What is Biceps Tendinitis?
Biceps tendinitis is a prevalent condition characterized by inflammation of the biceps tendon, leading to pain and functional limitations in the shoulder region. Our specialty at Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre is providing individualized, research-based physiotherapy treatments to manage this condition effectively.
Causes of Biceps Tendinitis
- Overuse: The biceps tendon can be strained by repetitive overhead motions, which are typical in sports like baseball, tennis, and swimming.
- Age-related Degeneration: As people age, their tendon strength gradually declines, leaving them more vulnerable to inflammation.
- Acute Injuries: The biceps tendon may sustain damage by unexpected stress, such as falling on an outstretched arm.
Because the biceps tendon’s long head passes through the shoulder joint, overhead motions might put stress on it. Microtears, inflammation, and eventually tendinopathy can result from repetitive tension.
Clinical Presentation
- Anterior Shoulder Pain: Localized pain in the front of the shoulder, anterior shoulder pain is frequently made worse by overhead exercises.
- Tenderness: Bicipital groove pain when palpated.
- Weakness: Less strength in elbow and shoulder motions.
- Snapping Sensation: A snapping sensation occurs as the tendon moves within the groove when the arm is moved.
Diagnostic Approach at Elite Physiotherapy
- Range of Motion (ROM) Testing: Assessing elbow and shoulder range of motion to find restrictions.
- Strength Assessment: Assessing muscle strength in order to identify deficiencies.
- Special Tests:
- Speed’s Test: Biceps tendon involvement is indicated by pain experienced during resisted shoulder flexion.
- Yergason’s Test: Pain during external rotation and resisted supination suggests biceps tendinopathy.
- Palpation: Determining whether the bicipital groove is tender.
Physiotherapy Management for Biceps Tendinitis
- Pain Management
- Cryotherapy: Using cold packs to numb and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Doctors use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and swelling under proper medical supervision.
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT): Using acoustic waves, radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) helps chronic tendinopathies heal.
- High-Intensity Class 4 Laser Therapy: Improves tissue repair by penetrating deep tissues to lessen pain and inflammation.
- Super Inductive System (SIS): The Super Inductive System (SIS) uses high-intensity electromagnetic fields to activate muscles and reduce pain.
- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy involves performing exercises in water to increase range of motion and reduce joint tension.
- Exercise Therapy
- Stretching exercises: Mild stretches to increase biceps and surrounding muscle flexibility.
- Strengthening exercises: Increase the stability of your elbows and shoulders with progressive resistance training.
- Postural Training: Postural training corrects posture to reduce excessive strain on the shoulder complex.
- Manual Therapy
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Methods for increasing circulation and releasing tense muscles.
- Joint Mobilization: Improving joint mobility and decreasing stiffness.
Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre?
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Made to fit each patient’s requirements and objectives.
- Advanced Modalities: Availability of state-of-the-art treatments such as Class 4 Laser Therapy and rESWT.
- Experienced Professionals: A group of knowledgeable physiotherapists with a focus on musculoskeletal disorders.
- Comprehensive Care: We assist our patients along their rehabilitation process, from the first evaluation to complete recovery.
Conclusion
Biceps tendinitis can significantly affect both daily activities and athletic performance if not properly managed. An organized physiotherapy program combined with early intervention is essential for a successful recovery. At Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care to help our patients restore function and return to the activities they love.