Chiropractors/torn bicep muscle?

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 4/15/2007


Question
i am an adukt male 47 years old  510 265 relatively good shpe big but not real fat big upper body. today i was moving an antique gas pump about 250 lbs i was doing this with 2 othwer very small guys, i was hunched down with my left arm extended out from my side and my right arm reachinbg down to lift the bottom of the pimp, as the pump titled backward i attempted to pull it back up with my left arm at that moment i flet and unbelivable almost shock like pain hit the upper mucsle area of my bicep and i could hear a tearing sound, i let go and immediatley held my arm in a sling type position as itreid to entend my arm the pain weas intense i could and still can see where there is a a slight valley between my upper muscle and the top of my arm, it seems that the muscle is bunched up lower closer to my elbow, i can rtotate my palm and flex my fingers and streatch out my arm but it is painful what sould i do, please email me back or call me with some recommendations doug 623-606-1391 cell 623-386-9017 land

Answer
Dear Doug,

I would recommend that you get to an orthopedist and have this evaluated right away.  Here is why, if you need to have surgery for a repair, then the faster this is done the better the result.

Most bicep tears are not full thickness and require nothing more than time and rehab to heal, but if torn all the way through, then surgical reattachemnt is the only resolution.  With your description of a bulge in the muscle towards the joint, this mimics a full thickness tear of one head of the bicep.  

Now, many times they still won't surgically repair the muscle because there is not a large loss of strength with a bicep tear and most people can function well after the initial pain, swelling and inflammation abate. If you were a professional athelete, it would be fixed immediately. It is a decision that you and the surgeon must make depending on the extent of the tear, what level of function you wish to attain, and any cosmetic issues concerning the residual bulging tissue.

In the immediate time, utilize ice to help with inflammation and pain, over the counter medication can be helpful, but actually slows down the healing process, so use in moderation.  Get in to see an orthopedist as soon as you can.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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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*

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