Bicep Tendon Rupture - 1 Year Post Op Update / Recap 

I recently underwent bicep tendon surgery at the VA, and it was quite a different approach! Instead of a cast, they just put it in a sling for a couple of days. They encouraged me to move my arm freely, with some restrictions for the first month. After three months, I should be able to lift anything I want. The procedure involved two incisions, one in the forearm and another to reach the end of the bicep tendon. They needed the second incision because they couldn't reach the end of my biceps from the initial one, according to the doctor. It's not always necessary, but in my case, it was.

I am 8 days post surgery...And I appreciate you uploading this.......

Thank you for this. Had to wait 17 days for my surgery but am now one week post op. Needed to hear all of this right now more than you know. Being out of the gym is the hardest part for me mentally. Itching to start pt.

amazing info.. I'm 2 weeks post op. Endobutton technique. I'm documenting my rehab process as well as my physio. Your videos have helped me a lot, and hope that I can return the favor for others here on youtube!

Right arm I babied after surgeryand it was probably full year before I regained all size and strength. Left arm I’m not even 4 months post op and expect to be close to 100 percent at 6 months. It’s scary but you will come back as strong as ever just be patient.

Thanks for this. I'm 60 and tore my left one picking up a longboard surfboard on Waikiki Beach (on day one of vacation of course). I'm two days post surgery and feeling frustrated by not being able to do much for while (and the long road of recovery ahead), but your video has definitely encouraged me a lot. Thanks again. I hope to return to the same surfing spot someday for a "do over."

I'm 1 year post op here in east Texas and love lifting the hardest thing for me has been on the mental side, I think about that pop every rep. Thanks for the Video its encouraging that you've got back to the weight from before.

I'm a 62-year-old steel hauler. Doc told me there would be no PT. Still in the first week after surgery. He knows I will "get back" to full use. It's all about holding me back while it heals. It happened on the job, and this is just torture for a working man. Thanks for this video, and some idea on the recovery. Being old, but still quite active... it will obviously take a little longer, but I'm in it for the long run.

Having surgery next week. Answered a lot of my questions. Really appreciate you taking the time to do this video. Thanks.

I tore my distal bicep tendon Sept 1 , 2020 Covid injury ..lol 61 year old retired Fire fighter and lifter , carpenter . My surgery went well and no nerve damage and used the sling for only a few days then I was able to complete a Kitchen Reno that I was working on prior to my injury . I had my cast removed this week and full range of motion after 4 weeks with only tenderness in the radial bone after the procedure ..get active and know your limits !! Good luck

I’m 56, weight lift and do cardio about 5x week for about 60-90 minutes very intensely and have a very nutritional diet. PT training in the U.S. Marines never got out of my lifestyle. While putting my mt. bike into the back of the SUV one handed in the supination grip, I heard the loud pop of my distal tendon rupture off my forearm bone. I was lucky to get surgery within 72 hours and had the “endobutton procedure” done by one of the best orthopedic sport surgeons (Dr. Laura Timmerman). I was one of the unlucky 3-4% who lose all mobility of my fingers which was very unnerving (pun intendoned). She said my radial nerve must have been stretched but she was adamant she was extremely cautious about this. Fortunately within a week I regained full feeling and mobility of my fingers. I’m mentioning this to ease anxiety if this happens to you. I have a high tolerance to pain but I will tell you after I got the immobilized splint off a week later my pain level was about an 8 early in the mornings then about a 3-4 the rest of the day until evening when it starts climbing again. I’m now a month post op and the pain level remains the same. I have numbness on my forearm but I can make a fist and squeeze really hard. I can fully extend my arm out but I certainly can’t twist open a doorknob or bottle top. I’m starting PT this week. So my question to anyone who has experienced this horrible injury is this. A month after the surgery are you at a pain level around 8 early in the morning like 3 or 4a.m.? So far Andy’s videos have been the most informative and most helpful above any other information I have heard. Thanks and may the rest of you have a speedy and full recovery! Semper Fi Andy!

