Any physical therapists on line?

[reddogge]

I had surgery on a torn right triceps tendon a little over 3 1/2 weeks ago. Wed. the surgeon took my Bledsoe brace off and told me he wanted me to start bending and ROM exercises. No weight training at all until after 9/12. He wants me to be able to touch my lips with my palm by 9/12. Then I can start with the weights.

I'm using heat and stretching which helps but is very painful but it seems to stiffen up when the arm is held straight even for a few minutes. Any suggestions?

[Bill Carlsen]

Why are you not in PT already?  That is where you need to be.

[reddogge]

Tendon is not ready for PT until after 9/12. It takes 6 weeks but as Dr. says you can start bending it sooner.

[2treks]

Everybody says to DO WHAT THE DOCs TELL YOU.

I agree with that. But do AS MUCH AS THEY WILL LET YOU DO.

My friend had rotator cuff surgery in mid-May
He is back to shooting 60-70# bows right now. He did as much as they let him do, if They said go,he went. HE really pushed him self as much as they would let him. He had to wait for the 6 weeks as well.

I just started shooting again this week after doing the doctor/thearapy thing for most of the summer.They say I have a partial labrel tear and frozen shoulder. Getting your ROM back does not feel good.
My people told me to do as much as I could stand to get the ROM back and to start with rebuilding strength in the supporting muscles. It took a little while as I have to pay out of pocket for my Thearapy, but I am getting back to shooting slow but sure this week. Even did about 2 miles of stumping this morning at day break.

Listen to the docs but push your self as much as they will let you. It hurts bigtime but you will be back before you know it. Get to 100% do not settle for 90% or 95% It will be worth it in the end.
Good luck and get well soon.

CTT

[Fish Finder]

That is a normal reaction to the muscle.  It has been 100% immobile for a long time and now it needs to get use to working again.  A normal muscle is like gum you have been chewing pliable and able to stretch and move.  

Take a piece of gum you have been chewing and pull it now grab a piece from under the table and pull it...the cold one will be denser, slower to stretch and break easier.  But if you started to work that cold one with your hands or if you dare chew it again it will again become stretchy.

Just keep moving it slowely and stretch lightly it will come around.  No quick or rapid movments with the muscle and before stretching warm it up a hair.

[kuch]

pm sent

[wapitirod]

I've had 11 ortho surgeries and will be having a few more.  It will just take time, just start out easy until it loosens up and keep using the heat and maybe alternate with cold to keep the inflamation down.  I'm guessing the doc may have you on anti inflamatories and muscle relaxants, if not you may want to ask him about them until it heals some more.  If it is really bothering you take as hot a shower as you can stand or better yet if you have a hot tub sit in it with the jets on your arm.  You can also have your wife gently massage the muscle but it's just flat out going to fight you for a while.  I had 6 tears repaired in my right shoulder and figured my bowhunting was over but I'm drawing 80+lbs with my recurves easier than I ever did but my shoulder hurts everyday and always will.  I'm about 6 or 7 yrs out and it's as healed as it ever will be.  Good luck and just go slow or you risk tearing the repair.

[deerhost]

Was the torn bicep tendon in the shoulder or at the elbow? The bicep attaches at two points in the shoulder and at the elbow. I'm assuming if you cannot bend the elbow then the tear was at the shoulder attachment. Most times when it is torn at the elbow forearm junction you cannot fully extend the arm. Anyway let your doctor give you a perscription for PT. PT does not start when you can lift weigths. It starts now, they will stretch it for you and let you know exactly how you can stretch it yourself without overdoing it and setting you back. They can show you the warning signs of overdoing it and get you back to shooting faster. Usually soft tissue takes 6 weeks to heal. Don't due anything crazy to re-tear it. Go for PT and let them show you what you should be doing and how to do it....Good Luck....DH

[joekeith]

I'm not a physical therapist...but I play one on the internet.      

[UrbanDeerSlayer]

Was the brace locked in extension (straight) or flexion (bent)? The doctor is allowing you to bend your elbow in order to gradually begin to stretch the triceps tendon.  I recommend heating the area 10-15 minutes prior to stretching.  Then after you are done stretching you may apply ice to the area for 10-15 minutes. Ice will help to diminish swelling and pain.  You should probably gently stretch it 3 times a day, several repetitions, slowly and gently holding it at the end of the stretch for a few seconds. Strengthening usually begins about 6 weeks after surgery which puts you around 9/12. Was the triceps tendon completely or partially torn? And yes I am a physical therapist.

[Bullfrog 1]

Iam a PT and in Maryland. Feel free to pm me.    Bill

[The Hawk]

Just curious, I have tendonitis in my right bicep tendon, do you know what caused the tear? Bow? Thanks.

[Centex]

I am two and a half month post hip replacement surgery.  While it is not a bicep injury, I have drastically cut back on bow time.  At first I was devastated not to shoot every other day, but I have started shooting once a week and my enjoyment in shooting has increased ten fold.  Do what the doc says and be patient.  When you start shooting again it will be a good time to refocus on your form.