Pain is the first and most obvious symptom of a proximal bicep tear. Then, after the immediate onset, you may also experience weakness, tenderness, and restricted movement in the upper arm. Visual symptoms such as bruising and swelling in the upper arm are also common. Left untreated, these symptoms can progress into more serious conditions such as tendinitis, shoulder impingement or rotator cuff injuries.

Both surgical and non-surgical treatment options exist for a proximal biceps tear. The non-surgical treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, both of which can be very effective in treating less severe bicep tears. If non-surgical treatment proves ineffective or the bicep is badly damaged, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery. In this procedure, the doctor will release the bicep tendon attachment or remove the torn part and suture it.

Patients who undergo bicep surgery generally enjoy a high rate of success. However, the results you can expect after a proximal biceps tear depend on factors such as the severity and location of the initial injury and your commitment to your surgeon’s post-surgical recovery advice, which is the biggest predictor of rehabilitation success. If you follow your rehabilitation plan and modify potentially problematic lifestyle factors, you can expect to experience a gradual increase in strength and a reduction in pain.

Your rehabilitation process will depend on your initial response to the treatment. If your arm is healing well after the surgery, you may start rehabilitation as soon as one to two weeks after surgery. Your doctor or surgeon will provide a program of rehabilitative exercises designed to increase range of motion and flexibility and strengthen your bicep and your arm muscles gradually. The rehabilitation process may extend over several months depending on the severity of your injury and your commitment to the rehabilitative program.