VLog Week 2-3: Recovery Following Distal Bicep Tendon Rupture Surgery 

Thank you for your wisdom and effort you put forth to describe your experience and learnings recovering from this surgery. My husband had this same procedure less than 6 weeks ago and has been relying on your vlog entries as guidance and confirmation of what he’s experiencing. Your patience and overall attitude towards a smart and thorough recovery have given him encouragement to just rest and not to push it too early. Again, your videos have been crucial to us and thank you!

Genuinely surprised by your progress in this video. You seem way ahead of the curve compared to what I've read online for week 2-3. I'll be happy if I have half as much movement as you in this video. Thanks again for your progress reports. Gives me an idea of what's to come.

I'm 2 weeks post op today. My forearm has been pretty sore but your videos have been very uplifting. Thank you, Mark :)

Thanks for the time and thoughtfulness in your words here, Mark. Your disposition is valuable for us in the same boat.

Hi Mark, I’m 5 days out from the same surgery and am right in line with how you did. No numbness in the fingers, off pain killers. Surgeon said that if I have good range of motion next week, no lockable brace. Fingers crossed. Thank you for making the videos!!

Hey Mark. Thank you for making these videos of your recovery. You answer a lot of questions that I've been wondering about. Much appreciated!

I’m having this surgery Tuesday. My Anxiety is through the roof. Your videos are definitely making me feel a little better. Iv never had surgery. 😬

2 weeks post op today. Had reconstruction done. Thanks for the video!

Amazing recovery brotha!! I’m 2 weeks post op and just out of a splint. Having some putter elbow pain. Hoping to bounce back the way you have!! Thanks for the motivation!!

Finding this video 1.5 weeks post surgery, really informative from a fella close to my age taking about his experience. Much appreciated. Subscribed. 👍🏻

I had this surgery today and decided to look up recovery videos. I'm hoping I have a similar path to recovery. They gave me a nerve block so my entire arm is still numb, but I definitely want to take as little pain meds as possible

Me alegro de verte y espero pronto estes totalmente recuperado y puedas empezar a entrenar.Muchos Animos.

I'm blown away how fast you recovered from this. I'm 2 weeks post surgery and nowhere near this level of recovery. Are you made of adamantium? Looking forward to seeing you in the next X-Men movie!

Great to see you are feeling stronger and stronger !!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr Kettlebell 💪💪💪🏋🏻‍♂️

Thanks looking at week 2 - is nice to see the perspective of someone going through it.

thank you for your videos sir.it helps me think positive.44years old.6 days after surgery.

Thanks for this video now I know where I will be in the two week timeframe

Thank you for these videos, really informative. Found out today that I’ve got the same problem and after watching your videos you’ve given me a bit of hope. Like you I love training and I never want to stop because that’s what I enjoy. Thanks mate

Good to see you recovering well mate!

just 1 week post surgery 😮, i am excited then when i see my doctor 10 days after my surgery.

I just wanted to say you have fantastic content. I am going in for this surgery soon, probably after the new year now. I tore my bicep 2 weeks ago during my boxing bout whilst throwing an uppercut, the pain was next level and the arm was instantly weak and almost useless. Got into the best shape of my life this year to so naturally I am heart broken but your videos help. I live in the UK to. I saw in another video your biceps are slightly different? Weirdly enough I had my non injured arm mri’d a few years ago because I had one very long muscle belly and one very short one (they look the same when arms are down) but have completely different peaks and sizes when flexed. I uniquely had asymmetrical bicep insertions which he said is common just not normally to my extreme… gabbering a side do you think I now have a chance to have matching biceps when they fix my ruptured one or will it return to how it previously looked? He told me after 3 months I could return to boxing, but i plan to play it safer than that. Keep up the great content

Thank you for your videos helped me a ton I was a little worried about the surgery and post op recovery. I’m on my 1st week of PT. Thanks

Had the surgery 6 weeks ago, cast comes off tomorrow... Looking for recovery tips. Thanks for the video.

