Is this a tear?

[JEDean]

Good Morning All,

40 years old, 300 lbs, Squat - 315, Deadlift -365, Bench - 195, Press - 135

Screen Shot 02-07-25 at 09.18 AM.jpg

On 1/29 I felt some discomfort in my left bicep on the third rep of my last bench press set about 2 inches off the chest coming up out of the bottom. I finished the set and was able to do my deadlift set after. This is my supinated side.

I benched again 2/5 and was able to add 2.5 lbs from last time. The "pinch" was still there in about the same spot in the travel, most noticeably on the eccentric portion of the lift.

The bruising in the picture didn't show up until yesterday 2/6 and looks worse this morning.

I was able to get through two sets of squats this AM but did not attempt the third due to the way the elbow/bicep was feeling.


There isn't any noticeable difference in the way things feel left to right other than a bit of swelling in the left.


Does this look like a tear? What should I do with it?

Thank you,

JD

[Mark Rippetoe]

Could be a small tear. Are you sure it's not a bruise?

[JEDean]

Could be a small tear. Are you sure it's not a bruise?

Mark, I'm uncertain. I've got an enforced layoff next week due to a work trip but will try it out again on Friday.