BICEPS TENDINITIS

BICEPS TENDINITIS - Biceps tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain, often developing in people who perform repetitive, overhead movements. Biceps tendinitis develops over time, with pain located at the front of the shoulder, and usually worsens with continued activity. When treating biceps tendinitis, physical therapists work to determine the exact source of the pain by assessing the entire shoulder, and typically prescribe a program of activity modification, stretching, and strengthening to resolve pain and return individuals to their desired activities. Biceps tendinitis result when excessive, abnormal forces are applied across the tendon, including tension, compression (pushing or pinching), or shearing (rubbing). When the tendon is subjected to repetitive stresses, it can become irritated, swollen, and painful.

There are many factors that may lead to biceps tendinitis, including:

• Activities requiring repetitive overhead movement of the arms

• Weakness in the rotator cuff and muscles of the upper back

• Shoulder joint and/or muscle tightness

• Poor body mechanics (how a person controls his or her body when moving)

• An abrupt increase in an exercise routine

• Age-related body changes