How to Best Treat Biceps Pain

Biceps tendinopathy is a common condition that affects the tendons of the biceps muscle. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain and can lead to pain and weakness in the affected area. As a physiotherapy patient, it’s essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for biceps tendinopathy.

Causes of Biceps Tendinopathy:

Biceps tendinopathy can be caused by several factors, including:

1. Overuse: Repeated or prolonged use of the biceps muscle, such as lifting heavy weights or performing excessive amounts of pull-ups, can cause damage to the tendons.
2. Aging: As we age, our tendons become less elastic and more prone to injury.
3. Trauma: A sudden injury, such as a fall or direct blow to the arm, can damage the biceps tendon.
4. Poor posture: Poor posture, especially when working at a desk, can cause tension in the shoulders and neck, leading to biceps tendinopathy.

Symptoms of Biceps Tendinopathy:

The most common symptoms of biceps tendinopathy include:

1. Pain: Pain in the front of the shoulder or upper arm is a common symptom of biceps tendinopathy. The pain may be sharp or dull and may worsen with movement or activity.
2. Weakness: Weakness in the affected arm is another common symptom. This may make it difficult to lift or carry objects.
3. Stiffness: Stiffness in the shoulder or arm may also be present, making it challenging to move the arm or shoulder.

Treatment Options for Biceps Tendinopathy:

If you have been diagnosed with biceps tendinopathy, there are several treatment options available. These may include:

1. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help alleviate pain and improve function. A physiotherapist can help you develop an exercise program tailored to your specific needs, which can help to strengthen the muscles around the affected area.
2. Rest: Rest is essential for allowing the tendons to heal. This may involve avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, such as heavy lifting or overhead work.
3. Ice and Heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.
5. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged tendons.

Preventing Biceps Tendinopathy:

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to prevent biceps tendinopathy, including:

1. Gradually increasing exercise: When starting a new exercise program, it’s essential to start slowly and gradually increase intensity over time.
2. Maintaining good posture: Good posture can help to prevent tension in the shoulders and neck.
3. Using proper technique: Using proper technique when lifting weights or performing other activities can help to prevent injury.
4. Rest and recovery: Giving your body time to rest and recover between workouts is essential for preventing overuse injuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, biceps tendinopathy is a common condition that can be caused by overuse, trauma, aging, or poor posture. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and stiffness in the affected area. Treatment options include physiotherapy, rest, ice and heat, medication, and surgery. Taking preventative measures, such as gradually increasing exercise, maintaining good posture, using proper technique, and allowing for rest and recovery, can help to prevent biceps tendinopathy from occurring in the first place. If you experience symptoms of biceps tendinopathy, seek the advice of a physiotherapist or other healthcare professional to determine.  If you would like an appointment to have your shoulder pain  assessed, call us on 9815 2555 or book online here