Acute Distal Biceps Tendon Repair – Elkstone Grove Physiotherapy

Phase	Rehabilitation	Precautions
Day 0	Splint or sling at ~90° elbow flexion, forearm neutral; hand/wrist ROM.	Elbow at 90° for ~1 week; no elbow extension. Immobilisation per surgeon (1–2 wks).
0–2 weeks	Hinged elbow brace set to 30–90° (remove gradually flexion); active finger/thumb exercises; shoulder ROM.	Brace on during day; flexion gradually increased (e.g. 100° at 1 w, 120° at 2 w). No active supination or resisted elbow flexion.
2–4 weeks	Progress elbow ROM (e.g. 30–120°); passive/active flexion to 120°; gentle supination/pronation within brace limits.	No weight bearing or load on operated arm.
4–6 weeks	Remove brace; full active flexion/extension and forearm rotation; begin light biceps isometrics (if surgeon allows).	No resisted flexion (e.g. no weights) until ~8 weeks.
6–12 weeks	Introduce light isotonic strengthening for biceps/triceps and shoulder; gradually increase load.	Avoid heavy lifting or heavy flexion exercises until ~12 weeks.
12+ weeks	Full strengthening; return to all activities by ~3–4 months.

Phase

Rehabilitation

Precautions

Day 0

Splint or sling at ~90° elbow flexion, forearm neutral; hand/wrist ROM.

Elbow at 90° for ~1 week; no elbow extension. Immobilisation per surgeon (1–2 wks).

0–2 weeks

Hinged elbow brace set to 30–90° (remove gradually flexion); active finger/thumb exercises; shoulder ROM.

Brace on during day; flexion gradually increased (e.g. 100° at 1 w, 120° at 2 w). No active supination or resisted elbow flexion.

2–4 weeks

Progress elbow ROM (e.g. 30–120°); passive/active flexion to 120°; gentle supination/pronation within brace limits.

No weight bearing or load on operated arm.

4–6 weeks

Remove brace; full active flexion/extension and forearm rotation; begin light biceps isometrics (if surgeon allows).

No resisted flexion (e.g. no weights) until ~8 weeks.

6–12 weeks

Introduce light isotonic strengthening for biceps/triceps and shoulder; gradually increase load.

Avoid heavy lifting or heavy flexion exercises until ~12 weeks.

12+ weeks

Full strengthening; return to all activities by ~3–4 months.

Testimonials

”Deniz is a fabulous asset to the practice, bringing her own brand of care, compassion and professional knowledge. I consider myself in very safe hands. Thank you for delivering highly specialised therapy, but in a genuinely calm, kind, patient centred manner. I will go nowhere else.”

Sally

“I cannot sing enough praises for the treatment I received from Kate. Instead of treating the symptoms, she treated the cause of the problem.”

Tara (a professional triathlete)

“Kate used a technique called visceral release to work on my internal organs, the effect has been amazing. I have had several sessions with Kate and the pain in my hip has almost gone. I can move freely and walk more easily.”

Mary

“Kate is a superb therapist and has moved me quickly from despair to recovery.”

Alex

”Kate has terrific skills and sensitivity – she treats the whole person, not just the symptoms”

Emma

”Kate is a superb therapist and has moved me quickly from despair to
recovery. ”

Sarah

”FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE. Kate looks at the body as a whole (both physically and emotionally) and is able to identify and treat the root cause of the pain. This type of Physiotherapy is much more logical and effective than traditional Physiotherapy. The best physio I have come across – thank you Kate.”

Stacey