Thanks Mark for the great videos and to all of those who have shared their stories- very helpful! I only have a partially torn tendon, about 50% so did not get surgery right away (its been 4 mos since injury). Should be getting surgery in the next 3-4 weeks. Your physio details are really helpful and will be asking my doctor how progressive she is, hoping to do the same. BTW, most people don't mention if their repair was via endo-button or suture anchors, would be curious to know what people got. My surgeon prefers the suture anchors. Thanks for all the great info!

Appreciate this - I’m a week post surgery

I got a surgery where they at aches my biceps distal tendon to the radius. I'm 35 and have done weight lifting all.my life as an amateur bodybuilder 90kg and 10%-8% average fat. I am in my 4th month of my distal tendon biceps recovery and I'm doing pushups. No pain and gaining muscle mass again. Do you think I should go to failure when doing pushups? I feel I want to make my push up sessions more intense since Im only going short to failure or moderate intensity on my sets. I'm doing 12 reps per set total 4 sets. What do you think?

Thanks Mark. Great video. I’m hoping for a surgery date today with my first visit to the surgeon after my accident two days ago. I’m a PT also. Slipped on the rings while doing a skin the cat. Lost my right bicep fortunately not my left too. 18 months ago I crashed my paraglider shattered talas i r ankle, broke T 9 and dislocated right shoulder. I was back running, learning hand stand and enjoying my rings. Shit happens I’m positive

Thanks for these videos, they have kept my anxiety levels down whilst waiting for my op. Had the op NYE , so currently quite painful and in my sling. Like you impressed with the NHS response, but just had to dodge Covid-19 infection by isolating before op and getting the op done around the Christmas break.

Got the same on mine hopefully move things forward soon.

Helpful inspiration for confidence towards recovery

Had my 2nd repair 3 days ago. Had my first surgery Dec 27 2021. That Dr. Had me locked up in a ROM brace for 10 weeks afraid to move it AT ALL. This ended up with me being so locked up that i couldnt rotate my wrist past 50 percent without severe pain. Got a 2nd opinion, and found out it was a 75 percent re-rupture. Now my new surgeon has the splint off 3 days post op and wants me moving it. Just nothing weight bearing. Hopefully this time it heals with the more aggressive approach

Hey Mark. I’m at my 10 day post op today. Had stitches removed and basically feel I have same recovery guidelines you have. I’m out of the sling, unless I’m sleeping or out and about. I have the same tightness you described when supinating. Also told I can do basic things and try not to push it. I just wanted to share my experience because it sounds very similar to yours. Thank you. Anthony Provenzale

Wow. I was in a cast for 2 weeks. Just got it off last week and started therapy yesterday. I don’t have near the movement you do. No way I can twist my hand like that. My orders were no lifting more than a coffee cup till week 12!

Hi Mark. Thanks for your videos. I could use your help. I am at 8 days post op. My surgeon has told me I can remove the sling. He also has me doing elbow flexion, pronation, and supponation exercises repetitiously throughout the day. He suggested applying heat prior to exercizes to loosen tendon. I do feel pain and resistance while doing these exercises. I am concerned that working the area so soon might disrupt the initial formations of soft connective tissue at the repair. I assumed that the arm would be required to remain stationary in a sling - without movement for a longer period to allow for connective tissue to form. I had endobutton procedure done. My surgeon did not use an interference screw. I am wondering how the actual mending of the bone and tendon occurs. Does it occurr as a result of connective tissue formation or does it actually occurr when the bone cavity tunnel closes out around the tendon. I don't want to disrupt the healing by exercising too soon. I am not sure if I am confident in my surgeons recommended rehab. approach so soon after surgery. If you could take the time, It would be helpful to receive a response from you. Please tell me what exercizes you were doing at around the 8 day post surgery point (or at the earliest point you began exercizing). Please also provide any other input that may be helpful. You are the only you tuber I've seen who has been told not to restrict movement at 2 weeks post surgery. Everyone I've seen is in a brace, or other restrictive device and are restricting movements. Thank you my friend from across the pond.

