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!
Thank you Lauren, It's so nice to hear that you both have found these videos helpful and comforting. Wish him the best for his recovery and take care yourself.
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.
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!!
Steve I’ve had surgery quite a few times in my life and this was by far the easiest and least painful experience I’ve had. The anaesthetic they use these days are brilliant. No side effects after and you don’t even realise you’re going under. Just like having a pretty strong G&T and then you’re waking up and it’s all done. As long as you’re proactive in the rehab phase you’ll pretty much fully recover. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 7, hold for 4 and repeat till anxiety subsides.
Thanks man Will do!! I’m pretty sure it’s a little normal to be Nervous before surgery. At least it will be better sleep than what Iv been getting so I’m looking forward to it. Lol
Hey Mark I’m 6 hours out of surgery. Just wanted to say before I get some sleep thanks for the recovery videos. I’m definitely going with all your advice. They did a nerve block and I cant move anything but they said it takes 24 hours to to go away. Sure I’m gonna be sore so I’ll be on meds for a few days. Surprisingly I worked my self up so much I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I was. I know I have a long road ahead but I’ll get through it with your videos. Thank you!
Know this is an older video But well Done I got this surgery tomorrow and my anxiety about recovery has got me 🤢. Even considered saying shag it and letting it Heal As it however I think Long run better to Get er done. But damn lol.
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!!
@@petekalker2497 I think it was about 2 weeks before I took my sling off, never had a splint or brace. I used it after that for a while when I needed some safety when out or travelling. But within a month or so I stopped using even that.
Wow no splint? Arm was just bandaged? I’m in a half splint I’m sure to just minimize movement. Thank you for the replies! Hopefully it’s not long for the mid forearm pain around the bone goes away quickly. Cheers
@@petekalker2497 It’s more than likely caused by temporary nerve damage from the op which should repair as it heals. If not in a few weeks, I would get it checked out just to be safe. I’m not medically trained so that’s just my opinion 😊
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
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
Thanks bro. Are you thinking about having surgery then? My choice for having the surgery was that I wanted to continue training at the same level and beyond, and regaining my full strength and functionality by having it and then rehabbing extensively. This more than outweighed any potential risks it might have. Good luck with whatever you choose
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer Finally had the surgery yesterday. Was a bit sore the morning after and got some crazy numbness in my thumb leading up to my index finger. I’m bandaged up and in a brace, finding it quite hard to sleep but looking forward to getting back to normal now. You mentioned that you had numbness in your hand too, did that go away eventually?
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!
LOL 😂 I was lucky to have a very progressive surgeon and the opportunity to rehab consistently throughout the day. But you’ve got me wondering what I’d call my X Men character 🤔
So far so good. The pain is definately there in my case and the meds are coming in handy. I am hoping to bounce back soon. Thanks for these videos. I am 1 day post op and just got the feeling back in my hand and arm. Hoping the pain subsides soon. I fell down a flight of steps holding my work tools in the left hand and caught my fall with the right hand when i heard the classic ripping sound and looked at my misshaped bicep as it was spasming and was freaked out. Lol. Glad the surgery part is over.
@@Ed-sr4wu arm still gets a bit of tightening but overall it’s back to nearing normal - strength still down some but improving. Full training again. Light deadlifts again 365x3 was easy work. Trained arms last night - cosmetically arm looks close to before injury, strength is coming back steady. It’s good to be training full on again.
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!
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 lucky, mine happened 4 weeks ago and NHS had a series of failures( ringing wrong number, telling me the appointment isn't booked yet booking it) so I went private as I couldn't risk waiting months for the NHS to get into gear.
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
Thanks Robert. There’s definitely more bunching now in my injured arm than before. Which is to be expected when you release the tendon will have been shortened due the rupture/break and subsequent re-insertment. So I would say yes your injured arm may well be more bunched than before when healed fully.
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
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!
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
Hi Anthony. I am wondering if you could offer me some input. I am at 8 days post op. The sling has been removed and the surgeon has me doing elbow flexion, pronation, and supponation exercizes. I fell pain and tightness while performing these exercizes. He suggested applying heat to loosen the tendon. I am concerned that exercising and stretching the area too soon after surgery can disrupt the formation of soft connective tissue at the bone and tendon. Based on all other you tubers experiences, I assumed the arm would be required to remain stationary in a brace or other device - as healing and connective tissue forms. My surgeon performed an endobutton procedure without using an interference screw. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you my friend.
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
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?
focus good Great question! At month 4 I would still be cautious about going to failure or max effort. In my case I waited till month 6 before feeling confident enough to do that, but still not to the point of pain. You have done so well so far that waiting 2 months is IMO worth doing. Rather than training to failure for muscle growth, why not use volume training for hypertrophy. It’s a well established method to build mass. 50-75% max reps over 10 sets. 1-2 mins rest in between. Good luck on your recovery
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.
@abhishekchaudhary1556 Great. Don't have full strength yet but it's fully functional now. I don't feel like I'm limited anymore. I finished physio and now I'm on a work hardening program to get my full strength back for the next 12 weeks.
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.
The range of options and rehab protocols for this operation are very varied. Some surgeons take a more conservative approach whilst others are more pro active. I think as long as you can be consistent and follow a dedicated rehab program you should also regain near full functionality of your bicep. Good luck mate!
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
Hi Zack, I didn't get the feeling you describe, but very injury can be different in how it recovers. For me it was pain in the bone where the surgery was done, the radius. This is to be expected as the tissues heal. Hopefully that will be the same in your case. Good luck
@@zackhines2569 what ended up happening with that outside elbow pain? I had the surgery about 2 weeks ago and am now in a brace. Didn’t have any pain until my splint was taken off. The same pain that you described in this comment.
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.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thank you for your reply. I will only know down the line if I made a good decision not to have surgery. Currently I'm weight training with one arm only using mostly dumbells improvising wherever I can.
I'm on 6.5 weeks since the injury. Last week I weight trained 2.5kg dumbells on my injured arm and normal weight on my good arm. This week I'm on 3kg dumbells with injured arm. So far so good. I have full range of motion and can do all daily tasks with injured arm easily, there is no pain. I am being very careful not to hurt the arm and increasing weight weekly now. I am 53 years old and have been weight training for more than 10 years.
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.
I feel your pain Gerald Collins. We're all different and progress at different speeds. I would just say be very very constant in your rehab and keep questioning and researching if more can be done in your instance.
Im also on week three and with the brace locked at 30° but full flexion. Minor soreness in the bicep, not even where the incision is, just the bicep right before the elbow. Are you also feeling that? Im a little worried because i dont carry anything with the arm and do as the doc says
Geo sounds like it’s really early days still for you. Tissue is still settling down and healing and nerves are reconnecting and will be firing off giving rise to feelings of pain. I had similar at times. I would suggest if it hasn’t improved in a week get it checked out just to be safe.
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
Mark Valentine thank you. Hey maybe you’d be interested in my beginners vid to callisthenics at any age which I’ll be releasing in a couple of weeks then. If you subscribe you’ll get a notification. Cheers
I'm sorry to hear that Andros. My only advice would be to not give up and at every opportunity try to perform the supine movement even using your other hand to help with the range of motion. But don't go beyond any point of pain. The body has a wonderful ability to recover and as we are all different and your initial injury may have been more severe than most, it might just take you that much longer to regain a full range of motion. Good luck my friend and keep me posted.
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 !
Hi Sy Kaye, sorry to hear you're about to go through the same surgery. To answer your question I was able to return to pretty much full operation after about 6 months. If you check out my channel you can see I was doing strict muscle ups for the first time at that point. It all depends on how your surgery goes and how proactive you and your surgeon are about the rehabilitation process. I was rehabbing every day and created a lifestyle to get back to full mobility as fast as possible
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?
