You are here:
Chiropractors/bi-cep tear
Advertisement
Question
i pulled a muscle in my bicep region 8 wks. ago. the swelling went down. i now have a not located on th outer bi-cep head. it is located down toward the elbow portion of my bi-cep. should i be concerned that it is more then a normal tear, or should i get it looke dat for something more serious. thank you, mrlvin inscoe
Dear Mr. Inscoe,
Concerning your knot-there are a few things that could be happening.
It is possible that you have a full thickness tear of one head of the bicep. Amazingly enough a full thickness tear is not that painful, and since the bicep is not the only muscle that flexes the arm, you may only have a minor loss of strength if any.
Normally if you have a complete rupture of a bicep head, the bulge that results from the trauma is located higher up on the arm from the muscle contracting. Tears normally occur on the lower part (distal) of the muscle, not the higher part (proximal)... therefore the muscle contracts away from the site of injury and is located on the upper arm, not near the elbow.
The best way to properly evaluate the issue is with a thorough examination as well as an M.R.I. to visualize the area. If this is a major tear, you may have a lasting effect unless surgery can repair the damage. Unfortunately, most of the surgeons I know would have wanted you in surgery within the first 7 days post injury, so you may not be a candidate for repair.
If this is truley a knot in the muscle, it is most likely a combination of an excess of fibrous scarring from the bodies nomal repair processes, as well as residual muscle spasm. This can be handled very effectively with ultrasound, stretching and cross friction massage of the muscle. A.R.T. (active release technique) is also a great option to help with resolution. If this is the case, chiropractic treatment is a viable and prefered option of care. You may also need bicep specific physical rehabilitation depending on the extent of injury.
Bottom line is you should get this evaluated further to properly determine the extent of remaining injury, dysfunction etc... this is the only way to initiate the proper course of action for resolution or management. A sports medicine trained orthopedic medical physician or sports medicine trained orthopedic chiropractic physician will have the appropriate education to evalute your condition the most effectively.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.