brownnie

1 Posts
 
Posted - 08/10/2007 :  05:18:25  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
What would the appropriate exercises to do for a torn bicep tendon, the one that goes through the top of the humerus? Thanks.

grpt

15 Posts
 
Posted - 08/13/2007 :  10:26:52  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
If the biceps long head tendon (BLH) is torn you will have pain at the front of the shoulder and with lifting your arm up straight up in front of you. You may also have pain with flexing your biceps and lifting/pulling. In some instances you may have pain and difficulty with lifting your arm up to the side as well. A person can live with a biceps long head tear if they can control the pain. Other muscles which have other main functions will assist in performing the functions of the biceps long head (shoulder flexion, elbow flexion & forearm supination). Therefore, usually with a BLH tear a patient will want to maintain range of motion and strength. They are usually prescribed range of motion exercises such as wand exercises, ROM table exercises, pulleys etc. For strengthening, they are prescribed exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff, elbow and forearm. These can include shoulder/elbow/forearm isometrics, isotonics and resistive strengthening. Pain is usually the guide as it is not recommended to continue with exercises which result in high levels of pain. The best thing to do to come up with a home exercise program would be for you to visit a PT and get an individualized program for yourself and work with the PT. If things do not improve you may want to get a consultation from an orthopedic surgeon.