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
To be honest Anthony Provenzale I can't say that I did. From the very start I was keen to get started on remedial exercises as soon as I could and was squeezing balls and using stretch bands to work the forearm muscles, but never to the point of pain.
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.
Thank you for question Anthony. My surgeon trained under the same surgeon who fixed the bicep tendon of Brian Shaw USA’s most successful strongman. Within 6 months he had him back competing at full strength. Their rehab program was and is very progressive. It’s based on mobilising the healing injury as soon as possible to accelerate growth of all structures connected to the site of injury. I was very happy following this to the letter as it yielded great results for me. I never pushed it beyond the bounds they had set, but I was diligent and consistent in performing the exercises daily as soon as the sling came off in week 1. See my other videos on this series in the description fir details. The main point here is you have to confident and comfortable with what’s going on. If you are more risk adverse, then take a more conservative approach and slow things down. I wanted to heal as fast as possible because my physicality is very important to me. But I was managed and safe in everything I did. There is no right or wrong way as evidenced by the number of different approaches that surgeons take, just what makes you feel the most comfortable. I am not medically trained and my experience is individual to my history and body. So I can only comment on how it occurred for me. If I was you I would talk to my surgeon directly to fully understand all the points you raise in Reference to his/her approach. Good luck
It's still early days and things may well be settling down. If you're at all concerned about your shoulder, I would go back to the consultant or see a sports physio. Good luck
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.
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
Thanks Anthony. Yes I felt very cautious just like you at the beginning, it's very normal to feel that way. I tried the hook test when I first injured it just to make sure I had actually broken it. And yes I did it very very gently to the repaired tendon just to check it was still there. If you curl your arm up towards you should be able to gently feel the tendon in place. You don't even need to hook under it. And yes if it had broke again you would see all sorts of bruising, your arm would immediately feel different plus the break would probably hurt so you would surely have noticed that. Don't worry the same things went through my mind at the time. Just be patient, be consistent with your rehab (daily) and you will be back to pretty much normal in 6-9 months. I was doing handstands at 6 months and muscle ups at 9 months. Good luck with your recovery
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
Thanks Aaron. To answer your question, yes mine was slightly shorter and bunched at the beginning but lengthened out somewhat. It still isn't back to what it was before, but that doesn't really bother me as it's fully functional and gives me no bother at all. Good luck with your recovery
It takes a while for the tissues around the wound to settle down and heal. While that's happening the nerves will be firing off as they reconfigure too. So some pain is to be expected. But I'm sure things will settle down pretty soon for you. Yes sleeping was a pain in the first 2-3 weeks
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer ty i appreciate feedback got cast off early was to long and tight had big water blister so that didn't help now got the thing that locks arm in place
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.
Hi bro, sorry to hear of your issue. I’m not medically qualified but pain is not a good sign. I would ask your doctor to explain what’s causing it and when it subside. Good luck
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 had 2 anchors as well. Surgery done on 12-13-21. My arm definitely looks different. The bicep looks shorter. Hopefully this is something that will improve over time
@@haincpavey4693 lots have had this. Either the tendon has gapped from the bone or there was damage at the musculotendinous junction as well where the bicep slips back from end of the top tendon, also with an atrophied muscle from lack of use.
Hey Jesse no, not in my forearm, but I did get numbness around my wrists. Forearms or wrists, I was assured by my surgeon at the time, it was pretty normal and just a result of the nerves healing and reconnecting after being cut in surgery. And sure enough it went away after a few weeks. Hope that helps
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
Thank you for your comments and contribution buddy. To answer your questions: I slept with the arm sling not brace on for the first few 3-4 weeks despite being cleared to go sling-less after 2 weeks. This was a personal choice as it just increased my confidence. Then I had no issue with sleeping on that side. Re grip strength, all the way through my rehab I was training my grip strength particularly on my injured side. Carried grip trainers with me wherever I went. Therefore I had no noticeable difference in grip strength. Good luck with your own recovery
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?
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 David, for some reason I seem to be asked this question quite a lot recently. The answer is yes. It has shortened. This is quite normal I believe, because in quite a few cases the muscle has recoiled up the arm and the broken tendon when reattached is shortened and bunched. Up to now my muscle mass and strength has increased back to 90-95% of what it was., although I'm not training biceps specifically so with a more targeted result you may get greater growth back there over time.
Thanks for the reply Mark ! Did you also notice your bicep was really loose and soft before you were able to train that arm ? I’m working my arm with just high rep one pound hammer curls since a week now, trying to get some blood into the muscle and get the motion back. So disheartening seeing 28 years of hard work disappear so fast ! Thanks again for your help 👍 David
Yes David my muscle was also exactly as you describe it, loose and soft. But over time that will change as you are able to create greater muscle activation as the injury site heals. Just be consistent and patient in what you’re doing and I’m sure it will return. It just takes time.
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?
Totally get how you're worried about injuring the arm again. However running was one of the activities I had no worries about. No issues whatsoever from running from week 2. Obviously I wasn't sprinting, but my 5 and 10K times were significantly reduced as running provided the mainstay of my cardio conditioning. I did not have the pain you mention though. What does your physio/surgeon say?
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer my first physio appointment is on the 25th at week six. I’ll see what they say then. It has improved a bit over the last week. Maybe I was just too reluctant to move my arm at first and it seized up a bit.
@@iamg07 We're all different in how we respond and what type of injury we sustain. So I can only talk in general terms about what to expect. I would say to you though, that the first month or so, the injury site needs to settle down and regrow all sorts of structures. So it's not surprising that you have some pain. As i said best take it conservatively till you see the physio but then get them to make a definite progressive program of rehab that has you up and running as soon as possible. Then just make sure you are consistent with that rehab and then I'm sure you'll be fine
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?
Hi Paul yes I remember your last post. There was definitely some numbness in my hand for the first couple of weeks, and I think there was also a little swelling too. You may also have the endo button, but they may have to make a couple of incisions to locate the retracted tendon. Just check with your surgeon. Best of luck with your recovery and feel to pose any more questions here. Cheers
Hi Craig, I had surgery just less than 3 weeks after I completely tore my biceps tendon. I was told by my surgeon that up to 6 weeks was after the injury was ok, but for optimum results the sooner the better. I had mine at 2 weeks 4 days after my accident.
Hi Rich8499, I'm no medical professional, but after surgery I also had numbness around the thumb and forearm area. This has completely gone now. It's due to the nerves needing time after surgery to heal up. It should improve over time. Obviously if you are really concerned consult your surgeon
Im 5.5 weeks post op and my numbness is going away daily. Right after my arm was very numb and very frustrating. I'd say I'm 80% better and fully expect it to be normal within 3 months.
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.
I’m not medically qualified so I’m just relating my experience here. Saying that I only ever used a sling, no splint or ROM brace. My surgeon believed that safely creating movement as soon as possible was the quickest and most effective way of recovering from this injury. It may be you’re in a more litigious country or that your particular injury requires more care. Either way I’m sure you’ll make a full recovery as long as you consistently perform the rehab protocol given. Good luck
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
That's great, I'm glad they're helping you. Yes I went home the same day. Unless there is an issue it's a usually a day surgery. As for building strength back up that depends on your injury but in most cases, you should be started on a a rehabilitation program within the first the couple of weeks. Just make sure you use a physio who's worked with these kind of injuries before. Also if you haven't, check out my other videos in this series to see the kind of training i did and when. Good luck mate
Thankyou so much for getting back to me really appreciate it mate , I’m not good with Hospitals etc and that’s why I’ve been watching your vids been really helpful I just want to get it over and done with now , I’ll let you know how Im get on thanks again for getting back to me 💪🏼
@@beast8995 No worries I hope it all goes well and tbh I've had loads of surgeries in the past and this one was by far the easiest and most straightforward
@@MrMindofwalter Hi buddy I’ve had the surgery on the 11th of November, since then I havnt been able to move my fingers or turn my wrist and top of my hand is constantly tingling pins and needles the doctor said it should get better with in 6 months which is a pain in the ass , after coming out of the back slab cast after 2 weeks and removing my stitches I was put in a Flex brace which I am still currently in which is set at 60 degrees, the doctor has allowed me to remove my brace while seated and to perform flexion of the arm assisted by the other arm to half way , that’s where I am currently at the minute, how are you doing ?
