What is a Bicep Strain
A bicep strain is an injury caused by a strain (over stretching) of the bicep muscle or its tendon. The biceps brachii muscle is responsible for flexing the elbow joint and external rotation of the forearm. As with all muscle strains it usually occurs at the weakest point in the musculotendinous unit and this is usually where the muscle joins to the tendon called the musculotendinous junction. The severity of a bicep strain is graded from 1 to 3. Below is a list of the strain grades and what they mean in relation to a bicep strain.
Grade 1 Bicep Strain: little bit of overstretching without any tearing of tendon or muscle. Usually there will be no loss of strength with a grade one bicep strain.
Grade 2 Bicep Strain: Moderate amount of overstretching (tearing) that results in partial tearing of the tendon and or muscle fibers. Will be a loss of strength with grade two bicepstrain.
Grade 3 Bicep Strain: Severe amount of overstretching which results in a complete rupture of the bicep tendon or muscle. Can be a complete loss of function and strength with a grade three bicep strain. This type of bicep strain usually requires surgery to repair the muscle or tendon.
Bicep muscle
Bicep Strain Symptoms
- Pain elicited upon contracting or stretching of the biceps muscle
- Muscle spasms in the biceps brachii
- Edema in area of the strain injury
- Loss of range of motion
- Loss of strength (varies based on grade of strain)
- In severe grade 2 or any grade 3 bicep strain deformity will be visible due to muscle fibers curling up (Popeye sign)
Bicep Strain Treatment
- During Acute phase of the bicep strain use the R.I.C.E principle
- After 3 days once the acute phase is over start to apply heat to encourage circulation
- Rehab or physiotherapy should be started as soon as possible to help the scar tissue align properly. this will make the resulting healing stronger and will also prevent adhesions.
- Physiotherapy & Massage therapy are probably the best treatment modalities to use with a bicep strain
Bicep Strain Recovery Time
- Grade 1 bicep strain (mild) usually takes 3 to 10 days to heal
- Grade 2 bicep strain (moderate) takes 10 days to 6 weeks to heal to the point of resuming activity
- Grade 3 bicep strain (severe) takes 6 to 10 weeks to heal
Bicep Strain Causes
- Overuse of the biceps muscle
- Sports or activities that require fast or sudden contraction of the biceps muscle
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
- History of injuries to the bicep
- Bicep muscle in poor physical shape