I had my surgery 8 days after the detachment. However I was kept in plaster for 3 weeks and 1 day and now have a hinged elbow brace on for total of 4 weeks. Week 2 into 3 of the brace (5 weeks after surgery) I'm allowed to adjust brace from 60 degrees to 30 degrees. At end of week 4 of the brace (7 weeks post surgery) I've gotta adjust to 0 degrees and see my Consultant. Had the Arthrex BicepsButton.

Mark at about 4 weeks post op were you still feeling fatigue in your injured arm?i I do especially if I try and supinate for range of motion. Arm is still very weak and I won’t start physical therapy until I see the doc in a couple weeks. Curious as to your thoughts. Thx as usual. Ant pro

I'm jealous. You're recovery seems fast compared to mine at this point. I had 2 incisions though so i think mine was different. I'm currently 3 weeks post op, just got my splint off 4 days ago. I'm in a sling for another 3 weeks because i can't move my arm on its own at all. I have to use my good arm to guide it. I can't turn my wrist much at all yet but it seems to get better every day with less pain. After the 3 weeks he said i will be able to move my arm on its own but then no using it for another 2 months then gradual use until full recovery in 8-12 Months.

I'm starting my week3 of recovery from the same surgery. I'm feeling pain on the opposite side of the incision like on the outside of my elbow. In the bones I go to see the surgeon on 3 days but was wondering if you had same thing

Very useful mate

Im three weeks out and cant straighten my arm. Also ordered to keep the brace on for 3 more weeks. Arent you concerned about pulling the tendon off again before its had time to adequately heal?

Did you still have visible retraction of the bicep 3 weeks after surgery? My arm basically looks the same as before my surgery? Worried something has gone wrong along the way.

I’m on the 7th week post surgery and still can’t supine. The worse is gone but I can’t be off work anymore. I need to work for my mental health sake.

How’s the bicep man? I just got the horrible news about complete tear of distal bicep tendon. I really hope I can get my strength back as it’s my dominant bicep. I’m 27

Hey mate. Thanks for doing this series .... I’m about to go through the same surgery as you. Not sure how long it’s been for you. Are you able to do pull ups and work out normally again? And if so, how long did it take? Thanks in advance !

Thank you for the video. I had ruptured distal bicep tendon surgery 5 weeks ago. The effected bicep still looks shorter. There is still a longer gap between elbow and bicep muscle. Did you also have this? If so how long was it till they were both same length? Thank you

Do you feel if you push yourself too much at a certain age you can get bad injuries which can hamper your fitness?

Three weeks post surgery and still having major suppunation and pronation limited movement with brace too. Flexion is at 90° extension at 30° seems like everyone else is further along. Anyways great video. Together we share and over come.

Hello Mark thankyou for the videos it helps allot. I decided NOT to have the surgery. I am on 3 weeks after my rupture. I have full range of motion even though the MRI scan reported full thickness tear, I am avoiding lifting anything for now. I plan to follow your recovery training so that I can eventually get back to my normal weight lifting at gym.

Hello. How long after rupturing your bicep tendon did you have the surgery to repair it?

Thanks for the info I’m almost 2 weeks after surgery. Getting initial sling/ cast off tomorrow. Not sure if they are giving me robocop brace or not I guess we’ll see. How long until you went back to work?

Hey man I just wanted to say thank you for the very informative videos I ruptured my Bicep earlier this week I went and saw an orthopedist and he said surgery was not necessary for the type of rupture that I had. I actually have somewhat of a Popeye looking arm now although it does look ugly. I really don't care about aesthetics too much. What does concern me is the pain that I currently have in my bicep at the moment. Did you suffer from such pain when you first tore yours? Look forward to hearing from you. and once again thank you for the great content.

