Partially torn triceps tendon....Need advice

lupus1 · 14-10-2005, 04:30 PM

I tore my left triceps about 2 weeks ago doing moderately heavy declines. No pop or bruising, but a lot of pain and slight inflammation. So I went to an orthopedist, got an MRI and it showed what he estimated to be a 30-40% tear. He did not recommend surgery because he felt that the tendon was in the right place and would heal on its own. He said I should be much better in around 8 weeks and eventually get back up to full strength. I pressed him on this and he maintained that surgery would lay me up for longer and get me to the same place anyway. He did not want to operate unless I had a complete tear.

Does this sound right? Does anyone have experience with a triceps tear that healed on its own without surgery? Cosmetically, the tricep has not pulled up towards the shoulder, so it looks fine - just starting to atrophy from lack of use. I'm avoiding any pressing or extensions for the forseeable future and taking extra flaxseed oil. I'm just afraid six months from now, I'll push it a little and end up under the knife anyway....

TheGuvnor · 14-10-2005, 04:36 PM

hi bro, my left tricep messed up a few years ago, i went down the physio route but it didnt help, i ended up trying a dbol only cycle which did seem to do it alot of good but i still am gettin twinges today and its still alot weaker than my right, i think im gona have to have surgery as its really limiting what i can lift, i just wish i had surgery from day 1. Dont know if yours is as bad and im not saying have surgery i just wish i did and ive regretted it since. Hope it all goes well for you bro, good luck

kev

**Bodyworks** · 14-10-2005, 06:06 PM

hi guys. surgery won't rejuvenate a damaged tendon. your doc told you what i've been told, it will heal itself in time given chance, but it will always be susceptible, so be careful.

lupus1 · 15-10-2005, 12:13 AM

Believe me, I really want to avoid surgery. But from what I understand, once the tendon is sutured to the bone, it will eventually be as strong as before. Some people say that's the best way to go. I heard Branch Warren had the same injury and just won 2 pro shows after having surgery last year. I hope I'm not delaying the inevitable....
As far as training, it's weird to do only pec decks and low cable crossovers for chest when I was a "go heavy or go home" presser from day one. Hard to keep the motivation for all training when you feel like you can't be at your best.

14-10-2005, 04:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
lupus1 Under Construction Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 6 Rep Power:	Partially torn triceps tendon....Need advice I tore my left triceps about 2 weeks ago doing moderately heavy declines. No pop or bruising, but a lot of pain and slight inflammation. So I went to an orthopedist, got an MRI and it showed what he estimated to be a 30-40% tear. He did not recommend surgery because he felt that the tendon was in the right place and would heal on its own. He said I should be much better in around 8 weeks and eventually get back up to full strength. I pressed him on this and he maintained that surgery would lay me up for longer and get me to the same place anyway. He did not want to operate unless I had a complete tear. Does this sound right? Does anyone have experience with a triceps tear that healed on its own without surgery? Cosmetically, the tricep has not pulled up towards the shoulder, so it looks fine - just starting to atrophy from lack of use. I'm avoiding any pressing or extensions for the forseeable future and taking extra flaxseed oil. I'm just afraid six months from now, I'll push it a little and end up under the knife anyway....

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

14-10-2005, 04:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheGuvnor Making Progress Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Eastmids Posts: 299 Rep Power:	hi bro, my left tricep messed up a few years ago, i went down the physio route but it didnt help, i ended up trying a dbol only cycle which did seem to do it alot of good but i still am gettin twinges today and its still alot weaker than my right, i think im gona have to have surgery as its really limiting what i can lift, i just wish i had surgery from day 1. Dont know if yours is as bad and im not saying have surgery i just wish i did and ive regretted it since. Hope it all goes well for you bro, good luck kev

14-10-2005, 06:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bodyworks Moderator Musclechat Icon Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: west yorkshire Posts: 1,009 Rep Power:	hi guys. surgery won't rejuvenate a damaged tendon. your doc told you what i've been told, it will heal itself in time given chance, but it will always be susceptible, so be careful.

15-10-2005, 12:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
lupus1 Under Construction Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 6 Rep Power:	Believe me, I really want to avoid surgery. But from what I understand, once the tendon is sutured to the bone, it will eventually be as strong as before. Some people say that's the best way to go. I heard Branch Warren had the same injury and just won 2 pro shows after having surgery last year. I hope I'm not delaying the inevitable.... As far as training, it's weird to do only pec decks and low cable crossovers for chest when I was a "go heavy or go home" presser from day one. Hard to keep the motivation for all training when you feel like you can't be at your best.