What is Biceps Tendonitis?
Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is the irritation or inflammation of the tendons (thick fibrous bands of tissues that connect muscles to bones). A tendon-like an elastic band that stretches when you move. It helps in absorbing some of the shocks from your muscles during movement. Tendonitis can affect many parts of the body but typically occurs in areas like the arms and shoulders, where there is a more significant movement. Biceps tendonitis occurs when the upper biceps tendon (also called the long head of the biceps tendon) that attaches the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder becomes inflamed or injured, weakening the tendon. Biceps tendonitis usually occurs along with a rotator cuff tear.
What Causes Biceps Tendonitis?
Biceps tendonitis is typically caused by a sudden injury to the upper biceps tendon, such as from lifting something too heavy or a throwing motion like in baseball or tennis can cause Biceps tendonitis. There are several Risk factors for increasing the likelihood of developing biceps tendonitis, such as Sports or jobs that involve repeated overhead arm movements, Weak shoulder muscles, Overloading the shoulder joint, Trauma (bumping or hitting your shoulder or upper arm against something), Improper technique or training in sports, Diabetes, Inflammatory diseases like gout and rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, Past injuries such as a shoulder dislocation or impingement and Increasing age.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Biceps Tendonitis?
Signs and symptoms depend on the cause of biceps tendonitis. Redness, inflammation and swelling, Tenderness, pain, or stiffness in front of the shoulder, Pain that gets worse when the shoulder is moved, particularly overhead motions, or pulling and lifting, Pain that gets worse at night (especially if sleeping on the affected shoulder), Pain that moves down the upper arm bone, Decreased range of motion, A grating, crackling or snapping sensation when moving the shoulder or A lump along the tendon (due to the tendon thickening, growing larger and tearing). Do you have concerns about symptoms of biceps tendonitis? Book an assessment with a physiotherapist at 3630 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1G 1P6 Today.
How is Biceps Tendonitis Treated?
Initial treatment for biceps tendonitis can be done at-home by Applying ice packs for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day for 48 hours or until the swelling reduces. This can be followed by Resting the shoulder and arm, Avoiding activities that cause pain or put stress on the shoulder and upper arm and the Use of Anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil or Aleve to reduce pain and swelling. Medication includes Administering Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen and Corticosteroid injections. Since physiotherapy is drug free it focuses on reducing pain and swelling, regaining strength, increasing joint mobility and function, and preventing recurrence. The actual Physiotherapy depends on individual needs and includes Cold therapy following the PRICE protocol: Stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises, Personalized exercise plan, Activity modifications and functional retraining, Patient education, Assistive devices such as bracing as well as Cross-disciplinary pain-relieving therapies such as Therapeutic ultrasound, Manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilizations), Acupuncture and Interferential current therapy (IFC) or TENS therapy. At our clinic we have notice by using Simply Align Technique which includes advanced physical modalities, activity modification and specific exercises we have faster, longer lasting results with reduced healing time.
Are you looking for physiotherapy or a Chiropractor? If Yes, then visit Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto or Woodbridge/Vaughan or you can always call or text us for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor needs in Toronto at (416) 438-3230 or For Physiotherapy or Chiropractor need in Vaughan (Woodbridge) at (905) 638-9840.
Can Biceps Tendonitis Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, Biceps tendonitis can get better on its own if the treatment at home is successful. However, if the treatment is not successful, it can turn into tendonosis. Tendonosis or tendinosis is a chronic, recurring condition that happens as a result of overuse, repetitive strain, repeated injuries to the same area, or when an injury has not healed properly. Without proper treatment or activity modification, the tendon can get degenerated.
Can Biceps Tendonitis Be Prevented?
If you play sports, or your job involves repetitive overhead or lifting movements, you have an increased risk of biceps tendonitis. In such a situation, it may be useful to consult a physiotherapist for a custom treatment plan to address your specific concerns. However, you can also take steps to prevent or reduce the chance of developing biceps tendonitis. For example, Exercising regularly, including stretching exercises such as yoga or tai chi (for a minimum of 30 minutes daily), Easing into new exercise routines, Warming up before exercise, Stretching after exercise, Taking regular breaks from repetitive movements, Practicing good posture, Practicing proper technique in sport as well as eating an anti-inflammatory diet (avoiding refined and processed foods and sugar).
