Biceps Tendinitis is a common shoulder pathology which usually develops in younger athletic population due to repetitive overhead injuries. The patients suffering from this condition usually have to suffer pain, lesser range of motion & strength and impaired functional mobility. This pathology develops over the time with pain located at the front of the shoulder.

What do we mean by Biceps Tendinitis?

There are two parts of biceps muscles: the long head and the short head. The long head is usually affected with tendinitis. Biceps tendinitis is known as the inflammation of the tendon around the long head of biceps muscles. The most commonly irritated tendon is the one that attaches the top of the biceps muscles to the shoulder. Biceps tendinitis results due to the repetitive stress which in turn results into irritated, swollen and painful tendon.

What causes Biceps Tendinitis?

Excessive and abnormal forces applied across the tendon results into biceps tendinitis. Apart from this, several other conditions also contribute towards developing the condition including:

• Tension and pulling of a tendon or muscle
• Compression i.e. pushing, pinching or shearing
• Weak rotator cuff and upper back muscles
• Tight shoulder joints or muscles
• Poor body mechanics
• Overuse from certain types of work or sports
• Gradual wear and tear
• Continuous or repetitive shoulder actions
• Abrupt increase in exercise routine
• Age- relate bodily changes
• Degeneration in a tendon
• A direct injury to the shoulder.

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Biceps Tendinitis?

Biceps tendinitis is common amongst the athletes involved in swimming, throwing, gymnastics and other contact sports. Workers who are involved in overhead shoulder work or heavy lifting are at greater risk. The sufferers commonly report symptoms including:

• Sharp pain in the front of shoulder
• Tenderness in the front of the shoulder
• Pain radiating towards neck down the arm
• Feeling pain after every activity
• Weakness around the shoulder joint
• Catching or clicking sensation near top of the biceps
• Pain aggravating with flexion, forearm supination or elbow flexion.

What are the Physical Treatments to treat Biceps Tendinitis?

Once you are diagnosed with Biceps Tendinitis your physical therapy will develop a customized treatment program while keeping your specific goals and condition in mind.  Your physical therapy may suggest:

• Initially RICE; rest, ice, compression and evaluation may be suggested. He may also advice to avoid the activity aggravating the condition
• Soft-tissue therapy, electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy may be suggested
• Series of stretching or strengthening exercises may be suggested to regain lost range of motion
• Postural corrections may be suggested to correct the sitting and standing posture.
• Physical therapists may also employ hands-on therapy to gently move or mobilize your shoulder
• Functional training would be provided to prevent future injuries. He would point out and correct your faulty movement.

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art treatment of any of your musculoskeletal disease. Our treatment modules are planned and coordinated according to the needs, requirements and urgencies of our patients. The treatment modules co-ordinated by us will not only cure your current ailment but also pose a check on the further ones.