Concerns About Possible Bicep Tendon Injury
As a 22-year-old male, I have been experiencing discomfort on the inner side of my biceps, just above the front area of my elbow. This pain began during my workout while performing low to high fly exercises, and I'm genuinely worried that I might have torn my bicep tendon. I conducted the hook test to check for issues with my distal bicep tendon, and thankfully, it seemed intact. However, I remain uncertain about the state of my proximal tendon. Despite this, I can flex my biceps with very little discomfort and can perform bicep curls without significant pain, although I do feel pain when engaging in chest fly and rear delt fly activities.
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 2:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great that you’re paying attention to your body's signals, especially given your active lifestyle. While it’s reassuring that you can flex your biceps and perform some exercises with minimal pain, the discomfort you're experiencing might suggest a strain or irritation related to overuse or improper form rather than a complete tendon tear.
Explanation:
The bicep tendon connects your bicep muscle to your shoulder and elbow. Pain in this area, especially after certain exercises like low to high flies, can stem from muscle strains or tendonitis. Your ability to perform bicep curls without significant pain suggests you may not have a severe injury. However, activities that cause discomfort, like chest and rear delt flies, should be approached carefully.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Activity:
- Avoid movements that provoke pain, particularly your current workout activities that target the chest and shoulders. Give those tendons time to recover.
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Ice the Area:
- Apply ice to the inner bicep and elbow area for about 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening:
- Once the sharp pain decreases, incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening exercises aimed at the bicep and shoulder, focusing on proper form.
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Pain Management:
- If needed, consider over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed on the packaging, to manage inflammation and discomfort.
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Physical Therapy:
- If symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, explore options like physical therapy which can provide personalized rehabilitation to build strength and improve flexibility without risking further injury.
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Keep monitoring:
- Track your symptoms, noting what movements aggravate your condition and any improvements. This can be useful if you seek further advice later.
Listening to your body is key, and gradually returning to your normal routine—once the pain has resolved—is essential. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further clarification!
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