Rehabilitation protocol
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation used after a primary distal biceps tendon repair. Early care protects the healing repair, then elbow motion, forearm rotation, and strength are gradually restored. Your surgical team will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to an uncomplicated primary distal biceps tendon repair — reattachment of the distal biceps to the radius. It does NOT apply to a terrible-triad or other elbow fracture-dislocation, to a radial-head replacement, or to any elbow fracture or ligament reconstruction. Unless the source clearly includes them, it also does not cover a revision repair, a graft reconstruction, a chronic or markedly retracted reconstruction, concurrent procedures, or a materially different surgeon-selected plan; those follow an individualized surgeon-selected plan. The operative note and surgeon-selected protocol take precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation after an uncomplicated primary distal biceps tendon repair (reattachment to the radius).
- It does NOT apply to a terrible-triad or other elbow fracture-dislocation, to a radial-head replacement, or to an elbow fracture or ligament reconstruction.
- A revision, a graft or chronic reconstruction, or concurrent procedures follow a different, surgeon-selected plan.
- Your surgical team selects the protocol — use only the one you are given, and follow your operative note.
If your surgery was a revision, reconstruction, or included other procedures
This protocol is for an uncomplicated primary distal biceps tendon repair. A revision, a graft or chronic/retracted reconstruction, or other procedures performed at the same time may change the plan and follow a different, surgeon-selected protocol. It is not the protocol for a terrible-triad injury or a radial-head replacement. This protocol never substitutes for your operative note or the plan your surgeon selected — follow the individualized instructions your surgical team gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Period of protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on protecting the healing repair and controlling pain — commonly in a splint or brace, with the elbow and forearm rested and hand/wrist motion as directed.
Protected motion
Gradually restoring elbow motion and forearm rotation within the limits your surgeon sets, while continuing to protect the repair from active loading.
Strengthening
Progressively rebuilding elbow-flexion and forearm-rotation strength, and grip, as healing allows and active loading is permitted.
Return to activity
A criteria-based progression toward fuller activity, work, and — when appropriate — sport, guided by restored strength and physician clearance rather than a fixed calendar.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own surgical team, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines, the safe range of motion, forearm position, and loading are individual and are set for you at your appointments, and your operative note takes precedence. Use only the protocol your surgical team selected for you.