Biceps Strain! Ortho Rehab Tips

Описание: Biceps Muscle Strain Rehabilitation Program

3-Phase At-Home Framework for Clinicians

Intended Audience
This program is designed for rehabilitation clinicians (OTs, PTs, ATs) as a general clinical framework for managing mild–moderate (Grade I–II) biceps muscle strains. Exercise selection, dosage, and progression should be guided by clinical judgment and individual patient presentation.

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GLOBAL PAIN RULE (ALL PHASES)

Pain should stay ≤4/10 during exercise and return to baseline within 24 hours.

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PHASE 1: Acute / Protection Phase (Days 0–7)

Primary Goals
Pain reduction, tissue protection, gentle mobility, prevention of stiffness

Exercises (2–3×/day)
1. Elbow Flexion → Extension (Active → Active-Assisted ROM)
• 10–15 reps
• May assist initially with the unaffected hand/arm
• Progress to fully active motion as tolerated
• Slow, controlled movement
2. Forearm Supination ↔ Pronation (Elbow at Side)
• 10–15 reps
• Use unaffected hand/arm to assist initially if needed
• Progress to unassisted motion when tolerated
• No resistance
3. Shoulder Pendulums
• 1–2 minutes
• Arm fully relaxed
• Body motion initiates movement

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PHASE 2: Early Strengthening / Subacute Phase (Week 1–3)

Primary Goals
Restore ROM, initiate biceps activation, reduce guarding, improve scapular control

Exercises (1–2×/day)
1. Biceps Isometric Hold (Elbow ~90°)
• Hold 5–10 seconds
• 5–10 repetitions
2. Active-Assisted Cane Shoulder Elevation / Flexion
• Uninvolved arm provides assistance
• Move through pain-limited range
• 2 × 10 reps
3. Scapular Retraction (Band or Bodyweight)
• 2 × 10–12 reps
• Emphasize scapular motion over elbow dominance

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PHASE 3: Strengthening / Return-to-Function Phase (Week 3–6+)

Primary Goals
Restore strength, shoulder–biceps coordination, and functional load tolerance

Exercises (Every Other Day)
1. Biceps Curl (Light Dumbbell or Band)
• 2–3 × 10–12
• Elbow close to side
• Controlled tempo
2. Eccentric Biceps Curl
• Lift with both arms, lower with involved arm
• 2 × 8 reps
• 3–5 second eccentric phase
3. Hammer Curls (Neutral Grip)
• 2 × 10
• Emphasize functional carry demands
4. Scapular Retractions / Rows (Resistance Band)
• 2–3 × 12–15
• Scapula-driven movement
5. Shoulder Scaption (Light Dumbbell)
• 2 × 10–12
• Thumbs up, raise to ~90°
• Maintain upward rotation and control

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RETURN-TO-ACTIVITY / DISCHARGE CRITERIA
• Full elbow and shoulder ROM
• Symmetrical upper-extremity strength
• No pain with lifting, pulling, or reaching
• Pain remains ≤4/10 and resolves within 24 hours

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DISCLAIMERS

This is not a fully comprehensive program.
Patients should undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination.
Individualized plans must be developed after appropriate clinical decision-making, accounting for diagnosis, tissue irritability, healing stage, comorbidities, and functional demands.
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

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