Bicep Tendonitis of the Shoulder
Bicep Tendonitis: Bicep Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the bicep tendon, which connects the bicep muscle to the shoulder.
Causes: Injuries to the bicep tendons are often caused by repetitive overhead activity. Overuse, aging, and stress can cause the tendon to deteriorate, even if there is no inflammation present.
Symptoms
- Pain when the arm is overhead or bent
- Localized tenderness as the tendon passes over the groove in the upper arm.
- Occasionally, a snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder area.
Management: The first step is to rest the arm and shoulder by temporarily discontinuing any overhead-activity. A physician may recommend ice applications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, which can help reduce inflammation. Stretching and progressive strengthening exercises will help strengthen muscle and restore range-of-motion. Overhead activity can be resumed gradually. (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons)
Request a complimentary first session at Vertex Fitness, Voted the BEST Personal Training Studio on the Main Line
Click HERE and we will schedule a session to try it yourself
About the author
Dwayne Wimmer founded Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2001, excited to bring a new concept about personal training to the people of Philadelphia’s Main Line in Pennsylvania. Driven by knowledge and results both, while a strength coach at Villanova University, he worked closely with world class athletes such as Brian Westbrook, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, on strength training and conditioning for optimal performance. Dwayne’s client base extends much further than world class athletes. Along with athletes, he works with adolescents to seniors, and he’s a highly acclaimed and sought out personal trainer who has received numerous awards, such as Best of the Main Line Personal Training Studio and Best Main Line Personal Trainer. A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Dwayne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis in Coaching. Aside from personal training, he’s spent time as a physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach, and a football coach, but has found his passion and home in the fitness industry, inspiring and reaching out to others. As a strong believer in continuing to learn, Dwayne has also taken classes at East Stroudsburg University toward a Masters Degree in Sports Management. He can add author to his list of accomplishments, having created a chapter in the upcoming book The Soul of Success with Jack Canfield, renowned for the Chicken Soup series. To get to the point where he is now, Dwayne has always been thankful for the support of his father, a man who always believed in his mission and saw the need for what it was that Dwayne envisioned. During his free time, Dwayne is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys viewing the amazing landscapes and finding good restaurants to enjoy that are off the beaten path. He also takes advantage of opportunities to travel and experience many other cities while attending fitness seminars and giving presentations about the industry he is so passionate about. As a way to give back to the community that has been a part of his entire life, Dwayne has created Vertex Fitness PUMPED (People United Making Progress through Education and Donations), which provides support to area non-profits through a community-wide outreach effort. At this time, they help three non-profits per year in the Philadelphia area. For more information from Dwayne, you may contact him at (610) 525-6604, dwayne@vertexfit.com
For those with early stages of tendon deterioration this treatment would probably work. For those with more advanced tendon pathologies or at worst a rupture of the biceps tendon at the proximal end (the usual outcome of chronic deterioration and inflammation of the biceps tendon in this particular region) then surgery will be necessary if you want to retain some cosmetic regularity.
Sadly, even with the best orthopaedic surgeons, the cosmetic outcome is less than restorative.
Greg,
Thank you for your comment.
I totally agree. This is obviously for a mild case. We refer to a medical professionals if the problem worsens or persists.
Dwayne Wimmer
Owner
Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio