The bicep is the large muscle in the front of your upper arm that helps you rotate your arm or bend the arm at the elbow. The bicep tendons join the muscle to the bone of the shoulder and elbow. Bicep tendonitis is a painful condition that involves damage or injury to the bicep tendons. It is often caused by repetitive motions like lifting, throwing or reaching and is frequently seen in athletes and those who work in jobs requiring those types of movements.
Causes of Bicep Tendonitis
Bicep tendonitis occurs when one of the tendons attaching the bicep muscle to the bone becomes inflamed. It is often caused by repetitive motions that involve overhead activities. Other conditions can also be accompanied by bicep tendonitis, including:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder injury
Damage to the bicep tendon can also occur due to normal wear and tear of the shoulder. No matter what the cause might be, the condition can be exacerbated by continuous use of the shoulder without appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of Bicep Tendonitis
Common symptoms of bicep tendonitis include:
- Shoulder pain, which may become worse with overhead activity
- Snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder
- Aching in the shoulder that radiates to the upper arm
- Feeling of weakness when bending the arm at the elbow
- Visible lump in the lower area of the bicep muscle
Treatment for Bicep Tendonitis
The good news is there are effective, non-surgical treatment options for bicep tendonitis. At In Motion O.C., we offer a regimen of exercises that can strengthen your bicep muscle and eliminate discomfort. Some of the exercises we recommend include:
- Door stretches
- Posterior capsule stretches
- IYTs
- Bicep curls
- Scaps squeezes
- Shoulder flexors
All of these exercises are demonstrated by In Motion staff on our YouTube video. If these exercises don’t work for you, In Motion O.C. also offers rehabilitation programs customized to the unique needs and concerns of the individual patient. To learn more about our treatment options for bicep tendonitis, contact our team at 949-861-8600 today.
