Biceps Tendinopathy Treatment in Mona Vale
Biceps tendinopathy is a common cause of pain at the front of the shoulder. Symptoms may develop gradually following repetitive lifting, gym training, overhead activity or sport, and can make everyday movements increasingly uncomfortable.
At Helix Recovery, we'll assess your shoulder strength, movement and activity demands before developing a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan.
What is Biceps Tendinopathy?
The long head of the biceps tendon travels from the upper arm through the front of the shoulder before attaching inside the shoulder joint.
Biceps tendinopathy occurs when this tendon becomes painful and less tolerant of load. It commonly occurs alongside other shoulder conditions, particularly rotator cuff tendinopathy and subacromial pain syndrome.
Treatment focuses on settling symptoms while progressively rebuilding the strength and load tolerance of the shoulder and biceps.
Common Symptoms
Pain at the front of the shoulder
Tenderness around the biceps tendon
Pain with lifting or carrying
Pain with overhead movements
Discomfort during pushing or pulling exercises
Pain with throwing or repetitive arm movements
Reduced strength or tolerance during gym and sporting activities
How We Assess Biceps Tendinopathy
Pain at the front of the shoulder can arise from several structures, including the biceps tendon, rotator cuff, shoulder joint and labrum.
Your assessment may include shoulder movement, biceps and rotator cuff strength, functional testing and examination of the neck and shoulder blade where relevant.
This helps determine whether the biceps tendon is likely contributing to your symptoms and identify factors that can be addressed during rehabilitation.
How We Treat Biceps Tendinopathy
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Shockwave therapy
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Biceps and rotator cuff strengthening
Shoulder blade and upper-back strengthening
Activity and load modification
Gradual return to work, gym and sport
Shockwave Therapy for Biceps Tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy may be incorporated into treatment to help reduce pain and improve function around the affected tendon and surrounding soft tissues.
It is used alongside osteopathic manual therapy and progressive strengthening to help improve your ability to tolerate loading and participate in rehabilitation.
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Often, yes. Exercises that significantly aggravate symptoms may need to be temporarily modified, but complete rest is rarely necessary. Training can usually be adjusted while the tendon is progressively strengthened.
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No. Tendinopathy refers to a painful tendon with reduced load tolerance, while a tear involves disruption of the tendon fibres. Sudden pain, bruising, weakness or a visible change in the shape of the biceps should be assessed.
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The long head of the biceps tendon interacts closely with structures inside the shoulder and is commonly affected alongside rotator cuff, subacromial and labral conditions.
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Recovery varies depending on symptom duration, severity and activity demands. Improvement generally occurs progressively over several weeks to months with appropriate loading and rehabilitation.
Common Questions
Ready to Get Your Shoulder Moving Again?
Whether shoulder pain is affecting work, the gym, surfing or everyday activities, we'll identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.