In short, most patients do not need surgery for bicep tendinopathy and find relief without going under the knife.

Non-Surgical Success: Conservative treatments are effective for the vast majority of bicep tendinopathy cases.
Targeted Therapies: Physical therapy and medication are usually the first line of defense to reduce pain and restore function.
Surgical Options: Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases or when conservative methods have failed after several months.

If you are dealing with persistent shoulder pain, finding effective bicep tendinopathy treatment is likely your top priority. The good news is that surgery is rarely the first step, and most people recover fully with non-invasive approaches.

Bicep tendinopathy, often an overuse injury, involves inflammation or degeneration of the tendon connecting your bicep muscle to the shoulder. While the pain can be sharp and limiting, the road to recovery usually begins in a physical therapy clinic rather than an operating room.

What Is Bicep Tendinopathy?

Bicep tendinopathy is a condition that causes pain in the front of the shoulder or upper arm. It occurs when the long head of the biceps tendon becomes inflamed or irritated. This tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder socket.

This condition is often the result of wear and tear over time. It is common in athletes who perform overhead motions, such as swimmers or tennis players. However, it also affects individuals who perform repetitive lifting or overhead tasks at work.

Symptoms typically include a deep, throbbing ache in the front of the shoulder. The pain may worsen with overhead lifting or activity. You might also hear a clicking or snapping sound when you move your arm.

Is Surgery Always Required for Bicep Tendinopathy Treatment?

The short answer is no. Surgery is not always required for effective bicep tendinopathy treatment. In fact, orthopedic specialists consider surgery a last resort.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most patients experience symptom relief through conservative measures. These non-surgical methods focus on reducing inflammation and restoring strength to the shoulder.

Your doctor will likely recommend a period of rest and activity modification first. This allows the inflamed tendon to calm down. If pain persists, they will move on to more active forms of bicep tendinopathy treatment.

What Are the Non-Surgical Treatment Options?

The conservative ways to treat bicep tendinopathy are:

Rest and Activity Modification

The first step in healing is avoiding the activities that cause pain. This does not mean you must stop moving entirely. Instead, you should avoid overhead lifting and repetitive reaching.

Ice and Cold Therapy

Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. Doctors often recommend icing the shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) help reduce pain and swelling. These are often used in the early stages of bicep tendinopathy treatment.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the cornerstone of non-surgical recovery. A therapist will guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises aim to restore range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder.

Steroid Injections

If rest and therapy do not provide relief, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection. This powerful anti-inflammatory medication is injected directly into the tendon sheath. It can provide temporary relief, allowing you to participate more fully in physical therapy.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Doctors typically consider surgery only after conservative bicep tendinopathy treatment has failed. If you have followed a structured rehabilitation program for three to six months without improvement, surgery may be the next step.

Surgery might also be necessary if you have other shoulder problems. Many patients with bicep tendinopathy also suffer from rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement. In these cases, the surgeon may address the biceps tendon while repairing the other damage.

There are two main surgical procedures for the biceps tendon: tenodesis and tenotomy.

Biceps Tenodesis

In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged section of the tendon. They then reattach the remaining healthy tendon to the upper arm bone (humerus). This surgery preserves muscle strength and appearance.

Biceps Tenotomy

In a tenotomy, the surgeon releases the damaged tendon from its attachment. The tendon is not reattached to the bone. This is often a simpler recovery, but it may result in a “Popeye” deformity in the arm.

Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent Recurrence?

Making long-term changes to your daily routine can prevent the pain from returning. This is a crucial part of ongoing bicep tendinopathy treatment.

Improve Your Posture

Poor posture can roll your shoulders forward, putting extra stress on the biceps tendon. Practice keeping your shoulders back and down, especially when sitting at a desk.

Warm Up Properly

Before exercising or performing heavy work, take time to warm up. Gentle stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and tendons.

Lift with Proper Form

When lifting objects, keep them close to your body. Avoid lifting heavy items over your head whenever possible. If you must lift overhead, use a stool or ladder to get closer to the object.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment method.

Non-Surgical Recovery

With conservative bicep tendinopathy treatment, mild cases may resolve in a few weeks. More chronic cases can take several months of consistent physical therapy. Most patients see significant improvement within six to twelve weeks.

Surgical Recovery

If surgery is necessary, recovery takes longer. You may need to wear a sling for a few weeks. Full return to sports or heavy lifting can take four to six months.

Are There Risks Associated with Surgery?

Like any operation, bicep surgery carries risks. These include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. There is also a small risk that the surgery will not fully relieve the pain.

Because of these risks, surgeons prefer to exhaust all non-invasive options first. Most patients find that a dedicated commitment to physical therapy provides excellent results without the need for an incision.

Making the Right Choice for Your Shoulder

Deciding on the best bicep tendinopathy treatment requires a conversation with a specialist. They will evaluate your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

If you are an elite athlete, your treatment plan might look different than someone who just wants to lift their grandchildren without pain. Your doctor will tailor the plan to meet your specific needs.

Remember that patience is key. Tendons have a poor blood supply, which means they heal slower than muscles. Sticking to your treatment plan is essential for long-term relief.

Bicep Tendinopathy Treatment in Carmel, IN

Shoulder pain can disrupt your life, but you do not have to live with it. Finding the right bicep tendinopathy treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. Whether you need guidance on physical therapy or a consultation for surgical options, expert care is available at Total Shoulder.

At Total Shoulder, we specialize in helping patients regain function and live pain-free. Do not wait for the pain to worsen. Call us today at (317) 705-4392 or use our online appointment request form and take the first step toward recovery today.