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
Oh now you're testing my memory 😊! Like you I was advised after 2 weeks when the dressings were off that I didn't need the sling on unless I felt uncomfortable/tired or there was a risk when travelling or being in public. I remember being uncomfortable in bed with the sling on, but that I decided not to wear it after the 2 weeks point. My surgeon didn't make a particular point of advising me against this. I think for the first few nights I was very conscious of being careful and I sleep on my uninjured side with injured side hand under my pillow below my head for security. This is how I normally sleep except I usually turnover at some point. Again after a week or so I was confident enough to turn over. Every surgeon and injury will be different and I am not medically qualified to advise you as to specifically what to do, but those were my experiences and I hope that is of some help to you.
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.
Hey Fred, what I needed to remind myself when I was researching like you on CZcams was that we are all different in regards to the specifics of the injury and the way we heal etc. No i didn't have the issues you state, but I did have numbness in my arm and wrist for weeks afterwards and supinating and pronating was slow to achieve fully. What I suggest is that you maintain your recovery protocol with the exercises set out by your physio or hospital and if your symptoms don't improve after a few more weeks then I would seek your surgeons help. BTW I carried a grip trainer with me everywhere those first few weeks and was constantly squeezing it.
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.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer i had to wait until 2 weeks after. I'm getting better each day. That's awesome you had so much mobility with the same procedure!
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?
Hi Geerie, my forearm never swelled as you described but i did get a tingling feeling around my wrist area which was a result of the nerves healing and reconnecting after the surgery. The swelling doesn't sound normal so if I were you I get that checked out by a medical professional, maybe your surgeon or physio.
Anthony Provenzale after 1 week the sling came off, but I still used it when out and about and for a further week sleeping. Then I slept without the sling, on my uninjured side and before the month was out I was sleeping on both sides
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 !
Hi Gagan, I started jogging on a treadmill slowly a few days post op. I seem to remember the video was made 2.5 weeks post surgery. I started back on assisted pull-ups/chin-ups (using bands), around 14 weeks post op. Everyone’s healing rate is different so always test yourself gently and if there is any pain stop. Good luck with your procedure 😊👍
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!
Good question, yes in the early weeks I was very mindful about using that arm for anything, but the lightest tasks. Avoid holding on to things that would cause a strain, like when travelling or the like and holding on to overhead or hand rails. I'm told it's pretty rare to break again at the stage you're in, but just be aware as you seem to be that that arm is for only the lightest tasks at this stage. If you're at all worried especially when out and about just slip the sling on, I'm assuming you've been supplied. That should automatically stop you from using the arm in a normal fashion. Hope that helps
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.
I now that from a final strength result there is no significant difference between using sutures as opposed to a button to repair the biceps. As for recovery protocol I can only comment on the button. In this my progressive surgeon said I could be out of the sling from day one but to use it any time I felt tired or uncomfortable. I didn't load it for some time but was gradually increasing the timeout of the sling and used it only when I was tired and sleeping. You have to be guided by what your medical professional tells you unless you feel they are being too cautious and then seek another opinion from preferably a sports related surgeon with plenty of successful experience of dealing with this injury. Good luck with your recovery
@@SOAPUS Good question. Honestly no. I work from home and so most of my time was spent during recovery in a controlled environment where I was able to rest and not use the arm beyond the gentle physio and grip training that I was consistently doing. For the first two weeks anytime I went out I put the arm in a sling but when I was in a comfortable environment ie a restaurant i would take the sling off. I'm also a behavioural therapist and so I used hypnosis and other techniques to reinforce a constant awareness of my arm so that I never forgot it was injured and do anything that would stress it.
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?
I had a very progressive surgeon who was helping athletes among others get back to fitness asap. So I was in a sling for about a week or so before that and the bandages came off. However I kept it close by for a few more weeks and used it when I felt tired or didn't want to accidently risk doing something I shouldn't. Ask your doc about the rehab and how they reckon it will be before you can get back to full fitness. Took me about 6-8 months depending on your measure of full fitness.
J Lee- How do you feel taking the sling off early affected your recovery thus far? And what did your Doctor say on your follow up. I have recently found myself in the same situation. Hopefully you are well.
@@ishbitar2 I'm about 7 weeks out, and pretty much 100% now. Just some slight numbness leftover, but my range of motion is 100% back to normal. Dr just told me for the next 6 weeks, I can now do light curling (10 lbs). And then, I can really start ramping up the strength training. However, right now, I'm doing push ups 1x a week. He advised not to, but I feel it's strong enough to handle heavy pushing exercises. Taking the sling off early didn't hinder me at all. I went back into the sling from day 5 till follow up a week later. Then, I just went to being out of the sling and doing some passive range of motion stretches. Started running with a sling 2 week out. Then, a month out, I started running without a sling. You should be fine. Just don't find yourself in a traumatizing situation like falling and bracing yourself.
My surgery was a week ago yesterday I stayed in the sling until last Friday but I do not feel as if it has hurt me at all my arm feels really good I haven't tried to push it at all or even extend it fully I just didn't think that I needed the sling. My follow-up appointment however is not until this coming Tuesday so two weeks after the original surgery which I thought was way too long. So i will find out then. I just am glad to hear you are having success! And also hopeful that i haven't made some grave mistake causing me to unknowingly not heal properly. Thank 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?
Different surgeons have different approaches. Mine was very progressive and had trained under the top guys in the field who were helping athletes recover as quickly as possible to get back into competition. So the rehab I had was much more focused on quicker mobilisation which had been proved to lead to a much quicker recovery.
It’s been just over 18 months since my surgery Anthony. And the scar is virtually invisible now. Key to that is treating it with scar removal cream from the start.
Yes I’m going to see my dermatologist on Monday and see if he can give me a prescription. I have 2 scars as my tendon was protracted up the arm a bit. The second scar is very small however. Wish there was a way to send you pictures.
@@anthonyprovenzale402 the creams they have these days are amazing. I bought mine off amazon www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004Q1QKGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it worked wonders
Clint East how long have they told you that you will be in the cast? Is there any way you do some easy grip strengthening exercises? Ball squeezes etc?
I think as long as your surgeon is confident that you will regain maximal strength given the appropriate rehab protocols, I don't believe there is a significant difference between the two methods of surgery. It's probably your surgeons preference that's all. But double check with him. Hope the surgery goes well for you
@@TheErms12345 How is the feeling in your hand right now? I'm now almost 3 months post op and also have numbness and the feeling that my skin is stretching in the hand. Did it went away?
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?
That’s not something I encountered. Now I’m not a medical professional so don’t take my advice as gospel, but I suspect when you yawn you are activating neck muscles which may share the same nerve pathways to the brain as the injury site. Personally I would see if it resolves itself over the next week or two as obviously a lot of nerves were affected during the op and need to re knit together and settle down. If you’re really worried don’t hesitate to seek out the advice of your surgeon or physio though. Good luck
@@bobbydenezza7795 Hopefully it Will go away. How is the recovery going ? I operated in 2022-08-15 and then after 2 weeks i started fysio rehab, but i feelt something was wrong, i had an xray and they said that one of the anchors was getting loose, so i reoperated it last monday. Hopefully it Will be better this time.
