Torn Bicep - Smokey's Road to Recovery

Steven "Smokey" Granzella gives us an update on his bicep tear, and how to deal with an injury as a powerlifter.
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[@Pleasurewithpain]

I doubt this will ever be seen but, this message is more for Smokey or anyone else who had a similar injury. Last year I completed ruptured my distal bicep tendon during prep from Nationals in Strongman. Got the surgery and experienced the difficulties that brought. I used to think I was invincible and the worst I'd ever seen was sciatic pain. This injury humbled me, it taught me that I, and we as lifters are not bullet proof. I used that time to take a second look at my training, cut out what wasn't working, dialed my intensities back and looked forward. I'm stronger than I was last year and it's taken time, a year later and this arm still hurts and gives me issues but we adapt.

[@thisperson6655]

i see it bro

[@stefanfreestylez]

Nathan Kinser word only way ppl learn is like that hopefully its just mini tears and such

[@cuppscraps]

Was wondering how he was doing, glad to see recovery is going well. Keep at it!

[@champ18d]

This was honestly motivating. I am four weeks post op and I’m ready to get after it and just improve myself overall

[@ThatMFShawnzy]

That fresh cut though, Smokey. Keep up the work. Youll be back and better than ever.

[@chiefrees506]

So glad I do hook grip now. Speedy recovery man.

[@Rolilasx]

Good luck on your road to recovery Smokey ! Stay strong & safe !

[@pauliinasandback9359]

I also tore a bicep 2years ago plus rotator cuff in my right arm. Due over flexible joints it took 1,5years to get back to lifting heavier. Still dont wanna do bicep curls just out of fear. It still reminds from itself from time to time. Foamrolling helps tons. 👍

[@kodeypatterson8973]

Good to see this video fellas. I'm dealing with an injury right now that keeps me from benching.

[@Cooper13Dog]

I'm two weeks post op, great video- understand what ur saying

[@apexlifestyle1078]

great motivation! makes me want to keep lifting heavy and become the best version of myself possible. Keep up the good work Mark, really love your positive outlook on life and the charisma you carry!

[@UrbanLegend2k11]

Great to see smokey jump right back into it.

[@dynamiclumbersolutions]

dang brutal, I don't compete so I never do that underhand deadlift grip

[@stevend481]

Peter Zejda Fitness so do u use straps?

[@oli3232]

Peter Zejda Fitness use hook grip life is simple.

[@jonnenne]

lift weight hook grip for 10 reps and multiple sets is not doable on the long run at least for me. I just do hook grip for the heavy singles/doubles

[@stevend481]

Hook grip is painful

[@SneakyKittyGameDev]

youll adjust

[@patrickpari9002]

Stay strong Smokey. ive gotta anterior delt injury from rugby and iknow how post surgery training goes. Nothing but love all the way from New Zealand bro!

[@pavelzuravliov2248]

good luck with full recovery!

[@ToddLiles]

Yes sir, tore my left bicep 💪 a year ago. It's all good now, but elbow pain was consistent for about 9 months. Let us know what your recovery is like.

[@MoneyAli75]

Did you do no surgery ? Complete tear ?

[@ryanjohnson7161]

#hookgripboiz

[@EmilBBechGrip]

I literally can't do it because my hands are too small.

[@charliem123321]

Loving the content you’re putting out. Thanks!

[@jsb2590]

So I am curious then, would it be a good idea to force yourself to "learn" hook grip then? I just feel like either hook or alternating there is a chance for injury but I don't know which would be the right call.

[@universalstrength5041]

I think injuries can help in the long term because it can force us to refocus what we want and our goals. It's great to have equipment in the gym that can help people work around an injury that only impacts an isolated part of the body. I would go crazy if I hurt my arm and couldn't train at all.

[@DanielJackson-uc8xk]

I herniated a disc and tore my TFCC in the span of a month. I was forced to take 8 months off of lifting. Honestly didn't know if I'd ever get back into it or if I did, even get back to where I left off. 6 months back I hit two PRs, deadlift and squat. The first time going heavy was scary, but went away when I knew that it was holding up just fine

[@LowEnd31st]

I firmly believe that if you’re deadlifting at a high level with double overhand or straps, you should not switch to mixed grip at the same poundage, you should start at a much lower weight to allow the arm to build up tendon strength with the new grip placement.