@Andy Baker, thanks for the update. I echo your statement that continued training during recovery is a must. Full right distal biceps tendon rupture for me. Hyper-extended the elbow after making a mistake on a ring muscle-up. Endo-button repaired. I only took 10 days off of training post OP. I continued uni-lateral weight training and modified CrossFit 5 days per week beginning at day 12 post OP. Went into a ROM brace at 10 days post surgery and was allowed to begin physical therapy (PT) the same day. At week 2 post OP physical therapy consisted of blood flow restriction (legs) and close to FULL range of motion at the elbow, shoulders, wrists etc. Week 3 post OP and I’m allowed to actively activate my bicep by moving the arm from full extension to bent elbow. Week 3 also included dry needling with electric stimulation in the brachialus, bicep and forearm. I’m now in week 4 and rarely use the arm brace and am allowed to keep the arm safely moving and keep ROM active in the elbow, shoulder and wrist.

Thanks Andy, great vid. Im two weeks post surgery and this is just what im after. Im serving with the Australian Air Force and was lucky enough to have surgery the day after my injury (on gymnastic rings which i had no business being on as a 45 year old). I started back in the gym this week. Leg extensions and hamstring curls, bodyweight squats, one arm dumbbell press, and one arm pulls with cables.

Thank you for the informative video Andy. I had surgery 3/23/22 and it's just like you mentioned. I'm glad I came across your video. At 53, I still work out somewhat, but my rupture came from lifting a TV set while moving, when I heard and felt the rupture. My trade is Cable Splicing so no choice but to undergo the surgery. You've laid it out just as it has gone thus far. I'm hitting the gym first thing tomorrow and plan to be back at work in a couple of months. Hoping all is good with you Bro. Thanks again.

41yrs old, ripped it on my left arm this last Friday unloading tree logs from my truck bed. Completely unexpected. My 70yr old father was unloading them with me. He is fine, lol. Going to the docs this week. Hopefully they can fix me up like they were abe to for you. Thanks for the video! Really appreciate it!

I tore mine Oct 11, 2019 changing a fricking tire LOL. Rehab taking awhile because I was released right about the start of the bloody COVID shutdown, open, shutdown again, just back in the gym 3 weeks now, can't believe how flabby my muscles have gotten. Looking forward to building back up. Thanks brother. Bill 50 year old

great video, helped me a lot during my recovery, I got a complete tendor tear during a deadlift (at 90% of my max) using alternate grip. Although Ib had been doing deadlifts like this for the past 13 years, I will never, ever again use alternate grip. I am now at month 3 after surgery and will start with hook grip little by little.

3 weeks after op, no exercise, watched your video and started training tonight! Feel great! Even if it's just a few small leg movements and stomach. This was the best advise ever! Thank you!

Amazing video. I really needed to hear everything you have said. I’m 4weeks post operation and it’s been a mental and physical rollercoaster. Appreciate this video

Had operation yesterday, done it boxing, moving quickly and if dehydrated seem to be common, interesting also over 50 sportsmen seem to be vulnerable, good to see you are recovering well.

There are two button techniques. One is to drill through to the middle of the bone. The other is to drill through the bone completely. The problem with going through the bone completely is that there is greater chance of nerve damage. Nerve damage can be permanent, so something to keep in mind.

Appreciate the video Andy. I had the same surgery 8 weeks ago. Tough mentally but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter day by day.

Thanks, this injury happened to me. It’s painful and a lot of mental stress. Stay safe!!

Super helpful. I go in tomorrow for my procedure. Good to know it’s not likely to be a whole 6 months before I can do anything. Obviously with caution. Mine was basketball. Help defender got a hand on the ball and had an abrupt extension of the left arm as I tried to go to the basket. Still, 6 weeks in a brace/sling :/

On my second distal rupture. between insurance and Cleveland Clinic I'm at 6 weeks between injury and repair on the first, and a little longer on the second. So frustrating to wait so long for answers and action. I was coming from contest prep, so I'll have been a full year and a half away from upper body by the time I can lift again. First repair went great, but still very concerned about how long they are making me wait AGAIN. thank goodness i have such a great surgeon.

I am always amazed at people who thumbs down good videos and wonder why they didn’t like the video.

Thanks for the detail. Outlining your personal experience and adding in the things you learned along the way should be very helpful. I am on day 3 post injury and should be getting surgery on day 12. The surgeon is the only one who seems to think this needs to be completed in days and not weeks. I am 54 and ruptured the left side scooping a trapeze artist back to the platform. It was more of a freak event than a heavy overload.

I tore my left distal bicep in 2012, and just tore my right in September of 2019!!!! Just started training again. Great video thanks for uploading

Just tore my bicep on Tuesday and I just wanted to say thank you for making this video it was very helpful.

