Understanding Bicep Tendinopathy Treatment Methods

Your biceps tendons play a crucial role in your everyday movements—from helping you carry your groceries and reach overhead, to allowing you to perfect your serve on the tennis court. Over time, all the strain from these repetitive movements can make your biceps tendons susceptible to wear and tear, resulting in the development of a condition known as bicep tendinopathy.

Fortunately, bicep tendinopathy is not a permanent roadblock. There are several effective treatment options available, ranging from conservative methods to advanced surgical interventions. The key is understanding the options and finding what works best for your specific situation.

Below, we have provided a lowdown on the various bicep tendinopathy treatment options, starting with the most common first-line strategies and moving through more advanced solutions, to guide your conversation with your orthopedic surgeon.

 

Noninvasive Treatment for Bicep Tendinopathy

Bicep tendinopathy treatment typically starts conservatively. Your orthopedic surgeon will work with you to develop a care plan that will likely include the following:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to help manage pain and swelling in the short term.

 

  • Cold packs – Putting cold packs on the area several times a day helps minimize inflammation and soothe discomfort.

 

  • Rest and activity modification – Resting and avoiding movements that can strain the tendon, such as heavy lifting, overhead reaching, throwing, and repetitive pulling, are crucial for preventing further injury.

 

  • Physical therapy – A well-structured physical therapy program is instrumental in your recovery. At the start of your program, your physical therapist may guide you through gentle stretches to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. As your healing progresses, your physical therapist may have you perform targeted strengthening exercises for your shoulder, rotator cuff, and scapular muscles to help take pressure off the affected biceps tendon.

 

In addition, a physical therapist can teach you proper posture and body mechanics to reduce strain on your shoulder during everyday activities. Improving the way your body moves and bears load helps support tendon healing and prevent future injury.

 

When done consistently, physical therapy can help you fully restore your range of motion, rebuild your strength, and return to your normal activities safely.

 

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Bicep Tendinopathy

If your symptoms continue unabated despite a lengthy course of noninvasive treatments, your orthopedic surgeon may resort to the use of corticosteroid injections. Administered directly into the area around the inflamed biceps tendon, these injections provide rapid and significant relief by reducing inflammation.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy is another technique sometimes used for cases of bicep tendinopathy that do not respond to more conservative treatments. In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon uses a fine needle, guided by ultrasound imaging, to precisely target and pierce the damaged areas of the tendon. This technique essentially creates micro-injuries in the tendon, thereby activating the body’s healing mechanisms.

 

Surgical Treatment Options for Bicep Tendinopathy

Surgery is rarely needed for bicep tendinopathy, but it may be necessary if there is a tear in the tendon or if your symptoms are severely affecting your daily life.

Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend any of these procedures:

  • Tenodesis – This procedure involves your orthopedic surgeon detaching the damaged tendon from your labrum, which is the rubbery cartilage that surrounds your shoulder socket, and then anchoring it to a new hole in your upper arm bone. Repositioning the tendon relieves tension, restores upper-arm stability and strength, and addresses the symptoms altogether.
  • Tenotomy – In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon releases the damaged tendon from its attachment point and allows it to retract slightly into the surrounding tissue. Releasing the tendon reduces tension on the joint or muscle, thereby improving function and relieving pain.

Which type of tendon surgery you need depends on various factors, such as your age, activity level, and overall health. Your orthopedic surgeon will do a thorough assessment to determine which type is suitable for you.

 

Bicep Tendinopathy Treatment in Carmel, IN

For first-rate bicep tendinopathy treatment in Carmel, IN, partner up with Dr. Stephen Jacobsen here at Total Shoulder. A board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jacobsen specializes in diagnosing and treating the gamut of conditions that affect the shoulder, including bicep tendinopathy. Dr. Jacobsen leverages his extensive experience and expertise in the latest techniques to consistently deliver superior treatment outcomes.

Reach out to us at (317) 705-4392 to arrange a visit. You may also fill out our secure appointment request form.

 

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