Biceps Tendonitis Treatment in Westminster Denver Colorado
Overview
The biceps muscle has two tendons at the shoulder. The long head inserts at the top of the socket and the short head inserts adjacent to the socket on the coracoid process of the scapula. Tendonitis occurs most commonly in the long head of the biceps tendon. A debate persists regarding the role of the long head of the biceps in the function of the shoulder. Inflammation is caused by micro tears in the tendon generated by overuse or exceeding the strength of the tendon. Repetitive motion such as throwing, serving, or swinging a golf club can predispose to these micro tears and inflammation.
Risk Factors
- Repetitive overhead activity either in sport, work, or daily life
- Tendon becomes stiffer as we age and more prone to injury
- Arthritis, which causes bone spurs that can encroach upon the biceps tendon
- Smoking
Symptoms
When the long head of the biceps gets inflamed it functions as a pain generator in the anterior aspect of the shoulder. Biceps tendonitis is characterized by:
- Aching and tenderness on the anterior aspect of the shoulder
- Pain when raising your arm or turning a screwdriver
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Weakness with overhead lifting
This pain can come on suddenly with one motion or insidiously over time.
When to see your doctor
- When the pain interferes with your activities of daily living and has not responded to rest and over-the-counter pain reliever
- When you are unable to continue your recreational or sporting activity secondary to anterior shoulder pain or your shoulder pain interferes with your sleep
- You encounter a sudden sharp pain and have a bulge or Popeye deformity in your mid upper arm
Prevention
- Stretch before activity
- Take breaks when doing continuous overhead activity
- Strengthen your shoulder muscles especially the rotator cuff
- Maintain your range of motion of your shoulder
- Avoid nicotine
Our expert providers are experienced and skilled at treating biceps tendonitis and are your source for expert treatment of biceps tendonitis in Westminster and Denver Colorado. Not only are we the premier treatment for spine injuries and chiropractic in Westminster and Denver Colorado, but we also specialize in many other advanced treatment techniques such as shockwave, cold laser, graston technique, KT Taping, activator, instrument aided spinal alignments, drop table, toggle, in house rehab services, and on site digital xrays. We are your Premier destination for biceps tendonitis treatment in Westminster Colorado and Denver Colorado Chiropractor.