Distal Biceps Repair — Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Sanford Health

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

Hinged elbow brace 6 wks (locked 90 initially, extension unlocked weekly to 0 by wk 6); no active elbow flexion or supination for 6 wks; no pushing/pulling/lifting; isometric triceps at wk 6; isotonic triceps + wrist strengthening at wk 8; isometric biceps at wk 10-12; isotonic biceps at wk 16

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (pre-op education) -> Phase II (0-6 wks, acute: PROM + brace, no active flexion/supination) -> Phase III (6-12 wks, post-acute: triceps strengthening + shoulder girdle) -> Phase IV (12-16 wks, advanced: biceps strengthening + sport-specific)

Notes

Criterion-based; BFR training considered; extension progressively unlocked weekly; sport-specific activities and plyometrics at wk 16; revised 10/2025

Published

2021-08-01