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.
I hear you friend. I’ve heard the same from many of your fellow countrymen. A lot also depends on your surgeon and how progressive they are. Good luck with your recovery
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
It is genuine. My surgeon had a very proactive approach to recovery having trained under the worlds leading surgeon in this procedure. I had no cast and did extensive prehab prior to the surgery. I’m sorry if your experience has not been so positive and I wish the best of luck with the rest of your recovery.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer I had your movement at week 5, but still minor swelling. Your arm appeared to not even have swelling ? Are you HGH / or any peptides for healing ? TRT ?
@@BuddyRevel There was slight swelling but were going back 4 years so I don’t remember the exact amount and how long I had it. No I wasn’t on any supplemental drugs, hormones or PEDS. We’re all different in our physiology and how we recover and the surgical technique won’t have been exactly the same either. So although I can give general guidelines as to what you might expect based on my own experience, it’s not surprising that others won’t have exactly the same experience. The important thing now is you rehab consistently and follow a prescribed program laid out by a professional well versed in this injury. That will maximise your chance of a full recovery. Best of luck 😊👍
My wrist hurt a little in the beginning when I was rehabbing my range of motion in supination/pronation. Also some numbness there too for the first 2 weeks.
@@pugile80 after surgery pain is often a sign that nerves are healing and regenerating. But If it continues or gets worse definitely consult your surgeon
That’s right Pedro. My surgeon was very progressive believing that rehab and supervised movement from the start were key factors for a quick recovery. And he was right 😊
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer Wow my life sucks, sitting here wearing the stupid splint/bandage for two weeks my arm is itching like crazy I don’t go in until a week from today to have it removed then I have to wear a brace for four weeks ugh
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
Thank you Mr T Mr.T. To be honest I didn't get the texture issue as you describe, but I did have an extended period of numbness stretching from my thumb area up past my wrist and forearm which lasted a couple of months. I'm sure both yours and mine are as a result of nerves impacted by the surgery slowing regenerating. At this stage of your recovery, although I'm not medically qualified, from what I have read, I don't you should be too concerned.
Hey Ryan I’m getting quite a few wtf’s of late especially from the states. I think litigation is pretty common there so they can take a very conservative approach to recovery and therapy. If you’re at all concerned seek out a good sports physio with knowledge of this injury. And numbness and pins and needles can continue for 2 months or so as the tissue heals. Good luck
Hey Ryan, How is the numbness pins and needles now? I'm now almost 3 months post op and als have the numb / skin stretching feeling in my hand. Did it went away?
@@justinvdvelden I had my surgery for my distal bicep rupture December 5th 2022, my radial nerve was compressed during surgery. I’m still having the pins and needles/buzzing feeling. With nerve damage the healing is incredibly long taking up to two years. Only the back of my hand,thumb and two fingers now are having trouble, before was basically from my elbow down so it has gotten a lot better,hopefully it continues.
@@ryanmcdermott2761 sorry to hear that. I'm now 3 months post op and experiencing the same thing. One day its worse than the other. I also have the feeling my skin wants to tear. But unlike you I don't have it from the elbow down. Numbness start at the wrist and pins / needles / tearing sensations are only between my thumb and index finger. Do you also have this tingling sensations when you tap in the nerve at your wrist?
@@justinvdvelden 1 million percent your radial nerve got damaged during surgery, have a carpal tunnel/nerve test done and they will tell you how bad it is like they did for me. It’s one of the risks for the surgery. They told me beforehand, buzzing and tingling never stops just have to try and ignore it. Smh 🤦♂️
Hi Jason, I would say that my bicep has almost returned back to where it was before in terms of shape. However it is definitely more bunched than before, which I actually don't mind
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!
Thank you Lauren, It's so nice to hear that you both have found these videos helpful and comforting. Wish him the best for his recovery and take care yourself.
I'm 2 weeks post op today. My forearm has been pretty sore but your videos have been very uplifting. Thank you, Mark :)
Thank you I’m glad they’ve been of help to you. Good luck with your recovery 😊
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 on week 3 post surgery and my scar is really different looking than this. Mine is about 3 inches and looks raw
I'm 2 1/2 weeks and have full motion, minimal pain.
Just supination is about 90%
Thanks for the time and thoughtfulness in your words here, Mark. Your disposition is valuable for us in the same boat.
Thank you Steve, I really appreciate your comments 😊👍
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!
Thank you I’m glad you found them useful 😊
Exactly the same! Waiting for the surgery date next week.
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!!
Thanks bro. I’m glad the videos have been helpful you. Good luck with your recovery 👍
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. 😬
Steve I’ve had surgery quite a few times in my life and this was by far the easiest and least painful experience I’ve had. The anaesthetic they use these days are brilliant. No side effects after and you don’t even realise you’re going under. Just like having a pretty strong G&T and then you’re waking up and it’s all done. As long as you’re proactive in the rehab phase you’ll pretty much fully recover. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 7, hold for 4 and repeat till anxiety subsides.
Thanks man Will do!! I’m pretty sure it’s a little normal to be Nervous before surgery. At least it will be better sleep than what Iv been getting so I’m looking forward to it. Lol
Hey Mark I’m 6 hours out of surgery. Just wanted to say before I get some sleep thanks for the recovery videos. I’m definitely going with all your advice. They did a nerve block and I cant move anything but they said it takes 24 hours to to go away. Sure I’m gonna be sore so I’ll be on meds for a few days. Surprisingly I worked my self up so much I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I was. I know I have a long road ahead but I’ll get through it with your videos. Thank you!
Steve Mackay I’m glad it went well and that you’re ok. Take care and good luck with your recovery 😊
Know this is an older video
But well
Done I got this surgery tomorrow and my anxiety about recovery has got me 🤢. Even considered saying shag it and letting it
Heal
As it however I think
Long run better to
Get er done. But damn lol.
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!!
My pleasure buddy, good luck with your rehab 😊👍
You were out of the splint after 10 days, it is that correct? No brace or sling after that?
@@petekalker2497 I think it was about 2 weeks before I took my sling off, never had a splint or brace. I used it after that for a while when I needed some safety when out or travelling. But within a month or so I stopped using even that.
Wow no splint? Arm was just bandaged? I’m in a half splint I’m sure to just minimize movement. Thank you for the replies! Hopefully it’s not long for the mid forearm pain around the bone goes away quickly. Cheers
@@petekalker2497 It’s more than likely caused by temporary nerve damage from the op which should repair as it heals. If not in a few weeks, I would get it checked out just to be safe. I’m not medically trained so that’s just my opinion 😊
Finding this video 1.5 weeks post surgery, really informative from a fella close to my age taking about his experience. Much appreciated. Subscribed. 👍🏻
Thank you my friend. Really appreciate your support 😊
2 weeks post op today. Had reconstruction done. Thanks for the video!
Thanks and good luck with your recovery 👍
Me alegro de verte y espero pronto estes totalmente recuperado y puedas empezar a entrenar.Muchos Animos.
Jose Antonio Fernandez thank you for your kind and encouraging words 😊
Thanks for this video now I know where I will be in the two week timeframe
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks looking at week 2 - is nice to see the perspective of someone going through it.
Glad it was helpful for you nonya! Good luck with your recovery if that indeed is what you are going through
Great to see you are feeling stronger and stronger !!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr Kettlebell 💪💪💪🏋🏻♂️
Thank you Charline 😀
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
Good luck with your recovery
Good to see you recovering well mate!
