BICEPS TENODESIS • CURLS • TENDON HEALING
Biceps Curls After Biceps Tenodesis
Curls directly load the muscle-tendon unit involved in a biceps tenodesis. That makes them one of the exercises that should be progressed deliberately after surgery.
QUICK ANSWER
Early resisted curls are generally avoided while the tendon fixation heals. Once cleared, light resistance and controlled tempo can be introduced before heavier dumbbell, barbell, or cable curls.
Why Curls Are Delayed
Elbow flexion and forearm supination create tension through the biceps and its healing fixation.
Start Light
Low-load curls allow the tendon and muscle to reacclimate to resistance.
Use Controlled Range and Tempo
Avoid sudden jerking or eccentric overload early in the return.
Progress to Heavy Curls Last
High-load curls, cheat curls, and explosive pulling create greater tendon stress.
How to Think About Progression
Shoulder recovery is not determined by the calendar alone. Tissue healing, pain, range of motion, strength, control, technique, training volume, and the specific exercise all matter. Progress should be gradual enough that the shoulder tolerates both the workout and the following day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do hammer curls first?
They may be comfortable for some patients, but they still load elbow flexion and should not bypass healing restrictions.
What about preacher curls?
They can place the elbow and shoulder in more demanding positions and are generally a later progression.
Can I train triceps while biceps heals?
Often yes, if the shoulder position and associated procedures allow it.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Continue Through the Shoulder Fitness & Strength Center
Use these related pages to move from general return-to-training principles to the exact exercise, surgery, or training style you want to resume.
SHOULDER EVALUATION
Shoulder Pain Limiting Your Training?
Persistent pain, weakness, instability, stiffness, or loss of training capacity may benefit from a focused shoulder evaluation to identify the diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment and return-to-strength plan.
Medical information notice: This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation. Exercise progression after shoulder injury or surgery should account for the specific diagnosis or operation, healing biology, symptoms, physical examination, strength, range of motion, and surgeon or rehabilitation guidance.