Biceps tendinopathy is an inflammation condition that can be caused by the normal ageing process, acute irritation, and degenerative process which commonly occurs in athletes/labourers with repetitive overhead movements.
The bicep muscle has two heads, one head only crosses over the elbow joint whilst the other longer head crosses over both elbow and shoulder. A long head of bicep tendon issue can arise when the tendinous part that crosses over to the shoulder develops inflammation and irritation. The long-term effects of not treating this condition can cause chronic degenerative issues which will be more difficult to treat further down the line.
The condition can be caused by trauma, overuse, and as a secondary issue from other concurrent present shoulder issues.
Some clinical signs of long head bicep tendinopathy include:
- Atraumatic, insidious onset of anterior shoulder pain
- Symptom exacerbation with overhead activities
- Pain radiating down the anterior arm from the shoulder
- Clicking or audible popping can be reported in the upper anterior arm
- Pain at rest and pain at night especially after overhead activity
- History or current sports, especially baseball, volleyball, and other overhead sports
- History or current manual/physical labourer occupations
Management of this issue would include obtaining a comprehensive subjective history, imaging (if necessary), ruling out other pathologies, conservative management (in most cases).
Management techniques we would use at Action rehab would include:
- Graded exposure to a tailored rehabilitation programme
- Advice regarding reduction of overuse activities
- Taping to help offload the tendon
- Soft tissue manipulation
Surgery would be considered if conservative managements fail or is ineffective over a period of time and pain is still causing concern.
If you’re experiencing pain anywhere from your fingers to shoulders, our expert therapists can help! Book an appointment online or call us on today.