Just got injured a few day ago, had lots of cross thoughts and questions, watching this video help me make the right decision! I really appreciate you taking the time to put this video together and uploaded to the site. It really makes a difference. For some of us that don't have the money to pay for the top doctors and/or rehab places your words bring us peace in these desperate moments! Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH for this video!!!

Hello from the UK, just wanted to say thank you Andy for this video - wish i had seen this back in December! Just getting over my own bicep tendon rupture, did it using switch-grip on a deadlift and most likely my bad form (had gone for a PB) meant the bicep took the hit. Has been a tough few months, surgery went well, and have been back training a few weeks now. This video has really helped reassure me that I'm not moving too fast and that you can train sensibly and keep the ball rolling.

Thanks brother. I just tore my left distal bicep tendon doing preacher curls. You’re into is invaluable

Thank you Andy. Going in Friday for surgery. Thank you for the video. Helps me so much and gives me a better idea what to expect.

Hey man I just tore my bicep yesterday. I'm fairly sure it's a partial as I can do a hook test and hook the tendon with a little poking and I have some activation in the bicep, no "popeye"ing and I can supinate with some force (and pain). I'll go for imaging today or tomorrow - from what I can gather surgery is indicated with 50% or more of a tear. Anyhow, this vid was really great to see, broken down sensibly from my someone that wants to keep/add strength. Appreciate it.

great video and very helpful, not a huge lifter but my sport of choice is boxing. ruptured mine 2 weeks ago during my bout now waiting for my surgery, feeling very heartbroken as you do. my brother did the same and made a full recovery as well, so it's good to see those on the other side. fun fact Deontay wilder has ruptured both his during his career. seems fairly common in combat sports to, did mine with a uppercut.

What a coincidence having it happen on May 7. Tore mine same date this year. Same grip. Also last set, and last rep of the workout. Had my surgery a week ago. Mine was on a 455lb deadlift, a weight I was very comfortable with and had been doing for years. 😐. Thanks for posting man it’s been killing me not working out but once I get this splint off I’m gonna start hitting leg machines, cardio, and abs. It’s encouraging to know there are other guys going through it or have already bounced back and recovered. I hope your training is still going well man.

Appreciate your videos. 5 months post op and 54 year old lifter wanted to see someone who was getting back at it after the surgery. Gives me more confidence going forward.

I just ruptured my right distal biceps tendon last night. Trying to navigate the VA because they don't want me to see a community care ortho for the surgery. I was 16 weeks out from my first strongman competition. Feeling really disheartened from all the progress I've made over the last year being set back. Thanks for making this video, it helped put things into perspective!

Thanks for the vid. I'm one week post op endo button on my left bicep. Did it wakeboarding. Just popped off from pulling on the rope to initiate a spin. Years of heavy weight lifting have taken it's toll on me. Last year tore my left pec lifting my arm up it just tore. No Pain No Gain is not a saying I live by now. Dr all ready has me in a brace and able to move my arm actually was told to move it just not rotate the wrist.

Hi Andy. I appreciate your video. I learned quite a bit. I'm at 12 weeks post OP. I am 66 years young and joining a Gym this coming week. I appreciate your advice on exercises for my rehab. My main goal is getting back on the Golf Course and being as active as I was pre injury. If you have any further advice it will be appreciated. Have a great day and good luck in your endeavors. ScottyD

Thank you for this video. I am getting reattachment surgery tomorrow. You put a lot of my concerns at ease. Fortunately my surgeon is also a lifter and is not as conservative as a lot of doctors seem to be. But still the way you laid everything out is really helpful.

I had to fight with the va to get the surgery. 6 weeks I was very descriptive and explained I needed an MRI and no one believed me. They tried to get me to go to physical therapy first and I refused but the nurse wrote in my chart that I agreed with that plan. I had to use private insurance.

Had the Endobutton repair 3 days ago on the left bicep due to flipping a tractor tyre once too many times for a 45 year old. Great to find this video. Looking forward to recovering and getting back training. No more tyre flipping though.

I just did this a couple of days ago and I am getting the surgery tomorrow

Thanks for this. just had surgery 3 days ago (17 days after injury). Complete tear from arm wrestling my oldest son who finally beat me...

thanks for this! got my surgery 5 days ago - not a lifter but jiu jits injury- still useful info here. thanks.

