How a biceps tendon tear near the shoulder is treated
Perspective from a shoulder surgeon and a physical therapist
Near the shoulder, your biceps muscle hooks on in two places. One of them, the long head tendon, can tear from a hard pull or a fall. Sometimes years of wear come first. You may feel a sudden pop. Bruising on the upper arm and a new bulge lower down the arm may follow. [1]
Many people can still bend the elbow, since the other attachment holds. A tear up by the shoulder differs from a lower biceps tear at the elbow. That one affects strength in other ways and is treated differently. [1]
Look for other damage in the shoulder
Your doctor will examine your arm and test the strength and range of motion in your shoulder. You could have a rotator cuff injury or another shoulder problem at the same time. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that holds the shoulder joint in place. [1]
Ask if the tear is partial or complete. Find out whether a scan would change your care. Let your doctor know if it’s hard to raise your arm or the pain keeps you up at night. Mention it if your shoulder was dislocated. [1]
Treatment aimed at use and comfort
Many long head tears at the shoulder get better with time, a change in activities, pain control and therapy. Some people still get cramping or weakness during hard physical work. They may want to talk about surgery. Ask what the operation would try to improve. Find out how much protection and therapy would follow. [1]
A bulge you can see is not enough on its own to decide. Any rotator cuff injury needs to be part of the plan as well. [1]
Signs of a different problem
Report new, major weakness or numbness right away. The same goes for a hand that turns cold or pale. Get checked again if shoulder pain and motion don’t improve as expected. Do not lift heavy loads just because your elbow still bends. [1]
Questions about your biceps tear
- Is the tear at my shoulder or near my elbow?
- Did I also hurt my rotator cuff or another part of the shoulder?
- Which activities can I get back to, with or without surgery?
Make a list of the tasks that hurt
Write down the jobs at work and at home that bring on cramping, weakness or shoulder pain. [1]
Sources and further reading
This article gives general background from shoulder surgery and physical therapy. A biceps tear at the shoulder is a different injury from one at the elbow. The best treatment depends on which tendon tore and whether other parts of the shoulder were hurt.
Keep learning
Safe Driving Resource Center
Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.
