Biceps Tendinopathy

The biceps brachii muscle is located in the upper arm and is composed of a long and a short head. The long head crosses both the shoulder joint (see below) and the elbow joint whereas the smaller short head crosses only the elbow joint. The long head originates on the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula and the short head originates from the coracoid process of the scapula. Both heads of the biceps brachii unite in the lower part of the arm and eventually inserts onto the radial tuberosity of the forearm and its fascia via the bicipital aponeurosis.

The chief function of the biceps muscle is to supinate the forearm. This latter motion described moving the forearm so that the hand faces upwards. Other notable functions are bending the elbow and bending the shoulder

The biceps tendon originates in the shoulder joint capsules and travels down the arm and eventually enters the bicipital groove.  The tendon is surrounded by a synovial sheath and below the bicipital groove, the tendon is held in place by the tendon of Pectoralis Major.

The biceps tendon is also a common site of injury whereby trauma or overuse of the muscle tendon complex can lead to a tendinopathy. This condition is characterised by pain felt along the course of the biceps muscle and the reproduction of pain with overhead activities, lifting and pulling. This condition is often difficult to differentiate with a rotator cuff tendinopathy and sometimes both conditions can occur concurrently.

Treatment for a Biceps Tendinopathy

To differentiate between a Bicipital and a Rotator cuff tendinopathy, your EC2  chiropractor will perform a array of orthopaedic tests. Once a diagnosis is made, the treatment can be initiated which will include electrotherapeutic modalities (ultrasound), soft tissue work, mobilisation and manipulation of the shoulder. Postural advice and specific scapula stability excises will also be prescribed

If a tear is suspected, it is often advisable to refer patients for an MRI to ascertain the extent of the Biceps tendon tear. At the Bodymotion Chiropractic and Sports Injuries Clinic EC2, we often refer patients to Vista Diagnostics in Waterloo, London