Had the same surgery. My doctor didn't tell me how long I should keep the sling. So I took it off the next day. I started working out about a week after my surgery. When I went back to the doctor for a follow up he couldn't believe that I was already moving that well without pain. It's been 3 weeks now and I'm doing dumbbell curls with about 2/3 the weight of the other arm. I know I started to soon probably and could have reinjure myself but by doing that I didn't lose any muscle mass.

Just had this surgery 10 days ago and I am doing well. Looking forward to getting 100 % of my strength back. This video was good for me to hear since you made the video after your 1 year anniversary. Thanks

56, 6 weeks post op, endobutton. Was in a cast for 2 weeks, now a sling. I have my own gym and have done no training with this arm but doing legs twice a week to have some sort of productive feeling

Thank you, Andy. This is probably the most detailed video I’ve seen on this yet. I had a full distal tear as well and am 2 weeks post op. Feeling better everyday but I know its a long road ahead to full recovery. I’m fairly surprised at the large differences in post op protocol for roughly the first 6 weeks that I’m seeing in comparing different people’s experiences. For example, my splint came off at day 7 and i was put in a ROM brace with already some ROM allowed. With time there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference, as i will also only be allowed some light lifting around the 10-12 week mark.

I am 7 weeks post surgery. Just wondering on your thoughts on using Elbow sleeve or Arm compression sleeve when returning to the gym. Thanks for the videos

I had to wait 4 weeks, one week after surgery right now. Thank you, this vid makes me feel better

Great video Andy. Thanks for taking time to do this. I watched your previous videos in the series. I’m now at 6 months post op. I started doing direct biceps workout about 2 weeks ago with heavier weights and I’m getting more confident each day. I’m now at 80% of my pre-injury lift strength. I’ve made size gains on my biceps and triceps over the past few months but overall it’s still slightly smaller compared to my good arm. I’ve not done any pull ups or chin ups out of fear of rerupturing the tendon. Again thank you Andy for sharing your experience.

I’m going for surgery next week and I’m scared AS F*** lol.. but watching this has kinda calm Me down .. thank you mate 👊🏾

This was a fantastic video. It gives me some hope as I have my surgery tomorrow morning. Spent my entire life being super active and I was afraid that I would regress for ever. Ruptured it working as a Fireman when I missed a step in the smoke and caught myself when I fell weighting about 300 pounds with all of my gear.

Thank you..I am in my fourth week after surgery...only doing lowerbody with body weight only..did some jogging but did not feel good in my arm...your vedio is quit helpful...

Thank you that was very useful I just got the same injury 3 days ago and going tomorrow to set up the surgery hopefully on Saturday

I’ve had both mine done now due to rugby injuries same surgeon both times, he done a great job ugly scars but they work. Currently just started physio on left arm. My right arm is 100 percent took awhile to get mind muscle connection again so I look forward to working on my left arm

Hey man,a message from Scotland.nice update and a run down of how your recovery went.I’m just two weeks after surgery and this has been very helpful for me to see there’s light at the end of the tunnel.a lot of information about your rehab and outlining what you did and need to do to.I did mine training throwing a lead right hook on the punch bag wrong with a straight arm.thanks bro

Happened to me just over a week ago and got the surgery last Friday. Mine happened moving a chest freezer. I have a month or so to go before I (hopefully) get out of the sling and onto rehab. Thanks for the video Andy. Great info.

Great vid andy. Keep them coming mate

I just popped my distal tendon on Wednesday night. Got the MRI on Friday... so waiting to meet with a surgeon and find out if surgery is an option. Thank you for this video, four years later, info is still not easy to come by.

I’m at a month and a half since my surgery. It took 12 weeks to get my surgery done and my Dr. was able to attach my tendon without adding additional tendon. I was lucky! I have almost full range of motion, but I’m still unable to lift anything. I’m still icing it every day and Advil to reduce the inflammation. Thanks for the video!

TB500 and BPC 157 👌🏼 trust me guys , it’s a miracle

Excellent, informative and honest post. Many thanks from England! : )

Going in for surgery Thursday for Left bicep Your vidio helped ease some concerns. Thank you.

Thanks for your help

Thanks for this extensive update Andy. Currently on week 1 post op. Way to claw back. I'm noticing the same thing still... lack of information.

I'm almost one week post-surgery. Appreciate your uploading this!

Went to the walk in clinic right after the injury to get the ball rolling. I knew what had happened. I could hear the tendon tear. I am a week after injury. Surgery scheduled in three days.

