it reattached and the doctor told me it would be my better arm and it is. My right is bad now, its actually what keeps me from training these days.

Glad it work out well for you and good to see you.

Oh yeah, just felt & heard it & knew it when I saw it, gone baby gone. Bummer about your right arm, but in a weird way I’m glad mine is finally torn, workouts are already less painful. Nice to see you too BG, TY!