Download Biceps Tendonitis What is Biceps tendonitis? Tendons connect

Biceps Tendonitis
What is Biceps tendonitis?
Tendons connect muscle to bone. Your Biceps muscle is on the front of the upper arm and is
responsible for bending your elbow and also raising the arm. The Biceps muscles attach at the
elbow and at 2 points in the shoulder. When these attachments become inflamed, it is referred to
as tendonitis. Biceps tendonitis may also occur near the elbow.
How does it occur?
Biceps tendonitis may occur from overuse of the arm or from an injury to the tendon. Having
muscle imbalance at the shoulder girdle may predispose a person to tendon injury.
What are the symptoms?
A patient may feel pain with arm and shoulder movement especially with reaching up overhead.
Lifting may increase pain. Tenderness may be present at the front of the shoulder. It may be
painful to sleep on the affected arm.
How is it diagnosed?
A health care provider will examine the shoulder checking for specific areas of tenderness,
motions that cause pain, areas of weakness and limited motion.
Your doctor may order an x-ray or an MRI
How is it treated?
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may be referred to physical therapy.
Your therapist may prescribe specific exercises, mobilize or stretch your shoulder and may use
physical therapy modalities
Your doctor may inject your shoulder
Anti-inflammatory or pain medication may be prescribed
A period of rest from certain activities may be required.
Icing may help.
Tracy Winnie MPT, OCS