A biceps rupture is a tear of the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle in your upper arm to your bones at the shoulder or elbow. When this tendon tears completely, it’s called a rupture. It can happen at the top (shoulder) or bottom (elbow) of the biceps and may cause a sudden ‘pop’, pain, and a visible change in the shape of the upper arm.

An analogy…

Imagine your biceps tendon like a rope attaching a pulley to a weight. If the rope snaps, the weight drops, and the pulley system doesn’t work anymore. That’s what happens in a biceps rupture, the muscle loses its attachment, making it harder to lift, twist, or bend.

What are other names that a biceps rupture can be referred to?

Ruptured Biceps, Biceps Tendon Rupture, Rupture of the Long Head of Biceps

What causes a biceps rupture?

The biceps tendon can rupture due to sudden heavy lifting, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. There are two main types:

• Proximal rupture (at the shoulder): More common and often happens in older adults with degenerative tendon changes
• Distal rupture (at the elbow): Less common but more serious, often occurs during heavy lifting or forceful elbow bending

When the tendon tears, the biceps muscle can roll up or bunch, leading to weakness, pain, and a noticeable “Popeye” bulge.

What are the signs and symptoms of a biceps rupture?

• A sudden sharp pain or “pop” in the upper arm or elbow
• Visible bruising or swelling in the arm
• A bulge or deformity in the biceps
• Weakness with bending the elbow or twisting
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the forearm 
• Pain may settle quickly, but strength and function are affected

What tests are used to diagnose a biceps rupture?

Physical examination: Checking for visible deformity, bruising, and weakness

Hook test (for distal rupture): Practitioner tries to “hook” the tendon at the elbow, if it’s not there, a rupture is likely

Speed’s or Yergason’s test (for proximal issues): Tests for pain or weakness in shoulder biceps tendon

How long does a biceps rupture take to heal?

Proximal (shoulder) ruptures may recover well without surgery in 4–12 weeks, especially in less active individuals. Distal (elbow) ruptures usually require surgery, with recovery taking 3–6 months for full strength to return

How does a biceps rupture happen?

• Heavy lifting, especially with a bent elbow
• Sudden load (e.g. catching a heavy object)
• Overuse from repetitive overhead or pulling movements
• Age-related tendon degeneration
• History of shoulder or elbow problems

What treatment can help a biceps rupture?

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
• Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises
• Strengthening other shoulder muscles

What exercises or stretches can I do for a biceps rupture?

• Range of motion exercises
• Isometric holds
• Scapular control and posture work
• Progressive resistance training
• Grip and forearm strength

What products can help with a biceps rupture?

• Trigger Ball
• KT Pilates Band Pack