Thank you sir! Loving your progress and vids. Very inspiring. Keep up the great work 💪
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
Thanks bro. Are you thinking about having surgery then? My choice for having the surgery was that I wanted to continue training at the same level and beyond, and regaining my full strength and functionality by having it and then rehabbing extensively. This more than outweighed any potential risks it might have. Good luck with whatever you choose
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer Finally had the surgery yesterday. Was a bit sore the morning after and got some crazy numbness in my thumb leading up to my index finger. I’m bandaged up and in a brace, finding it quite hard to sleep but looking forward to getting back to normal now. You mentioned that you had numbness in your hand too, did that go away eventually?
@@-JaM-836 How's it going now? I'm at 7 weeks post op and still having some hand nerve issues.
thank you for your videos sir.it helps me think positive.44years old.6 days after surgery.
Thank you Tiber I’m glad the videos helped. Good luck with your recovery 😊👍
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!
LOL 😂 I was lucky to have a very progressive surgeon and the opportunity to rehab consistently throughout the day. But you’ve got me wondering what I’d call my X Men character 🤔
So far so good. The pain is definately there in my case and the meds are coming in handy. I am hoping to bounce back soon. Thanks for these videos. I am 1 day post op and just got the feeling back in my hand and arm. Hoping the pain subsides soon. I fell down a flight of steps holding my work tools in the left hand and caught my fall with the right hand when i heard the classic ripping sound and looked at my misshaped bicep as it was spasming and was freaked out. Lol. Glad the surgery part is over.
@corycruse1157 Did you happen to have any Numbness? after the nerve block wore off.
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
I’m really glad my videos were of help to you. Hope your recovery goes well 😊
just 1 week post surgery 😮, i am excited then when i see my doctor 10 days after my surgery.
Appreciate this - I’m a week post surgery
Glad you found it helpful Aaron. Hope your recovery goes well 😊👍
how are you feeling now ?
@@Ed-sr4wu arm still gets a bit of tightening but overall it’s back to nearing normal - strength still down some but improving. Full training again. Light deadlifts again 365x3 was easy work. Trained arms last night - cosmetically arm looks close to before injury, strength is coming back steady. It’s good to be training full on again.
Had the surgery 6 weeks ago, cast comes off tomorrow...
Looking for recovery tips. Thanks for the video.
Glad it was helpful Frank. Good luck with the recovery
You have endo button?
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!
Thanks Dennis and I hope your surgery and recovery go well 😊👍👊
Helpful inspiration for confidence towards recovery
Heather Miller thank you 🙏
excellent video Mark, keep it up!
@@orlandobrooke1037 Cheers!
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.
I'm glad the videos have been of some comfort to you. Good luck with your recovery Anthony
Got lucky, mine happened 4 weeks ago and NHS had a series of failures( ringing wrong number, telling me the appointment isn't booked yet booking it) so I went private as I couldn't risk waiting months for the NHS to get into gear.
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
Thanks Robert. There’s definitely more bunching now in my injured arm than before. Which is to be expected when you release the tendon will have been shortened due the rupture/break and subsequent re-insertment. So I would say yes your injured arm may well be more bunched than before when healed fully.
Very useful mate
Thank you buddy 😊
Got the same on mine hopefully move things forward soon.
Sorry to hear that Rick, but best of luck with your recovery
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
@@paraworth Well done buddy for the positive mindset and good luck with the surgery and recovery 😊👍
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!
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
Thank you for sharing your experience Anthony Provenzale. And best of luck with the rest of your recovery
May I ask why and how you wear the sling while sleeping?
I'm on day 4 post op and sleeping on my back with my arm on my side on two pillows.
Hi Anthony.
I am wondering if you could offer me some input.
I am at 8 days post op.
The sling has been removed and the surgeon has me doing elbow flexion, pronation, and supponation exercizes. I fell pain and tightness while performing these exercizes. He suggested applying heat to loosen the tendon.
I am concerned that exercising and stretching the area too soon after surgery can disrupt the formation of soft connective tissue at the bone and tendon.
Based on all other you tubers experiences, I assumed the arm would be required to remain stationary in a brace or other device - as healing and connective tissue forms.
My surgeon performed an endobutton procedure without using an interference screw.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you my friend.
@@anthonyconte4373
I think you should be alright to do exercises now.
Go full steam!.
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
Sounds like a much more pro active less conservative approach 2nd time around. Good luck with your recovery and jet me know how you get on 😊👍
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?
focus good Great question! At month 4 I would still be cautious about going to failure or max effort. In my case I waited till month 6 before feeling confident enough to do that, but still not to the point of pain. You have done so well so far that waiting 2 months is IMO worth doing. Rather than training to failure for muscle growth, why not use volume training for hypertrophy. It’s a well established method to build mass. 50-75% max reps over 10 sets. 1-2 mins rest in between. Good luck on your recovery
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.
Yes your procedure and recovery seem different from mine. Wishing you the best going forwards 😊
How's your arm now?
@abhishekchaudhary1556 Great. Don't have full strength yet but it's fully functional now. I don't feel like I'm limited anymore. I finished physio and now I'm on a work hardening program to get my full strength back for the next 12 weeks.
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.
The range of options and rehab protocols for this operation are very varied. Some surgeons take a more conservative approach whilst others are more pro active. I think as long as you can be consistent and follow a dedicated rehab program you should also regain near full functionality of your bicep. Good luck mate!
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
Hi Zack, I didn't get the feeling you describe, but very injury can be different in how it recovers. For me it was pain in the bone where the surgery was done, the radius. This is to be expected as the tissues heal. Hopefully that will be the same in your case. Good luck
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thank you sir
@@zackhines2569 what ended up happening with that outside elbow pain? I had the surgery about 2 weeks ago and am now in a brace. Didn’t have any pain until my splint was taken off. The same pain that you described in this comment.
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.
Thanks Jose I’m glad the videos have been of use to you. Sounds like everything is going to plan so good luck for your recovery and rehab 😊👍
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thank you for your reply. I will only know down the line if I made a good decision not to have surgery. Currently I'm weight training with one arm only using mostly dumbells improvising wherever I can.
@@JosedeNobrega Good luck with your recovery and thank you for your comments and contribution
I'm on 6.5 weeks since the injury. Last week I weight trained 2.5kg dumbells on my injured arm and normal weight on my good arm. This week I'm on 3kg dumbells with injured arm. So far so good. I have full range of motion and can do all daily tasks with injured arm easily, there is no pain. I am being very careful not to hurt the arm and increasing weight weekly now. I am 53 years old and have been weight training for more than 10 years.
@@JosedeNobrega glad to hear your recovery it’s going well Jose. Keep up the great work 😊👍
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.
I feel your pain Gerald Collins. We're all different and progress at different speeds. I would just say be very very constant in your rehab and keep questioning and researching if more can be done in your instance.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thanks brother awesome that you are doing well I'm getting better just slow. Thanks your video really helps
@@geraldcollins7103 Thanks and best of luck for your recovery 👍
Im also on week three and with the brace locked at 30° but full flexion. Minor soreness in the bicep, not even where the incision is, just the bicep right before the elbow. Are you also feeling that? Im a little worried because i dont carry anything with the arm and do as the doc says
Geo sounds like it’s really early days still for you. Tissue is still settling down and healing and nerves are reconnecting and will be firing off giving rise to feelings of pain. I had similar at times. I would suggest if it hasn’t improved in a week get it checked out just to be safe.
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
Glad its healing
Mark Valentine thank you! Already back to training pull-ups, handstands muscle ups and much more besides.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer will watch your progress, just starting this path at 55 your work is an inspiration.
Mark Valentine thank you. Hey maybe you’d be interested in my beginners vid to callisthenics at any age which I’ll be releasing in a couple of weeks then. If you subscribe you’ll get a notification. Cheers
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.
