Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After Distal Biceps Tendon Repair: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Distal biceps tendon repair surgery reattaches the tendon at the elbow, allowing you to regain full strength and mobility in your arm. Effective rehabilitation is crucial to ensure a complete recovery. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we create personalised treatment plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your journey to restored function and activity.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After Distal Biceps Tendon Repair?
Physiotherapy is vital for:

• Restoring range of motion: Prevents stiffness and helps regain elbow and forearm mobility.
• Building strength: Gradual strengthening of the biceps and surrounding muscles ensures stability.
• Reducing complications: Minimises risks of scar adhesions, pain, and muscle imbalances.
• Safe progression: Controlled rehabilitation protects the repair while promoting recovery.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The first 6 weeks focus on protecting the repaired tendon:

• Brace or sling use: Immobilises the elbow to safeguard the surgical site.
• Pain management: Ice, medication, and appropriate rest reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Early mobility exercises: Passive range-of-motion exercises are introduced under supervision.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists employ diverse techniques to enhance recovery:
Manual Therapy

• Scar tissue management: Techniques to reduce adhesions and improve flexibility.
• Soft tissue release: Relieves tension in compensating muscles, such as the forearm and shoulder.
• Joint mobilisations: Promotes mobility in adjacent joints like the wrist and shoulder.

Taping and Bracing

• Stability support: Kinesiology or rigid taping can provide additional protection during the transition from bracing.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Cryotherapy: Reduces swelling and inflammation in the early stages.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to minimise stiffness and swelling.

Education and Advice

• Activity modifications: Guidance on safe techniques for daily activities and lifting restrictions.
• Progression planning: Tailored advice on gradual increases in activity intensity.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Distal Biceps Tendon Repair?

• Avoid heavy lifting: Refrain from carrying or pulling objects until cleared by your physiotherapist.
• Follow bracing guidelines: Use a brace or sling as directed for the prescribed duration.
• Limit forearm rotation: Avoid tasks requiring excessive twisting of the forearm (e.g., turning a screwdriver).
• Progress gradually: Ensure exercises and activities are introduced at the appropriate stages.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery from distal biceps tendon repair follows these phases:

• 0–6 weeks: Immobilisation and gentle passive range-of-motion exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual reintroduction of active movements and light resistance work.
• 3–6 months: Advanced strengthening and functional training.
• 6–9 months: Return to heavy lifting, manual labor, or sports activities with approval.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Distal Biceps Tendon Repair?
Targeted muscle strengthening is essential for recovery:

• Biceps brachii: Restores elbow flexion and forearm supination strength.
• Brachialis: Supports elbow flexion independent of the biceps.
• Forearm muscles: Improves grip strength and wrist stability.
• Shoulder stabilisers: Maintains proper upper limb mechanics.

What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises are tailored to your recovery stage:

• Early stages: Passive elbow and forearm movements, including gentle supination and pronation.
• Mid-stages: Isometric biceps contractions, resistance band curls, and wrist flexion/extension.
• Later stages: Functional exercises such as dumbbell curls, push-ups, and Clinical Pilates to restore advanced strength and coordination.

How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates supports recovery by focusing on:

• Core stability: Builds a foundation for arm and upper body strength.
• Controlled movement patterns: Ensures precise motions to protect the tendon repair.
• Progressive resistance training: Enhances strength and functional capabilities for daily and athletic activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Rehabilitation
How long after surgery can I move my arm?

• Passive movements are initiated in the first 1–2 weeks, with active exercises introduced after 4–6 weeks under supervision.

How painful is recovery from distal biceps tendon repair?

• Mild to moderate discomfort is expected early on, but it can be effectively managed with prescribed pain relief, icing, and physiotherapy.

How to sleep after distal biceps tendon repair?

• Sleep in a semi-reclined position with your arm supported in a brace or sling to minimise strain.

When can I stop wearing my brace or sling?

• Most patients transition out of a brace or sling after 4–6 weeks, depending on surgeon and physiotherapist recommendations.

When can I return to heavy lifting or sports?

• Return to heavy lifting or sports typically occurs after 6–9 months, based on your progress and medical clearance.

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Start Your Recovery Today
Our experienced physiotherapists are here to guide you through your rehabilitation journey. Contact us to book an appointment and take the first step toward regaining strength and function after distal biceps tendon repair!

Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]

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Who to book in with

Bethany Kippen
Physiotherapist.

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Mauricio Bara
Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist.

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