Back exercises with torn biceps

[Erod13]

I have completely torn my left bicep twice from my femur and have had it reattached twice. Last surgery was August 2014. Bicep feels fine on any curling pulling movements but any over head pulling movements (pulldowns, pull ups, and chins) cause me discomfort and the second I feel any type of pull/strain I stop immediately. Right now the only back movements I do are machine and dumbbell rows. Any suggestions on any upper back/lat movements I can do that do not involve overhead pulling that I am not thinking of?

[Bouncer]

Dumbbell lat pullover sounds perfect for you. Minimal strain on bicep, hits upper lats very well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6dn2i1lyI

[Erod13]

I've always associated those more towards a chest movement, will throw those in there

[chuckz28]

If you can find something like ropes or nylon straps that you could make two big loops with you can put the loops around your elbows and lat pull down from there. pulling from your elbows instead of your hands.

[Erod13]

Damn, never thought of that, that could work thanks. One of the Gods here, has the jungle gym set up with all the straps and rings.

[chuckz28]

No problem bro. Let me know how it works out for you.

[jack tors]

How does a close neutral grip feel for pulldowns and rows?

[Erod13]

Right now any overhead pulling movement, I feel the pull right at the femur where it got reattached. When I tore it the second time, the surgeon said the tendon looked like a horses tail it was so frayed. He trimmed a 1/4 inch off the tendon when he reattached. Don't want to risk another tear, that's why I'm looking for alternates. Although I have not tried an overhead hammer grip, may use some light weight and see if the neutral grip helps.

[jack tors]

Bro, I would go to a specialist and PT. esp since it is the 2nd on the same bicep and take it from there... this is far more serious than getting forum/internet advice. is there some underlining issue causing the tears? bone spurs? have you had MRI's? IDK

[Erod13]

Yep, went through therapy, had MRI's. Same group of surgeons that work on the FSU athletes are the ones that did my surgery. I think it's more a mental thing than anything else. I can do bicep movements with no issues, can unrack the bar during bench with no issues, I even kick up heavy db's for flat, incline, and shoulder presses with no issues. It's just anything overhead stretches the tendon out and I'm just worried of another tear. The feeling kind of freaks me out.

[Erod13]

May just stick to t-bar, rows, and try the pullovers for awhilwe

[Bouncer]

Yep, went through therapy, had MRI's. Same group of surgeons that work on the FSU athletes are the ones that did my surgery. I think it's more a mental thing than anything else. I can do bicep movements with no issues, can unrack the bar during bench with no issues, I even kick up heavy db's for flat, incline, and shoulder presses with no issues. It's just anything overhead stretches the tendon out and I'm just worried of another tear. The feeling kind of freaks me out.

definition of "listen to your body". you've torn it twice and when something feels "weird" i think it's best to avoid it.

[Erod13]

Gonna try the pullovers, and Chuck's suggestion of using straps and pulling with the elbows.