I'm sorry to hear that Andros. My only advice would be to not give up and at every opportunity try to perform the supine movement even using your other hand to help with the range of motion. But don't go beyond any point of pain. The body has a wonderful ability to recover and as we are all different and your initial injury may have been more severe than most, it might just take you that much longer to regain a full range of motion. Good luck my friend and keep me posted.
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 !
Hi Sy Kaye, sorry to hear you're about to go through the same surgery. To answer your question I was able to return to pretty much full operation after about 6 months. If you check out my channel you can see I was doing strict muscle ups for the first time at that point. It all depends on how your surgery goes and how proactive you and your surgeon are about the rehabilitation process. I was rehabbing every day and created a lifestyle to get back to full mobility as fast as possible
what therapy did you do weeks 2 - 6?
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?
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
To be honest Anthony Provenzale I can't say that I did. From the very start I was keen to get started on remedial exercises as soon as I could and was squeezing balls and using stretch bands to work the forearm muscles, but never to the point of pain.
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.
Thank you for question Anthony.
My surgeon trained under the same surgeon who fixed the bicep tendon of Brian Shaw USA’s most successful strongman. Within 6 months he had him back competing at full strength. Their rehab program was and is very progressive. It’s based on mobilising the healing injury as soon as possible to accelerate growth of all structures connected to the site of injury.
I was very happy following this to the letter as it yielded great results for me. I never pushed it beyond the bounds they had set, but I was diligent and consistent in performing the exercises daily as soon as the sling came off in week 1. See my other videos on this series in the description fir details.
The main point here is you have to confident and comfortable with what’s going on. If you are more risk adverse, then take a more conservative approach and slow things down.
I wanted to heal as fast as possible because my physicality is very important to me. But I was managed and safe in everything I did.
There is no right or wrong way as evidenced by the number of different approaches that surgeons take, just what makes you feel the most comfortable.
I am not medically trained and my experience is individual to my history and body. So I can only comment on how it occurred for me.
If I was you I would talk to my surgeon directly to fully understand all the points you raise in Reference to his/her approach.
Good luck
I’m a week post op. I’m having shoulder problems. It’s been about 3 weeks all together since my distal bicep injury.
It's still early days and things may well be settling down. If you're at all concerned about your shoulder, I would go back to the consultant or see a sports physio. Good luck
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.
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
Thanks Anthony. Yes I felt very cautious just like you at the beginning, it's very normal to feel that way. I tried the hook test when I first injured it just to make sure I had actually broken it. And yes I did it very very gently to the repaired tendon just to check it was still there. If you curl your arm up towards you should be able to gently feel the tendon in place. You don't even need to hook under it. And yes if it had broke again you would see all sorts of bruising, your arm would immediately feel different plus the break would probably hurt so you would surely have noticed that. Don't worry the same things went through my mind at the time. Just be patient, be consistent with your rehab (daily) and you will be back to pretty much normal in 6-9 months. I was doing handstands at 6 months and muscle ups at 9 months. Good luck with your recovery
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
Thanks Aaron. To answer your question, yes mine was slightly shorter and bunched at the beginning but lengthened out somewhat. It still isn't back to what it was before, but that doesn't really bother me as it's fully functional and gives me no bother at all. Good luck with your recovery
I have the same its damage we did during the injury to the Musculotendinous junction which causes the bicep muscle to slip back off the tendon.
Do you feel if you push yourself too much at a certain age you can get bad injuries which can hamper your fitness?
Yes definitely. You have to learn to listen to your body very carefully the older you get because it takes considerably longer to recover
im 8 days in after surgery pain is still bad i moved wrong in sleep painful hopefully gets better
It takes a while for the tissues around the wound to settle down and heal. While that's happening the nerves will be firing off as they reconfigure too. So some pain is to be expected. But I'm sure things will settle down pretty soon for you. Yes sleeping was a pain in the first 2-3 weeks
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer ty i appreciate feedback got cast off early was to long and tight had big water blister so that didn't help now got the thing that locks arm in place
@@jasonmiller131 Well I hope your recovery from now goes more smoothly 😊
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.
Hi bro, sorry to hear of your issue. I’m not medically qualified but pain is not a good sign. I would ask your doctor to explain what’s causing it and when it subside. Good luck
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?
Thanks bro, best of luck with your ongoing recovery!
I had 2 anchors as well. Surgery done on 12-13-21. My arm definitely looks different. The bicep looks shorter. Hopefully this is something that will improve over time
@@haincpavey4693 lots have had this. Either the tendon has gapped from the bone or there was damage at the musculotendinous junction as well where the bicep slips back from end of the top tendon, also with an atrophied muscle from lack of use.
Have you had any numbness in that forearm after your distal biceps tendon surgery?
Hey Jesse no, not in my forearm, but I did get numbness around my wrists. Forearms or wrists, I was assured by my surgeon at the time, it was pretty normal and just a result of the nerves healing and reconnecting after being cut in surgery. And sure enough it went away after a few weeks. Hope that helps
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
Thank you for your comments and contribution buddy.
To answer your questions:
I slept with the arm sling not brace on for the first few 3-4 weeks despite being cleared to go sling-less after 2 weeks. This was a personal choice as it just increased my confidence. Then I had no issue with sleeping on that side.
Re grip strength, all the way through my rehab I was training my grip strength particularly on my injured side. Carried grip trainers with me wherever I went. Therefore I had no noticeable difference in grip strength.
Good luck with your own recovery
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thank you
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?
Immediately, I’m a self employed therapist
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 David, for some reason I seem to be asked this question quite a lot recently. The answer is yes. It has shortened. This is quite normal I believe, because in quite a few cases the muscle has recoiled up the arm and the broken tendon when reattached is shortened and bunched. Up to now my muscle mass and strength has increased back to 90-95% of what it was., although I'm not training biceps specifically so with a more targeted result you may get greater growth back there over time.
Thanks for the reply Mark ! Did you also notice your bicep was really loose and soft before you were able to train that arm ? I’m working my arm with just high rep one pound hammer curls since a week now, trying to get some blood into the muscle and get the motion back. So disheartening seeing 28 years of hard work disappear so fast ! Thanks again for your help 👍 David
Yes David my muscle was also exactly as you describe it, loose and soft. But over time that will change as you are able to create greater muscle activation as the injury site heals. Just be consistent and patient in what you’re doing and I’m sure it will return. It just takes time.
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?
Totally get how you're worried about injuring the arm again. However running was one of the activities I had no worries about. No issues whatsoever from running from week 2. Obviously I wasn't sprinting, but my 5 and 10K times were significantly reduced as running provided the mainstay of my cardio conditioning. I did not have the pain you mention though. What does your physio/surgeon say?
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer my first physio appointment is on the 25th at week six. I’ll see what they say then. It has improved a bit over the last week. Maybe I was just too reluctant to move my arm at first and it seized up a bit.
@@iamg07 We're all different in how we respond and what type of injury we sustain. So I can only talk in general terms about what to expect. I would say to you though, that the first month or so, the injury site needs to settle down and regrow all sorts of structures. So it's not surprising that you have some pain. As i said best take it conservatively till you see the physio but then get them to make a definite progressive program of rehab that has you up and running as soon as possible. Then just make sure you are consistent with that rehab and then I'm sure you'll be fine
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?
Hi Paul yes I remember your last post. There was definitely some numbness in my hand for the first couple of weeks, and I think there was also a little swelling too. You may also have the endo button, but they may have to make a couple of incisions to locate the retracted tendon. Just check with your surgeon. Best of luck with your recovery and feel to pose any more questions here. Cheers
Hello. How long after rupturing your bicep tendon did you have the surgery to repair it?
