Longhead Bicep Rupture

On this page

• What has happened?
• What should I expect?
• What should I do?
• What should I not do?
• Will I be followed up?
• What if I have concerns/questions?

What has happened?

• You have ruptured one of the tendons in your upper arm (bicep)
• What this usually means is that the muscle has detached from where it usually inserts into the bone in your shoulder
• This muscle is partially responsible for allowing you to bend your elbow, but it is not the only muscle which facilitates this movement. The injured muscle has usually become worn (degraded) prior to rupture

What should I expect?

• You should expect to develop bruising in your arm - this is normal and will resolve with time
• This injury will be uncomfortable for a few days/weeks

What should I do?

• Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
• It is important to move your elbow as much as comfort allows, gently bending and straightening your arm to a comfortable range
• You may wish to book in to see a physiotherapist to help you with rehabilitation from this injury - remember to take your ACC form/number with you

What should I not do?

• Try to avoid heavy lifting for the first few weeks

Will I be followed up?

• No, not routinely. In some cases these injuries require further specialist management, which we will inform you about in ED

What if I have concerns/questions?

• If your injury is not settling after 6 weeks or you have other concerns, you should see your GP or physio in the first instance - take your ACC form/number with you