Mark your advice is invaluable. In your recovery did you ever find yourself doing the “Hook Test” looking for the repaired tendon? I’m so nervous of re rupturing it I find myself looking to see if it’s still attached. I guess we would probably need force and see bruising like when we originally injured it, right? I’m sure I’m just being too nervous. Did you do the same? Thanks again. Anthony Pro

Have you had any numbness in that forearm after your distal biceps tendon surgery?

I had surgery 4 days ago and have very numb thumb and index finger. Is that something i should be concerned about.

I’m a week post op. I’m having shoulder problems. It’s been about 3 weeks all together since my distal bicep injury.

Mark. Two weeks post op you said your surgeon said you no longer needed the sling. Mine said the same thing I only need it if I’m out and about or sleeping because of unconscious movement. However the sling wakes me up at night and I get a bad night sleep I’m wondering if you had to wear the sling when you slept also at the two week mark? What are your thoughts on not wearing the sling at the two week mark at bedtime? Thank you. Anthony Pro

Hi. Thank you for these videos. I had my operation (double incision with two anchors) in november 2020. While everything is going OK and I have complete supination and elbow flexibility, the bicep muscle itself has become rather short. I am no quite fond of this. Has anyone else experienced ending up with a shorter muscle due to the sugery?

I’m 13 days out of surgery and just got out my sling and splint, but they put me in an ROM brace that locks at 30-90 degrees motion. Was there an zero mention of an ROM brace from your doctor? My surgeon is a very experienced sports doctor who is the main doctor for various pro sports teams in Los Angeles, so I do trust him. It’s just surprising that they took you from the splint to a complete full range of motion immediately. was the ROM brace not even mentioned in your case? I feel as if this thing is not really necessary.

Im now 5days post op , I thought i had the endo button aswel however i have a cut along the crease of my arm and a cut down back of forearm so now im not so sure as you just have the 1cut , your videos give inspiration to anyone whos had this injury thanks again , can i just ask did you get any swelling in your hand 1st week post op?

your doctor cleared you to stop using the brace at all at 1 week? wow i thought my doctor was progressive because he is allowing me this at 3 weeks(tomorrow). from what i’ve read most surgeons ask their patients to be in a brace for 4-6 weeks. It’s very impressive how mobile you are 2 weeks post op I hope I can be half as that tomorrow when I ditch the brace. Two unrelated questions: 1. Were you able to sleep on the side/belly after taking the brace off? 2. When you got back to your usual routine back on your max weights did you notice a loss in grip strength on the operated hand? Thank you for reading and for the awesome videos :D

Mark. How long after surgery we’re you able to sleep on the injured arm? Thx! Anthony Pro

Hello Mark, I also had the very same surgery. Im now in my 3rd week and still can not stretch my arm fully like I see you doing. Also, my hand wont close completely and my grip is weak. Being a very active guy, this is really bothersome. Did you have these symptoms as well at the 3 rd week mark ? Thank you for all the help.

Glad yours was successful and a good recovery. I’m 4 and a half weeks past surgery. I’m super paranoid about damaging the surgery. I’ve been doing weights on my good side like you. How have you found running? I’m paranoid about the bouncing motion putting pressure on the repair. I seem to have full ranges of motion now. Oddly I get pain in the front of my shoulder at the top of bicep. Maybe it’s under different tension due to the repair?

What procedure did they use to reattach the tendon? I had an endobutton procedure and i have much less mobility 3 weeks after. Its the strongest way to reattach though.

Any daily activities aside from lifting heavy objects with your hand that you avoided? I’m in week two and afraid I’m going to do something that rips this right off the bone again!

im 8 days in after surgery pain is still bad i moved wrong in sleep painful hopefully gets better

Hi Mark,i just wanna find out,i am about a month out of surgery now,my forearm is having a tingling feeling and is swollen up,i got the brace last week,it’s very uncomfortable,did you also experience the tingle feeling and for how long?

