Physical Therapy For Biceps Tendonitis In Delray Beach, FL

What is Biceps Tendonitis? 

Biceps tendonitis is a condition in which the biceps tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. The biceps is a two-headed muscle that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. Biceps tendonitis can occur either at the shoulder end of the biceps tendon (known as proximal biceps tendonitis) or at the elbow end of the biceps tendon (known as distal biceps tendonitis). Biceps tendonitis is a relatively common condition that can occur in both athletes and non-athletes. Biceps tendonitis most often affects middle-aged adults. The condition is more common in men than in women.

What can cause Biceps Tendonitis? 

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of biceps tendonitis. The most common cause of biceps tendon damage can be from a lifetime of normal activities. As we get older, everyday wear and tear can cause our tendons to weaken over time. This degeneration can be exacerbated by overuse – repeating the same shoulder movements over and over again. Many jobs and daily household chores can cause these overuse injuries. Exercises that require repetitive overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball can put a lot of stress on the shoulders. You may feel pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder, which gets worse when doing overhead activities. There can be a snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder from time to time.

– Overuse: Biceps tendonitis is often the result of overusing the arm and elbow, such as during repetitive motions at work or during sports activities.

– Age-related wear and tear: With age, the tendons begin to degenerate and become more susceptible to injury.

– Injury: A direct blow to the elbow or shoulder can damage the biceps tendon and lead to biceps tendonitis.

– Anatomical abnormalities: Abnormalities in the structure of the shoulder or elbow joint can put extra stress on the biceps tendon and lead to biceps tendonitis.

What are the symptoms of Biceps Tendonitis? 

Biceps tendinitis is a common problem that often results in pain in the front of the shoulder. Secondary effects may include muscle weakness. The most common symptom of biceps tendonitis is a pain in the arm and elbow, which is worsened with activity. Other symptoms may include: 

– Biceps muscle weakness

– Shoulder pain

– Elbow pain or stiffness

– Numbness or tingling in the arm

– Inflammation or swelling in the arm

Anatomy of the Biceps Muscle

The biceps muscle is located in the front of your upper arm. The muscle attaches to the shoulder blade bone at two points. The long head attaches to the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid). The short head attaches to a boney part on the shoulder blade called the coracoid process. The tendon may become swollen and inflamed in its early stages. As tendinitis progresses, the tendon sheath (covering) can become thicker. The tendon itself often becomes thicker or larger.  As the injury continues to progress, the tendon can become red in color due to the inflammation. At times the tendon may be severely damaged and can can result in a partial or complete tear. A complete tendon tear will cause a very noticeable deformity of the arm.

When to see a doctor for Biceps Tendonitis?

If you experience any pain or discomfort in your arm or elbow, it is important to see a doctor or other healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Biceps tendonitis can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as rotator cuff tendonitis or elbow bursitis. If you think you may have biceps tendonitis, your doctor will perform a physical examination of your arm and elbow to check for signs of biceps tendonitis. They may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray, to further assess the condition.

How is Biceps Tendonitis diagnosed? 

Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your shoulder and elbow to check for signs of biceps tendonitis. They may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray, to further assess the condition.

Tendinopathy, Tendonitis, and Tendinosis?

Tendinopathy is a condition of overuse that causes pain within and around the affected tendons. This happens when your body can’t properly repair damaged cells and tissue. This condition is causes tendon disorganization and thickening, which in turn damages the tendon’s physical properties, making it more susceptible to fatigue and resulting in pain.

Tendinitis is usually painful, which also has to do with overuse, irritation, strain, degeneration, and poor mechanics.

Tendinosis refers to Degenerated and disorganized collagen without signs of inflammation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in assessing the overall damage to the rotator cuff. MRI may be helpful in providing more accurate information about cuff tears, including partial versus complete tears, extent and size of the tear(s), location, and degree of retraction. In cases of chronic rotator cuff pathology, the tendons can be assessed for the presence of fatty degenerative changes in a series of T1-weighted sagittal image sequences.

How is Biceps Tendonitis treated?  

Biceps tendonitis can often be relieved with rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the biceps tendon. It is important to rest the arm and avoid activities that worsen the pain. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches that improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the elbow can help to treat biceps tendonitis. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the biceps tendon.

How to prevent Biceps Tendonitis? 

There are several things you can do to prevent biceps tendonitis, including:

-Warm up before any athletic activity

-Stretch and strengthen the muscles around the elbow

-Use proper form when lifting weights or participating in other activities that put stress on the arm

-Take breaks from activities that require repetitive motion of the arm

-Wear supportive devices, such as a brace or wrap, when participating in activities that put stress on the arm

What are the long term effects of Biceps Tendonitis?

If biceps tendonitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as:

-Chronic pain

-Decreased range of motion in the arm

-Weakness in the arm

-Tears in the biceps tendon

-Rupture of the biceps tendon

Should you have surgery for Biceps Tendonitis? 

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the biceps tendon. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, have not worked. If surgery is necessary, your surgeon will make an incision in the arm and reattach the biceps tendon to the bone. Surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure, which means you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks, and physical therapy may be necessary to regain strength and range of motion in the arm.