Biceps Tendinopathy
What is it?
The long head of biceps is approximately 9cm long and passes through a groove in the upper arm bone (Humerus).
Biceps tendinopathy occurs when the long head of biceps becomes irritated leading to pain at the front of the shoulder.
It is often associated with rotator cuff problems but can also occur alone.
Typical Symptoms/features
- Pain at the front of the shoulder
- Pain with lifting activities, overhead activities or bending of the elbow underweight
- May be painful if stretched with the elbow out straight
- Pain when reaching behind your back
Management
- Activity modification
- When you first start noticing shoulder pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle
- However, there is strong evidence that says keeping active and slowly returning to your normal levels of activity can actually help the pain to settle quicker
- Ice or heat
- Pain relief
- Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme
- In more severe and/or prolonged cases where pain is limiting conservative measures OR where 3-6 months of conservative management have failed to manage symptoms, a corticosteroid injection may be considered
Do I need imaging?
Imaging (X-rays or scans) is rarely required to biceps tendinopathy.
X-rays and scans are most appropriately used after a serious injury.
