Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
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Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Triceps Repair
Distal Triceps Avulsion Repair
Distal triceps avulsion is an injury where the triceps tendon detaches from its insertion on the elbow bone (olecranon). This can occur due to direct trauma to the elbow, repetitive overuse, or degenerative changes in the tendon. The most common cause is an eccentric overload of the triceps muscle, where excessive tension is placed on the tendon, leading to its rupture from the bone.
Triceps ruptures typically occur at the teno-osseous junction, the point where the tendon attaches to the bone. At the site of injury, a visible and palpable gap may be present at the elbow where the tendon has torn away. Common signs of a triceps rupture include a snapping sound at the time of injury, significant swelling and bruising, and a noticeable loss of elbow extension strength. In most cases, surgery is required to reattach the torn tendon and restore function.
The triceps muscle is composed of three heads, each originating from different points on the scapula and humerus. These heads converge to form a single tendon that attaches distally to the olecranon process of the ulna. Functionally, the triceps acts as the primary elbow extensor, allowing you to straighten your arm.
Physiotherapy before Distal Triceps Avulsion Repair
Physiotherapy prior to distal triceps avulsion repair can help manage pain, swelling, and loss of function, while maintaining as much mobility and strength as possible. At acephysiosports.com, your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment of your elbow and upper limb to identify weaknesses and limitations. A personalised rehabilitation programme will then be designed to address these issues, incorporating pain management, gentle strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on safe movement. This pre-operative physiotherapy helps prevent secondary complications, maintains functional ability, and provides an optimal foundation for post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Assessment of elbow and upper limb range of motion
- Pain management techniques to reduce acute symptoms
- Gentle strengthening of surrounding muscles to maintain function
- Advice on safe movement and activity modification
- Education on posture and ergonomics to prevent further strain
- Exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness
- Strategies to minimise swelling and inflammation
Symptoms following Distal Triceps Avulsion Repair
Following distal triceps avulsion repair surgery, your arm will be supported in a protective hinged brace to restrict movement. This helps safeguard the repaired tendon, allowing it to heal without being overstressed. During this period, it is normal to experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. The physiotherapists at acephysiosports.com will work with you to manage these symptoms effectively and provide guidance on safe movement while protecting the tendon.
- Pain around the elbow
- Swelling in the affected area
- Bruising or discoloration
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness in elbow extension
Physiotherapy following Distal Triceps Avulsion Repair
During the initial stage of rehabilitation following distal triceps avulsion repair, your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will focus on managing acute symptoms, protecting the surgical repair, and maintaining overall limb function. A detailed assessment will identify weaknesses and limitations, allowing the creation of a tailored rehabilitation programme that aligns with surgical protocols and your personal goals, ensuring safe and effective recovery.
Weeks 1-3
Initial management after distal triceps avulsion repair focuses on controlling inflammation, protecting the surgical repair, and encouraging safe early movement. The arm is typically placed in a protective hinge brace held at 60° flexion to prevent active movement that could compromise the tendon. During this stage, physiotherapy includes gentle passive range of motion exercises, pain and swelling management, and education on safe positioning. Care is also taken to maintain mobility in the shoulder, wrist, and hand, while isometric exercises may be introduced for unaffected muscles to preserve overall arm strength.
- Pain and swelling management through ice, elevation, and gentle soft tissue techniques
- Passive range of motion exercises within the limits of the hinged brace
- Education on safe positioning and movement to protect the repair
- Maintenance of shoulder, wrist, and hand mobility to prevent stiffness
- Gentle isometric exercises for unaffected muscles to maintain overall arm strength
Weeks 4-6
As your rehabilitation progresses, the hinge brace restrictions are gradually reduced each week to promote safe tendon healing and increase mobility. By week 4, the brace is adjusted to allow 90° of flexion, and by week 6 it is usually discontinued entirely. At this stage, active movement exercises are introduced, alongside gentle strengthening exercises to begin rebuilding triceps function and overall arm stability. Treatment will include:
- Gradual increase of elbow flexion and extension within safe limits
- Active-assisted and active range of motion exercises
- Gentle isometric strengthening of the triceps and surrounding muscles
- Scar tissue management and soft tissue mobilization
- Monitoring and managing swelling, pain, and inflammation
- Education on safe daily activities and movement patterns
Weeks 6-12
At this stage of rehabilitation, your hinge brace will be discontinued, allowing you to begin full active range of motion. You will start to notice improvements in strength and function, and your physiotherapy programme will incorporate progressive strengthening exercises, functional drills, and activities designed to restore everyday arm use. Core and shoulder stability exercises will also be included to support overall arm function, while careful monitoring of pain, swelling, and tendon integrity ensures safe progression and prepares you for a gradual return to light work or sport-specific activities.
- Progressive strengthening exercises for the triceps and surrounding muscles
- Functional exercises to restore everyday arm use
- Range of motion drills to maintain and enhance flexibility
- Core and shoulder stability exercises to support arm function
- Gradual return to light work or sport-specific activities
- Ongoing monitoring of pain, swelling, and tendon integrity
Weeks 12+
Following 12 weeks of physiotherapy, acephysiosports.com will intensify your rehabilitation to ensure a timely and effective return to your normal activities. Your programme will be continually adapted to meet your personal needs and progression, incorporating advanced techniques and specialised exercises. Full recovery can take up to 6 months, and acephysiosports.com is committed to helping you achieve your maximum potential. The primary goals are to restore full range of movement, regain strength, and return to full function within this timeframe. Treatment will include:
- Advanced strengthening exercises for the triceps and surrounding muscles
- Functional movement training tailored to daily and occupational activities
- Progressive resistance exercises to improve endurance and muscle control
- Range of motion exercises to achieve full elbow extension and flexion
- Proprioception and coordination training for optimal arm function
- Sport- or activity-specific drills to prepare for return to previous levels of performance
- Education on long-term management and injury prevention strategies
Summary
Distal triceps avulsion is a rare injury where the triceps tendon tears away from its attachment on the olecranon (elbow bone). This can occur due to direct trauma or degenerative changes that weaken the tendon, making it prone to injury. Surgical repair is performed to reattach the tendon to the bone. Following surgery, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in restoring movement, strength, muscle integrity, and overall function. AcePhysioSports.com provides a comprehensive and personalised rehabilitation programme, designed to achieve a timely and effective return to your pre-injury level, guided by your personal goals and outcomes. Call AcePhysioSports.com now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment.
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