Biceps tendinitis and more specifically tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle is the occurrence of inflammation in the extensor tendon of the muscle. It is rarely an isolated condition, while more often it occurs in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome or with some inflammation in the muscles of the rotator cuff of the shoulder (supraspanitus, subspanitus, subscapularis, teres minor).
During its contraction, tension is created which penetrates its tendon. When this tension is too great or repeated many times, then the tendon is likely to be injured and degeneration and inflammation may occur. This happens either traumatically due to the appearance of a large tension in the tendon, or from gradual “micro-injuries” due to overuse.
When the tendon becomes inflamed, it disrupts its normal sliding within the sheath, which causes painful symptoms for the patient.
The main symptoms of inflammation of the long head of the biceps are pain on the anterior surface of the shoulder, pain – tenderness in the region of the groove of the biceps and difficulty in performing movements, such as bending the elbow. Nevertheless, the pain can occur even at rest.
Massage techniques, use of physical therapy means such as electrotherapy, TENS, ultrasound, use of elastic Kinesio Tape, as well as the application of appropriate therapeutic exercises, can bring about the restoration of the problem.
