Occupational Therapy For Distal Biceps Repair: Behind the Scenes in the Rehab Clinic

This Connecticut man elected to have a surgical repair after injuring himself when going to catch some heavy machinery off the back of his pickup truck.
OTR/L Christian Miglio's patient, John, describes his shoulder dislocating, an elbow snap, and hearing a 'twack', which he thinks was the biceps tendon tearing away from bone.
Needing to be physically strong and able to use his upper body strength at work and home, John knew he wanted the repair.
He has three more weeks in the custom brace Christian created for him to help immobilize the elbow joint.
Some people John's age don't have the same physical inclinations and daily demands, so depending on other health and life factors, choose not to do the surgical repair.
For people wanting to maintain their upper body strength and have a biceps rupture earlier in life, not doing the repair could lead to:
Reduced strength: Particularly in rotating your lower arm (think turning a key), or flexing the elbow
Difficulty performing tasks that require lifting, twisting, or vigorous arm movements.
Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort or pain in the arm, especially with use.
Muscle deformity: The biceps muscle may appear bulged or retracted upwards towards the shoulder, sometimes referred to as a "Popeye muscle."
John will work with Christian and the rehab team at Orthopartners over the next few weeks to progressively restore his range of motion and strength.
Orthopedic Partners is a premier private network of Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeons providing complete Orthopedic Care around the Eastern Connecticut region with offices in Niantic, CT; North Franklin, CT, and Westerly, CT.
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