Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Rupture of the Long Head of Biceps
What is a rupture of the long head of biceps?
A rupture of the long head of the biceps is when the tendon that links the biceps muscle to the shoulder blade tears completely. Physiotherapy plays an important role in reducing pain and helping you regain strength and movement.
How does a rupture of the long head of biceps occur?
The long head of the biceps can rupture when the muscle is forcefully contracted. This strong contraction can put too much pressure on the tendon, causing it to tear. People who are middle-aged or older, particularly those with existing biceps tendinopathy, are more at risk. Tendinopathy weakens the tendon, making it easier to rupture when stressed.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured long head of biceps?
When the long head of the biceps ruptures, you may feel a sudden pain and a snapping or tearing feeling at the top of your upper arm. The muscle often bunches up lower in the arm, forming a noticeable lump known as a “Popeye deformity.” You may also notice bruising soon after the injury, along with a clear loss of strength in the biceps. Other possible symptoms include:
- Pain or weakness when bending the elbow
- Difficulty rotating the forearm
- Tenderness or swelling around the upper arm
- A visible gap or dent where the tendon has torn
What should I do if I have ruptured of my long head of biceps?
A torn long head of the biceps won’t heal by itself. If you think you’ve injured it, you should go to the emergency department right away—preferably on the same day. Until you get medical help, rest your arm and apply ice to reduce swelling and bleeding. Use crushed ice or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel, and apply it to the sore area for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours.
A torn long head of the biceps won’t heal naturally. Surgery may be considered if the injury is affecting how your arm works in day-to-day life. If it isn’t causing much trouble, surgery might not be needed. With proper rehabilitation, many people are able to return to normal activities without surgery.
Physiotherapy for a ruptured long head of biceps.
Whether you've had surgery or your biceps rupture is being managed without it, working with a physiotherapist is important for recovery. Your treatment plan may include massage, stretching, electrotherapy, and gradually increasing strengthening exercises. Other helpful treatments may include:
- Electrotherapy
- Sports Injury Rehab
- Taping
- Range of movement exercises
If surgery is not needed, you can usually get back to full activity after a brief rehab program. If you do have surgery, it may take a bit longer to recover, but full function is still achievable with proper physiotherapy.
What shouldn’t I do if I have ruptured my long head of biceps?
After a rupture of the long head of biceps, it's important to avoid anything that can boost blood flow and worsen swelling—like hot showers, heat creams, massage, drinking alcohol, or doing too much activity too soon.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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