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Biceps Tendinitis Treatment Testing and Taping
Medically reviewed by Angela M.
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Henry Schmidt 3 minutes ago
Bell, MD, FACP — By Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT on October 6, 2022Share on PinterestAnupong Tho...
Bell, MD, FACP — By Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT on October 6, 2022Share on PinterestAnupong Thongchan/EyeEm/Getty ImagesBiceps tendinitis occurs when there’s inflammation of the biceps tendon. This tendon stretches along your biceps muscle from your elbow up to your shoulder.
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Victoria Lopez 1 minutes ago
Repetitive motions, particularly from sports activities such as softball, baseball, and volleyball, ...
Repetitive motions, particularly from sports activities such as softball, baseball, and volleyball, typically cause biceps tendinitis. It can also occur when the biceps tendon experiences a very large load, such as lifting a heavy object or overexertion during exercise. Through repetitive motion or overuse, the biceps tendon can develop microtears that can cause inflammation.
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Alexander Wang 5 minutes ago
Since it often occurs at the shoulder joint, it can sometimes accompany rotator cuff injuries. This ...
Since it often occurs at the shoulder joint, it can sometimes accompany rotator cuff injuries. This article tells you all you need to know about testing, treating, and taping for biceps tendinitis.
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Audrey Mueller 10 minutes ago
Types of biceps tendinitis
There are two types of biceps tendinitis: Proximal biceps tendin...
Types of biceps tendinitis
There are two types of biceps tendinitis: Proximal biceps tendinitis involves the long (upper) head of the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder. This is the most common type.Distal biceps tendinitis involves inflammation of the distal (lower) end of the biceps tendon, located near the elbow.
How do you test for biceps tendinitis
If you’re experiencing pain and swelling in your shoulder, you may want to visit a healthcare professional, like a physical therapist or primary care doctor, for an assessment. During your visit, they will look for common indicators of biceps tendinitis, such as: pain and tenderness at the shoulder jointpoor range of motiondiminished strengthsigns of shoulder instability
If the tendon is ruptured, swelling may also be present. A healthcare professional may also do certain assessments to identify any coexisting impingement of the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder.
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David Cohen 20 minutes ago
In some cases, they may also order an MRI or ultrasound to verify their diagnosis, or if they suspec...
In some cases, they may also order an MRI or ultrasound to verify their diagnosis, or if they suspect it may be a tendon tear.
Biceps tendinitis treatment
For most people, conservative treatment that includes adequate rest and time off from physical activity can allow for proper healing. You may also benefit from taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying ice for 20 minutes a few times per day to alleviate any pain and swelling.
Sometimes, a lidocaine or steroid shot may be used for severe pain. Often, physical therapy will be recommended to aid the healing process. It can also strengthen and stretch the muscles of the shoulder to help regain your range of motion.
A physical therapist can also help you prepare to return to your sport or activity, especially any sports that involve throwing or repetitive use of the shoulder. In some cases, you may have biceps tendinitis exercises to work on at home.
In addition, you may receive other therapy for concurrent injuries, such as injury to the rotator cuff. If your shoulder has not healed after 3 months, you may require surgery.
Biceps tendinitis taping
According to a 2020 trial with 80 adults, kinesiotaping (KT) may reduce pain and improve function, making it a potential alternative to more invasive treatments, like injections.
To tape your biceps tendon, you’ll want to make sure you have quality sports tape and a pair of scissors (as needed). Ideally, you will also have someone to help apply the tape.
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Ava White 18 minutes ago
Before starting, ensure your skin is clean and dry, then follow these steps:Measure the tape the len...
Before starting, ensure your skin is clean and dry, then follow these steps:Measure the tape the length of your biceps, from the acromion process to just above your inner elbow.Create a 2-inch (5-cm) tear, leaving the paper on, to create an anchor point on both sides of the tape.Lift your arm straight to the side, and slightly extend it backward with your palms facing forward.Remove the paper on one of the anchor points and place the sticky part (with zero stretch) just above your inner elbow.Pull the tape, removing the paper as you go, upward and toward your shoulder with around 25% stretch and press it into the skin. Stop once you reach the other anchor point and it’s just over your shoulder at the biceps tendon.Remove the remaining paper and press the rest of the tape into the skin with zero stretch.Gently rub the tape to allow it to stick properly.Share on Pinterest
Biceps tendinitis symptoms
Common symptoms of biceps tendinitis include:pain or tenderness at the front of the shoulderradiating pain along the upper armshoulder stiffness or limited mobilitypain or weakness when performing tasks above the head or with general movementtrouble rotating the arm (supination or pronation)a “popping” or “clicking” sound with movement
If you’re having similar symptoms but near the inner middle part of your elbow, you may be experiencing distal biceps tendinitis.
