DISTAL BICEPS PRIMARY REPAIR
Post-op Days 1 – 7
Bulky Jones dressing x 1 week
Elevate above heart level first few days to minimize swelling
Hand squeezing exercises, (gentle)
Passive bending and active extending elbow
Passive supinating and active pronating forearm, (elbow at side)
Stationary bike (must wear sling)
Walking as tolerated (must wear sling)
Goals
Pain control
Protection
Weeks 1 – 6
Remove bulky Jones dressing
Continue sling or IROM brace as needed to limit use x 6 weeks
Continue appropriate previous exercises
Gently work at regaining full extension
2 finger 6-pack isometrics except flexion
Elliptical trainer – LEs only
Goals
Pain control
Protection
Full extension (at 6 weeks)
Weeks 6 – 12
Taper out of Sling / brace (may need to wear to work or in crowds)
Continue appropriate previous exercises
AROM in pain-free range as tolerated
Submaximal isometrics (continue 1-2 fingers for flexion)
Begin 1# hammer curls as tolerated and slowly increase
Elliptical trainer – UEs for balance only
Treadmill – Walking progression program; allow running at 8 wks
Goal
Full AROM including pronosupination
Weeks 12 – 16
Continue appropriate previous exercises
Biceps PREs in supination
Begin pullups with partial body weight (weight-assisted)
Elliptical trainer (upper and lower extremities)
Pool swimming / running
Goals
Full AROM
Regaining curl confidence and partial (50% strength)
Months 4 – 6
Continue appropriate previous exercises with increased resistance
Transition to home / gym program without restriction
Avoid contact sports (eccentric loading) till > 6 months
Goals
Normal Biceps strength
Normal Biceps size
Resume all activities
No contact sports until after 6-12 months post-op