Hi Craig, I had surgery just less than 3 weeks after I completely tore my biceps tendon. I was told by my surgeon that up to 6 weeks was after the injury was ok, but for optimum results the sooner the better. I had mine at 2 weeks 4 days after my accident.
I had surgery 4 days ago and have very numb thumb and index finger. Is that something i should be concerned about.
Hi Rich8499, I'm no medical professional, but after surgery I also had numbness around the thumb and forearm area. This has completely gone now. It's due to the nerves needing time after surgery to heal up. It should improve over time. Obviously if you are really concerned consult your surgeon
Im 5.5 weeks post op and my numbness is going away daily. Right after my arm was very numb and very frustrating. I'd say I'm 80% better and fully expect it to be normal within 3 months.
I'm 6 weeks is and still having the same problem with the numbness in thumb and forefinger.
How is yours now?
Still very slowly getting better. Surgeon said it regenerates 1mm per day.
@@RT-tk4tx that's what I was told also... thanks
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.
I’m not medically qualified so I’m just relating my experience here. Saying that I only ever used a sling, no splint or ROM brace. My surgeon believed that safely creating movement as soon as possible was the quickest and most effective way of recovering from this injury. It may be you’re in a more litigious country or that your particular injury requires more care. Either way I’m sure you’ll make a full recovery as long as you consistently perform the rehab protocol given. Good luck
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
That's great, I'm glad they're helping you. Yes I went home the same day. Unless there is an issue it's a usually a day surgery. As for building strength back up that depends on your injury but in most cases, you should be started on a a rehabilitation program within the first the couple of weeks. Just make sure you use a physio who's worked with these kind of injuries before. Also if you haven't, check out my other videos in this series to see the kind of training i did and when. Good luck mate
Thankyou so much for getting back to me really appreciate it mate , I’m not good with Hospitals etc and that’s why I’ve been watching your vids been really helpful I just want to get it over and done with now , I’ll let you know how Im get on thanks again for getting back to me 💪🏼
@@beast8995 No worries I hope it all goes well and tbh I've had loads of surgeries in the past and this one was by far the easiest and most straightforward
@@beast8995 I just had this surgery on Nov 13th. Id love to talk and compare what the doctor is allowing you to do. And any nerve issues..etc.
@@MrMindofwalter Hi buddy I’ve had the surgery on the 11th of November, since then I havnt been able to move my fingers or turn my wrist and top of my hand is constantly tingling pins and needles the doctor said it should get better with in 6 months which is a pain in the ass , after coming out of the back slab cast after 2 weeks and removing my stitches I was put in a Flex brace which I am still currently in which is set at 60 degrees, the doctor has allowed me to remove my brace while seated and to perform flexion of the arm assisted by the other arm to half way , that’s where I am currently at the minute, how are you doing ?
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
Oh now you're testing my memory 😊! Like you I was advised after 2 weeks when the dressings were off that I didn't need the sling on unless I felt uncomfortable/tired or there was a risk when travelling or being in public.
I remember being uncomfortable in bed with the sling on, but that I decided not to wear it after the 2 weeks point. My surgeon didn't make a particular point of advising me against this.
I think for the first few nights I was very conscious of being careful and I sleep on my uninjured side with injured side hand under my pillow below my head for security. This is how I normally sleep except I usually turnover at some point. Again after a week or so I was confident enough to turn over.
Every surgeon and injury will be different and I am not medically qualified to advise you as to specifically what to do, but those were my experiences and I hope that is of some help to you.
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.
Hey Fred, what I needed to remind myself when I was researching like you on CZcams was that we are all different in regards to the specifics of the injury and the way we heal etc. No i didn't have the issues you state, but I did have numbness in my arm and wrist for weeks afterwards and supinating and pronating was slow to achieve fully. What I suggest is that you maintain your recovery protocol with the exercises set out by your physio or hospital and if your symptoms don't improve after a few more weeks then I would seek your surgeons help. BTW I carried a grip trainer with me everywhere those first few weeks and was constantly squeezing it.
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.
Hey Mike I had the endobutton procedure too. When did you start to test your mobility? I was pronating/supinating from week one.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer i had to wait until 2 weeks after. I'm getting better each day. That's awesome you had so much mobility with the same procedure!
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?
Hi Geerie, my forearm never swelled as you described but i did get a tingling feeling around my wrist area which was a result of the nerves healing and reconnecting after the surgery. The swelling doesn't sound normal so if I were you I get that checked out by a medical professional, maybe your surgeon or physio.
Mark. How long after surgery we’re you able to sleep on the injured arm? Thx! Anthony Pro
Anthony Provenzale after 1 week the sling came off, but I still used it when out and about and for a further week sleeping. Then I slept without the sling, on my uninjured side and before the month was out I was sleeping on both sides
hey, did you feel any burn like slight pain in forearm about3-4 inches above the wrist?? top of arm
Hi Terence no I didn’t feel any such pain
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 !
Hi Gagan,
I started jogging on a treadmill slowly a few days post op.
I seem to remember the video was made 2.5 weeks post surgery.
I started back on assisted pull-ups/chin-ups (using bands), around 14 weeks post op.
Everyone’s healing rate is different so always test yourself gently and if there is any pain stop.
Good luck with your procedure 😊👍
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!
Good question, yes in the early weeks I was very mindful about using that arm for anything, but the lightest tasks. Avoid holding on to things that would cause a strain, like when travelling or the like and holding on to overhead or hand rails. I'm told it's pretty rare to break again at the stage you're in, but just be aware as you seem to be that that arm is for only the lightest tasks at this stage. If you're at all worried especially when out and about just slip the sling on, I'm assuming you've been supplied. That should automatically stop you from using the arm in a normal fashion. Hope that helps
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.
I now that from a final strength result there is no significant difference between using sutures as opposed to a button to repair the biceps. As for recovery protocol I can only comment on the button. In this my progressive surgeon said I could be out of the sling from day one but to use it any time I felt tired or uncomfortable. I didn't load it for some time but was gradually increasing the timeout of the sling and used it only when I was tired and sleeping. You have to be guided by what your medical professional tells you unless you feel they are being too cautious and then seek another opinion from preferably a sports related surgeon with plenty of successful experience of dealing with this injury. Good luck with your recovery
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thanks for the quick reply. were you not nervous about over extending your elbow by accident?
@@SOAPUS Good question. Honestly no. I work from home and so most of my time was spent during recovery in a controlled environment where I was able to rest and not use the arm beyond the gentle physio and grip training that I was consistently doing. For the first two weeks anytime I went out I put the arm in a sling but when I was in a comfortable environment ie a restaurant i would take the sling off. I'm also a behavioural therapist and so I used hypnosis and other techniques to reinforce a constant awareness of my arm so that I never forgot it was injured and do anything that would stress it.
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?
I had a very progressive surgeon who was helping athletes among others get back to fitness asap. So I was in a sling for about a week or so before that and the bandages came off. However I kept it close by for a few more weeks and used it when I felt tired or didn't want to accidently risk doing something I shouldn't. Ask your doc about the rehab and how they reckon it will be before you can get back to full fitness. Took me about 6-8 months depending on your measure of full fitness.
J Lee-
How do you feel taking the sling off early affected your recovery thus far?
And what did your Doctor say on your follow up. I have recently found myself in the same situation. Hopefully you are well.