Glad its healing

Hi Mark, I had my bicep surgery 7 weeks ago. Did you notice your bicep was short compared to before the injury, and did it return to normal full length in time once you were able to train well and build it back up ? I was told it’s just muscle atrophy and not to worry that it will all come back. Thanks for posting your videos ! David

Hi Mark thanks for the videos really helping me I’ve got my surgery tomorrow ,I’m just wondering do you go home the same day as the surgery and long do you recommend before I start building strength back in my arm, be great to hear back from you

After 2 weeks my arm isn't free. They put me in a brace 2 weeks after surgery and they want me in it for 4 more weeks. How were you able to have a free arm after just 2-3 weeks after surgery?

hey, did you feel any burn like slight pain in forearm about3-4 inches above the wrist?? top of arm

Holy shit. So, 3 days after my surgery, I took the bandage and sling off. Did a few 6 mile walks, and was generally trying to stretch out my passive range of motion. Then I read that you're supposed to be in the sling for 2 weeks and maybe up to a month. So I'm back into my sling. I have a follow up consult with the doc in a week. I'm 6 days out from surgery. How long from surgery did you get out of the sling? It sounds like maybe 9 days?

Hi. I just went through this surgery too. Is there that much of a difference from recovery on just sutures vs the button which you have? It looks like you were out of the splint in 2 weeks and no brace? They have my in the flexible brace at 2 weeks.

Mark how long has it been since your surgery now? What does your scar look like now if you don’t mind me asking.

Hey Mark, I have to undergo the same procedure sometime in the next few days. I wanted to know: 1) did you start running immediately post op? 2) was this video made 2 weeks post op or 3? You look great by this point so I was curious. 3) at which week post-op did you attempt your first pull-up or chin up? Your later videos show you got back on it very quick so that's also encouraging. Thank you !

I had the surgery and they don't like me out of the brace that keeps my arm bent. says the therapist.but me I'm like if it doesn't hurt go! I'm 4 weeks out of surgery. and they freak when i show at therapy without brace. one week for you?? well I'm in America the land of lawyers.

Im on week 3, sometimes i feel soreness in my bicep. Would you consider this normal?

The cast they put me in I cant use my dominant hand and its driving me mad

Did you talk to use the button method or the anchor method I’m super confused I just tore my bicep and my doctor wants to use anchor method

Did you have bad pins and needles numbness in your hand after surgery. Did it go away?

Hi there when you done it cud you bend your harm

Mark thanks for these great videos I’m on week 5 getting good mobility back strength is coming slow ,sleep is getting better But my nerves are flipping still shot, still having some numbness in wrist and hand but the hard thing is Is my feel and texture. It feel like I’m always touching like a orange or a line-x bed liner it has a rough feeling even when there is Something smooth.Doc is trying to keep an eye on thinks but still think it was due to a longer than usual Nerve Block lasted almost 21 hrs . Was wondering if there was anything you felt besides the normal tingling and numbness. Thanks so much for the great videos it’s a confidence builder

I am a week and a half post surgery having a biceps tear. One thing I noticed is when I yawn heavily or when I stretch my body and yawn heavily when I wake up out of bed in the morning I feel a slight tingle sensation or some kind of cramping sensation in my arm I had the surgery on in my bicep area. What exactly is that and why am I having that feeling? Could it be a nerv issue or something that's causing me to reaaggravate the bicep?

i did my surgery 7 weeks ago, did u get a sore wrist ?

Wtf I’m 6weeks post and I can’t do any of that!! omg also I have crazy numbness and pins and needles stills!

Huh??? You got bandage off one week after surgery and you didn’t have to wear a brace for 4 weeks after that??? No way.

I’m not calling BS , but after having this surgery myself and being in a cast for 14 days . I don’t see how your arm has no swelling and you’re just moving it around like this at supposedly 14 days. Seems not genuine

Did you're bicep drop down back to normal?