What is Biceps Tendonitis?
Biceps tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. This condition is rarely seen in isolation and is often associated with another shoulder injury. Biceps tendonitis is also a type of overuse injury that get progressively worse as time progresses and no/minimal treatment is sought.
Causes
Biceps tendonitis can be caused by a wide variety of factors but are usually consistent with:
- Throwing sports (Ex. Baseball)
- Overhead sports/activities (Ex. Swimming, Tennis, Gymnastics)
Symptoms
Symptoms of biceps tendonitis include:
- Pain on the front of the shoulder (Anterior)
- Pain in the top aspect of the humerus bone (Superior)
- Pain during an overhead motion
Treatment
There are many ways to treat biceps tendonitis, such as:
- Anti inflammatory medication
- RICE: Rice, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Strengthening and mobilization of the shoulder joint
- Reconstructive surgery as a last resort
Prevention
Preventing biceps tendonitis can be very easy. Avoiding the use of overhead movements when susceptible would help prevent the injury and strengthening the muscles that overlay the shoulder joint would both help in preventing this injury from occurring.