Had mine fixed at 3 weeks due to hospital dragging their feet to get me in for mri. Dr said everything went well & he was able to stretch my arm out completely to do the surgery. Time is very important, but getting the medical industry to do anything fast is hard to do. Waiting longer than 4 weeks you run into problems. Also my Dr recommended physical therapy after 2 weeks. I think waiting 6 weeks might be too long to wait.

Thank you for the video Andy, I am 4 weeks post surgery and I have lost a lot of mass but this video was a big help on what to expect and what your experience was.

Thanks for the advice. It has just happened to me. My doctor has given me the option of leaving it to heal, or get the surgery. I am not a weight lifter as such and greatly appreciate your video.

Appreciate the video man, I’m going into surgery in a couple of days.

This is the pinnacle video of Distal Rehab!!

Any thought of working out after this procedure is out the window. The first 48 there’s pain and rest. Take it easy and be patient the gym will still be there at 6 weeks

I'm going to doctor tomorrow. It will be 6 week's post of. I started doing some push ups and light curls today.

Crazy, I had the same injury went through the same struggle, but I’m still able to train and fight professionally, if I could add anything, if you go through this remember the human body is a lot stronger than you can imagine, like I. The video I just wish I would of worked sooner on getting in shape.

While watching this video, am going for surgery for proximal rupture. 😀 Thank you bro.

Very useful info. Thank you !!!

Thank you

Just tore my right bicep 4 days ago, I'm covered by the VA too and when I went to the ER they were not urgent about surgery so I'm a little worried. I meet with the orthopedic next week though and will request surgery.

Thanks for posting this video old buddy. I just tore mine and will be having surgery soon. We’re getting old! Lol

Wow this came on my RU-vid feed and was happy to watch. I partially tore my bicep/forearm doing heavy bb rows but that day did it reverse grip and it happened. I immediately checked to see if it rolled up but it was still there. Over the week the bruising came in from my bicep to my wrist. Went to see the surgeon and he confirmed it was partial and that heavy weights should be stopped although I will find it hard to not go heavy anymore lol Started back to the gym this week slowly certain back exercises still pinch a bit on the bicep but it’s ok. High reps for now. Thanks for this video

Thanks for this video. Definitely learned a few things about speeding up recovery safely.

Thanks man- I am 2 days post op looking for good news and a few pt tips for training athletes - I appreciate your perspective & experience

thanks for the update, had same injury, but different, trauma based, nice feedback, cheers!

Thanks for sharing Andy. Last Aug.23rd I was playing with my kids at a park and ended up with a partial tendon rupture. I cant get in to see the ortho until Sept. 13th. I can do everything with my right arm but I cant do a curling motion with anything over 5lbs. The nurse said they want to go ahead and do surgery or the ortho may say just rehab it depending on the severity. I enjoy weight training myself and am currently on leave from work. It is tough mentally but I focus on my kids and the physical things I can do at the moment.

Thank you for all the information, very Encouraging for sure

Appreciate your experience

Awesome video! Really appreciate the content!

Andy this video came right on time. I am 6 weeks post OP myself i have full range of motion being my Dr has been progressive with me knowing I'm an avid lifter. Started PT at 4 weeks & found this video at the 6 week marker knowing at this point i should be able to do some form of lifting. I will move forward with your upper body routine, did it today & everything felt great. Thanks so much for the information, God bless! 🙏🏻

Excellent breakdown. Thanks.

Brilliant video. Really helps!

Hey Andy, I blew out my right bicep back in January, had the surgery done, your videos helped a ton! Unfortunately I am now 2 days post op after blowing out the left one!

Hi,I'm 3 weeks past the surgery, you give me the information and motivation i needed, still waiting to see my surgeon,I was wondering if the exercises had started or should i wait for my appointment,great video, thanks.

Great video, glad I came across this🙏

Excellent video! I'm going through recovery on my second operation on my left arm. First surgery in January re-tore two months later. I had graft put in on the second surgery this past April and its been a slow process bouncing back.

I ruptured mine. Its passed 6 days since surgery I already do little things like fixing broken cars headlights plastic cover, fixing my bathroom shower and stuff like that lol. Hope I heal cleanly. Also the curatives are getting loose I somewhat am stretching the tenro

Unfortunately my operating didn't go so well as my surgeon wasn't professional as he said that my tendon was short to attach. I will be having another operation but now any time soon. Any advice? I live in Australia Thank you