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David Cohen 8 minutes ago
Frequently asked questions about biceps tendinitis
How long does biceps tendinitis las...
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William Brown 7 minutes ago
Can I work out with biceps tendinitis
It’s not recommended to exercise your arms with bi...
Frequently asked questions about biceps tendinitis
How long does biceps tendinitis last
Biceps tendinitis often lasts a few weeks to months. In mild cases, you may be able to return to physical activity in as little as 1 to 2 weeks, as long as you’re not experiencing any symptoms or pain.
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Evelyn Zhang 8 minutes ago
Can I work out with biceps tendinitis
It’s not recommended to exercise your arms with bi...
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Natalie Lopez 8 minutes ago
What does biceps tendinitis feel like
Most people with biceps tendinitis describe it as pa...
Can I work out with biceps tendinitis
It’s not recommended to exercise your arms with biceps tendinitis. Instead, it’s best to allow the area to rest and heal. You can focus on core and lower body exercises, or cardio exercises that do not exacerbate the pain.
What does biceps tendinitis feel like
Most people with biceps tendinitis describe it as pain or tenderness in their shoulder area. They may also feel a throbbing sensation and have difficulty lifting or rotating their arm. The bottom line
Biceps tendinitis is a common issue that involves inflammation of the biceps tendon.
The most common type is proximal biceps tendinitis, which affects the long head of the biceps tendon near the shoulder. Overuse and repetitive motion during physical activities, such as baseball, tennis, swimming, and golf, often cause it.
Biceps tendinitis can also occur from a sudden load or overexertion, such as lifting an object or weight. You can typically treat biceps tendinitis with adequate rest, physical therapy, and pain management. In rare cases, you may require surgery.
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Hannah Kim 68 minutes ago
If you suspect you have biceps tendinitis, visit a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Last med...
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Natalie Lopez 9 minutes ago
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial ...
If you suspect you have biceps tendinitis, visit a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Last medically reviewed on October 6, 2022
How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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Alexander Wang 13 minutes ago
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial ...
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William Brown 54 minutes ago
(2020). Effectiveness of kinesio taping in bicipital tendinitis treatment: A randomized controlled t...
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Chen RE, et al. (2018). Long head of biceps injury: Treatment options and decision making.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30059449/Genç E, et al.
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Ella Rodriguez 3 minutes ago
(2020). Effectiveness of kinesio taping in bicipital tendinitis treatment: A randomized controlled t...
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Mia Anderson 32 minutes ago
Physical therapy interventions for the management of biceps tendinopathy: An international Delphi st...
(2020). Effectiveness of kinesio taping in bicipital tendinitis treatment: A randomized controlled trial.
researchgate.net/publication/340502608_Effectiveness_of_kinesio_taping_in_bicipital_tendinitis_treatment_A_randomized_controlled_trialMcDevitt AW, et al. (2022).
Physical therapy interventions for the management of biceps tendinopathy: An international Delphi study.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9159730/Raney EB, et al. (2017).
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Oliver Taylor 3 minutes ago
Pain and the pathogenesis of biceps tendinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489872/Varac...
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Alexander Wang 9 minutes ago
Proximal biceps tendinitis and tendinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK533002/Zeinali A, et al. ...
Pain and the pathogenesis of biceps tendinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489872/Varacallo M, et al. (2022).
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Natalie Lopez 8 minutes ago
Proximal biceps tendinitis and tendinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK533002/Zeinali A, et al. ...
Proximal biceps tendinitis and tendinopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK533002/Zeinali A, et al. (2017).
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Joseph Kim 15 minutes ago
Comparison of the effects of kinesio taping to local injection of methyl prednisolone in treating br...
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Scarlett Brown 86 minutes ago
Bell, MD, FACP — By Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT on October 6, 2022
Read this next
What...
Comparison of the effects of kinesio taping to local injection of methyl prednisolone in treating brachial biceps tendonitis.
scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=77133Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version
Oct 6, 2022
By
Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT
Edited By
Saralyn Ward
Medically Reviewed By
Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP
Copy Edited By
Sara Giusti
Share this articleMedically reviewed by Angela M.
Bell, MD, FACP — By Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT on October 6, 2022
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