Tendons connect bones to muscles. Your distal bicep tendon is located along the lower end of your upper arm biceps, near your elbow, and connects the radius bone in your lower arm. Severe tears, or ruptures, of the tendon require arthroscopic surgery that reattaches the tendon to the bone. Physical therapy after distal bicep surgery involves restoring stability of your shoulder and arm area through a variety of gentle stretching and strengthening exercises intended to restore your arm to a functioning level. Check with your doctor or physical therapist before beginning.
Wrist Workouts
Your physical therapy should include exercises that gently stretch your arm muscles in order to increase flexibility. Start doing wrist flexion moves while sitting upright in a firm chair. Extend your affected arm in front of you, palm facing upward, and place your opposite-side hand onto the palm of your surgical hand. Use your nonsurgical hand to gently press down on your surgical hand. Press until you feel a mild stretch in your wrist and forearm area. Hold stretch 10 seconds. Slowly release pressure and return to original position. Relax 10 seconds and repeat.
Biceps Stretchers
Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic recommends doing biceps stretchers as well. In the early stages of recovery, your healthy arm will do the majority of the work while your surgical arm goes along for the ride. Later, your surgical arm will perform the exercise. You can stretch your biceps, shoulder and upper chest by clasping your hands together while sitting upright in a firm chair. Slowly lift your arms toward the ceiling as far as possible without bending your elbows. Hold the stretch 10 seconds. As your arm becomes stronger, simply lift your arm toward the ceiling, palm facing away from you.
Pillow Squeezers
Isometrics provide a gentle way to strengthen your muscles without moving any joints. Start strengthening your shoulder by doing shoulder adduction maneuvers that use pillows as an exercise tool. Sit upright in a firm chair. Place a pillow underneath your surgical arm, between your rib cage and upper arm. Gently squeeze your upper arm into the pillow. Hold squeeze 10 seconds. Release squeeze and relax 10 seconds.
Stationary Biking
Riding a stationary bike will improve overall endurance and can be included as part of your physical therapy after distal tendon surgery. After range of motion and resistance exercises restore maneuverability of your arm, you should add power and muscle endurance exercises, according to the Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic. Begin pedaling for 10 minutes daily. Gradually increase your time in five-minute increments until you reach a goal of riding 30 minutes on at least five days weekly.