@@ishbitar2 I'm about 7 weeks out, and pretty much 100% now. Just some slight numbness leftover, but my range of motion is 100% back to normal. Dr just told me for the next 6 weeks, I can now do light curling (10 lbs). And then, I can really start ramping up the strength training. However, right now, I'm doing push ups 1x a week. He advised not to, but I feel it's strong enough to handle heavy pushing exercises. Taking the sling off early didn't hinder me at all. I went back into the sling from day 5 till follow up a week later. Then, I just went to being out of the sling and doing some passive range of motion stretches. Started running with a sling 2 week out. Then, a month out, I started running without a sling. You should be fine. Just don't find yourself in a traumatizing situation like falling and bracing yourself.
My surgery was a week ago yesterday I stayed in the sling until last Friday but I do not feel as if it has hurt me at all my arm feels really good I haven't tried to push it at all or even extend it fully I just didn't think that I needed the sling.
My follow-up appointment however is not until this coming Tuesday so two weeks after the original surgery which I thought was way too long.
So i will find out then. I just am glad to hear you are having success! And also hopeful that i haven't made some grave mistake causing me to unknowingly not heal properly. Thank 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?
Different surgeons have different approaches. Mine was very progressive and had trained under the top guys in the field who were helping athletes recover as quickly as possible to get back into competition. So the rehab I had was much more focused on quicker mobilisation which had been proved to lead to a much quicker recovery.
Mark how long has it been since your surgery now? What does your scar look like now if you don’t mind me asking.
It’s been just over 18 months since my surgery Anthony. And the scar is virtually invisible now. Key to that is treating it with scar removal cream from the start.
Yes I’m going to see my dermatologist on Monday and see if he can give me a prescription. I have 2 scars as my tendon was protracted up the arm a bit. The second scar is very small however. Wish there was a way to send you pictures.
@@anthonyprovenzale402 the creams they have these days are amazing. I bought mine off amazon www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004Q1QKGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it worked wonders
The cast they put me in I cant use my dominant hand and its driving me mad
Clint East how long have they told you that you will be in the cast? Is there any way you do some easy grip strengthening exercises? Ball squeezes etc?
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
I think as long as your surgeon is confident that you will regain maximal strength given the appropriate rehab protocols, I don't believe there is a significant difference between the two methods of surgery. It's probably your surgeons preference that's all. But double check with him. Hope the surgery goes well for you
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thank you!
Im on week 3, sometimes i feel soreness in my bicep. Would you consider this normal?
Geo answered this in your other post 👍
Did you have bad pins and needles numbness in your hand after surgery. Did it go away?
Yes for 2-3 weeks
Thanks for the response 👍appreciate it
@@TheErms12345 How is the feeling in your hand right now? I'm now almost 3 months post op and also have numbness and the feeling that my skin is stretching in the hand. Did it went away?
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?
That’s not something I encountered. Now I’m not a medical professional so don’t take my advice as gospel, but I suspect when you yawn you are activating neck muscles which may share the same nerve pathways to the brain as the injury site. Personally I would see if it resolves itself over the next week or two as obviously a lot of nerves were affected during the op and need to re knit together and settle down. If you’re really worried don’t hesitate to seek out the advice of your surgeon or physio though. Good luck
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thanks
@@bobbydenezza7795
Did the feeling go away or is it still there?
1 week after operation here
@@vahidpirjani2923 It's still there. Especially when I shiver when I'm outside in cold weather but it's letting up slowly.
@@bobbydenezza7795
Hopefully it Will go away.
How is the recovery going ?
I operated in 2022-08-15 and then after 2 weeks i started fysio rehab, but i feelt something was wrong, i had an xray and they said that one of the anchors was getting loose, so i reoperated it last monday.
Hopefully it Will be better this time.
Hi there when you done it cud you bend your harm
Hi pat pain yes I could
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.
I hear you friend. I’ve heard the same from many of your fellow countrymen. A lot also depends on your surgeon and how progressive they are. Good luck with your recovery
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
It is genuine. My surgeon had a very proactive approach to recovery having trained under the worlds leading surgeon in this procedure. I had no cast and did extensive prehab prior to the surgery. I’m sorry if your experience has not been so positive and I wish the best of luck with the rest of your recovery.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer I had your movement at week 5, but still minor swelling. Your arm appeared to not even have swelling ? Are you HGH / or any peptides for healing ? TRT ?
@@BuddyRevel There was slight swelling but were going back 4 years so I don’t remember the exact amount and how long I had it. No I wasn’t on any supplemental drugs, hormones or PEDS. We’re all different in our physiology and how we recover and the surgical technique won’t have been exactly the same either. So although I can give general guidelines as to what you might expect based on my own experience, it’s not surprising that others won’t have exactly the same experience. The important thing now is you rehab consistently and follow a prescribed program laid out by a professional well versed in this injury. That will maximise your chance of a full recovery. Best of luck 😊👍
Thank you for the replies 🙏🏻
i did my surgery 7 weeks ago, did u get a sore wrist ?
My wrist hurt a little in the beginning when I was rehabbing my range of motion in supination/pronation. Also some numbness there too for the first 2 weeks.
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer thanks Mark. For some reasons it's 7 weeks since my surgery and I'm still getting pains in my wrist
@@pugile80 after surgery pain is often a sign that nerves are healing and regenerating. But If it continues or gets worse definitely consult your surgeon
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.
That’s right Pedro. My surgeon was very progressive believing that rehab and supervised movement from the start were key factors for a quick recovery. And he was right 😊
@@MarkLidsterfitnessgeezer Wow my life sucks, sitting here wearing the stupid splint/bandage for two weeks my arm is itching like crazy I don’t go in until a week from today to have it removed then I have to wear a brace for four weeks ugh
@@pedrohizzle2835 sorry to hear that mate
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
Thank you Mr T Mr.T. To be honest I didn't get the texture issue as you describe, but I did have an extended period of numbness stretching from my thumb area up past my wrist and forearm which lasted a couple of months. I'm sure both yours and mine are as a result of nerves impacted by the surgery slowing regenerating. At this stage of your recovery, although I'm not medically qualified, from what I have read, I don't you should be too concerned.
How is it now Mr T? Did it all come back good and what time frame. I'm currently 7 weeks post op and have nerve issues regarding opening my hand.
Wtf I’m 6weeks post and I can’t do any of that!! omg also I have crazy numbness and pins and needles stills!
Hey Ryan I’m getting quite a few wtf’s of late especially from the states. I think litigation is pretty common there so they can take a very conservative approach to recovery and therapy. If you’re at all concerned seek out a good sports physio with knowledge of this injury. And numbness and pins and needles can continue for 2 months or so as the tissue heals. Good luck
Hey Ryan, How is the numbness pins and needles now? I'm now almost 3 months post op and als have the numb / skin stretching feeling in my hand. Did it went away?
@@justinvdvelden I had my surgery for my distal bicep rupture December 5th 2022, my radial nerve was compressed during surgery. I’m still having the pins and needles/buzzing feeling. With nerve damage the healing is incredibly long taking up to two years. Only the back of my hand,thumb and two fingers now are having trouble, before was basically from my elbow down so it has gotten a lot better,hopefully it continues.
@@ryanmcdermott2761 sorry to hear that. I'm now 3 months post op and experiencing the same thing. One day its worse than the other. I also have the feeling my skin wants to tear. But unlike you I don't have it from the elbow down. Numbness start at the wrist and pins / needles / tearing sensations are only between my thumb and index finger. Do you also have this tingling sensations when you tap in the nerve at your wrist?
@@justinvdvelden 1 million percent your radial nerve got damaged during surgery, have a carpal tunnel/nerve test done and they will tell you how bad it is like they did for me. It’s one of the risks for the surgery. They told me beforehand, buzzing and tingling never stops just have to try and ignore it. Smh 🤦♂️
Did you're bicep drop down back to normal?
Hi Jason, I would say that my bicep has almost returned back to where it was before in terms of shape. However it is definitely more bunched than before, which I actually don't mind