Biceps tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle to the bones of the shoulder (usually the long head of the biceps).
Causes
Repetitive overhead activities (e.g., throwing, swimming, lifting)
Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff problems
Poor posture or muscular imbalance
Aging and degenerative changes
Sudden trauma or overuse injury
Symptoms
Front shoulder pain (especially with overhead motion or lifting)
Tenderness over the bicipital groove (front of shoulder)
Pain radiating down the upper arm
Weakness in shoulder or elbow flexion
Clicking or snapping sensation in the shoulder
Diagnosis
Physical examination (Speed’s test, Yergason’s test)
Ultrasound or MRI (to rule out partial tears or rotator cuff injury)
Physiotherapy Management
- Pain Relief (Acute Phase) Rest and activity modification Ice therapy (10–15 min, 2–3 times/day) Ultrasound or TENS for pain and inflammation Avoid heavy lifting or overhead movements
- Stretching and Mobility Gentle shoulder and biceps stretches Pendular exercises for shoulder mobility
- Strengthening (Gradual Progression) Isometric biceps contractions Strengthening rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers Eccentric biceps strengthening Resistance band exercises (rows, external rotation)
- Posture & Ergonomics Correct rounded shoulders Strengthen upper back muscles Education on proper lifting techniques
- Return to Activity Gradual return to sports or overhead work once pain-free and strength restored Prognosis With proper rest and physiotherapy, recovery usually occurs within 6–8 weeks. Chronic cases may require corticosteroid injection or, rarely, surgery (tenodesis or tenotomy).
Written by : Dayana onkarappa Senior Physiotherapist at Advanced Physiotherapy Clinic and Homecare
https://physioji.com/
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