[@nixxrunner]

Shout out to smokey!! keep going man!!

[@mikestephens74]

Keep banging it out Smokey you will pull through your a viking all power lifters are

[@TheBigpappa160]

Hey Smokey I feel your pain but it is in my left tricep tendon. I knew it was shredded in there but kept pushing through until I said why, so I went to Dr we decided on surgery had surgery 6 Apr, 10 days after that wore a brace for 5 weeks then after that I started rehab. Today was hopefully my last day. I started back to gym this past Mon and I was like WOW! A lot lost, but I'm taking it day to day! Oh did I tell you I'm 53 yrs old and been doing this lifting thing since the early 80's

[@lucasmoore9057]

TheBigpappa160 I ruptured my left triceps tendon back in March of this year. Had surgery in early April and have been in PT twice a week since 10 days post op. I was released back to the gym about three weeks ago. It is a humbling experience. I have a lot of pain in my elbow on presses which limits me, but hopefully as I get stronger the pain will subside. Good luck in your recovery.

[@TheBigpappa160]

Thank You! I don't have pain, but it's like a dull feeling! But pretty week! But I'm going to take it slow until I get strength back! Keep doing what you are doing. Just remember you will always have little bumps or road blocks to go through and just remember this, this what we do is a marathon not a race!

[@Blookus]

Man, Keep at it man and you'll be back soon! But u have to give me insight to that beard, i just cant get it that thick!!

[@ishan1983]

I had the same injury in Jan and its brutual.. major mind-fuck... The body wont let you push beyond your comfort zone and hit the heavy weights.. Shit myself at the thought of deadlifting a plate either side. Even though I was repping with 5 plates either side before the injury..

[@whithartman1886]

My bicep started feeling a little "funny" a few weeks ago, so I've been using straps just to be safe until my bicep is feeling 100% again.

[@green15838]

Not a myth folks when on ROIDS please go up in weight slowly over time so the tendons and ligaments can catch up with the new muscles.I have seen people jump weight too quick.

[@petekkrishnansan]

gary smallwood couldnt agree more increased strength overall by 80 percent in 9 months tendons are starting to show the strain!

[@ClickClack_Bam]

The issue becomes how do you know you've taken enough time? There's no way to know.

[@maxmaximus5522]

good luck!!!

[@dillonstamm4689]

How long before you got back to training normal again. How long before you started light lifting again?

[@ADWJohnson48]

How much did the surgery cost?

[@scotmckinnon9840]

Same injury right before Christmas and same robot arm. I gotta step it up

[@Nick-ih5em]

I can relate, i recently tore/ripped the bursa sac behind my right knee and dor the past 2 months ive been frusttated as fuck not beimg able to squat or deadlift. Im more irritable and frustrated, camt even run around with my 2 daughters.

[@lewisr-w3464]

I want one of them hats that Mark B has on. Where can I get one in the UK? Thanks

[@deepsquat600]

a guy just happened to ask me today whether I grip opposites..I told him NO WAY that under hand is ALWAYS the bicep that tears ..

[@MasonStevens8278]

After being SHOT through the bicep, what should I do to regain strength and control without causing any problems? I was shot almost a month ago, the bullet was around a 9mm and passed diagonally through my right bicep and pectoral muscle. Clean pass, no artery or tendon that I know of, and im feeling like I need to rebuild strength for work, not body building, so any advice would be appreciated. I have no doctor or physical therapy planned because I can't afford it, so I'm searching for good advice for people who have been injured like me. I know take it slow, but any certain exercises other than stated in this video? Thanks in advance

[@ModularMuscle]

Smokey, didnt you go to fitness evo in SJ for a little while?

[@lilsmokey9163]

sure did. used to have a split shift in SJ

[@shaggy94582]

Neat

[@Mkinen]

Broke my wrist 2 days ago... :/

[@bennyifrach5475]

Is smokey Jewish? I am Jewish and that tattoo on his triceps is the name of god in Hebrew

[@Itubeq]

first :^)

[@beckdean3417]

No offense not hating but look at the guy. Build a frame homie before you lift. YOU MUST BUILD A FOUNDATION

[@MrAnymeansnecessary]

Stylish beard couldnt save him from lack of knowledge.

[@Noneofyourbusiness-rq9jq]

God help you son if you ever have a real problem

[@Guruofsexy222]

Hook grip Master race crew checking in 😃