Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooTriceps Tendon Tear
Elbow, Wrist & Hand
What It Is
Triceps tendon tears are injuries to the triceps tendon at the back of the elbow. They are uncommon (Dunn et al., 2017). Most of the time the tendon pulls away from where it attaches to the bony tip of the elbow (the olecranon), usually when the muscle is working hard while the elbow is forced to bend, such as with a fall onto an outstretched hand or heavy lifting (Demirhan and Ersen, 2016). Weightlifters and people who use anabolic steroids or have had steroid injections near the tendon are among those reported to be at higher risk (Dunn et al., 2017).
Normal triceps tendons are firmly attached to the bone and are responsible for straightening the elbow. When the tendon tears away, the muscle cannot pull on the bone properly, which causes weakness and difficulty straightening the elbow. People often feel a pop, and a gap can sometimes be felt at the back of the elbow where the tendon normally is (Demirhan and Ersen, 2016). Sometimes, instead of the tendon tearing, the triceps pulls a small piece of bone off the tip of the elbow (AAOS, n.d.).
Tears can be partial (part of the tendon is torn) or complete (the tendon is fully torn away). Partial tears are often managed without surgery, while complete tears usually need surgical repair (Demirhan and Ersen, 2016).
Triceps Tendon Tear Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How to Treat a Triceps Tendon Tear
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner
Tips
- Once your medical team allows, I can work with you to help ensure a smooth recovery.
- Return to activity slowly and don't overdo it, or you could injure the site again.
- When lifting weights, only do what your body can handle.
- Anabolic steroid use has been linked with triceps tendon ruptures (Dunn et al., 2017).
- While you wait to be seen, an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours can help ease pain (NHS, 2023).
Treatment
My Approach
After a triceps tendon tear, the tendon needs protecting while it heals, but an elbow held still for weeks gets stiff and weak. Your doctor or surgical team decides whether you need surgery, how long you're in a splint or brace, and how far the elbow may bend. I work inside those limits. I can start once a doctor has checked your elbow, and after surgery I need your surgeon's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
Early On
- Easing your neck, shoulders and other arm, which work overtime while your elbow is protected
- Gentle lymphatic drainage above the elbow for swelling, and keeping your wrist and hand moving
- Gentle shoulder and grip exercises, as your team allows
Rebuilding
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to Get Help
- If you felt sudden, severe pain or a pop at the back of the elbow and now find it weak or difficult to straighten your elbow, get urgent medical advice (NHS, 2023). A complete tear is easier to repair if it is treated soon after the injury, so do not wait to see if it settles (Demirhan and Ersen, 2016).
Sources
References
- Demirhan, M. and Ersen, A. (2016) 'Distal triceps ruptures', EFORT Open Reviews, 1(6), pp. 255–259. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000038
- Dunn, J.C., Kusnezov, N., Fares, A. et al. (2017) 'Triceps tendon ruptures: a systematic review', Hand, 12(5), pp. 431–438. doi: 10.1177/1558944716677338
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Elbow (olecranon) fractures. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/elbow-olecranon-fractures/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2023) Tendonitis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tendonitis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).