Bicep Tendonitis Physical Therapy

Bicep tendonitis occurs at the top of the arm where two tendons are attached to shoulder bones. Physical therapy for bicep tendonitis is designed to reduce inflammation and pain, incorporate medication as needed, stretch the tendon and increase mobility, strengthen it and get it acclimated for activity again. The process can be aggravating and time consuming. Physical therapists can be used at times for both sports- and work-related rehabilitation.

Effects of Rest & Ice Therapy

• Before any rehabilitation exercises can be instituted, inflammation must be reduced to a manageable level. This is best accomplished through rest and ice application. Rest prevents further aggravation of the tendon. Ice causes vasoconstriction which limits the flow of blood and fluids to the area, reducing swelling and pain. Most physical therapy programs for bicep tendonitis encourage frequent ice application at 20-minute intervals. Ice is best applied with ice packs to ensure that the coldness is continually pressed against the tendon. It is also best to keep the area elevated above the heart to reduce inflammation.

Types of Medication

• During bicep tendonitis physical therapy, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen inhibits Cox-2 enzymes from producing prostaglandins (chemicals). This mitigates the body's natural reaction to overused tendons, which reduces pain and swelling. Topical ointments such as Bengay can also be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. In more severe cases of biceps tendonitis, steroids may be necessary to control the inflammation.

Types of Stretching Exercises

• Once swelling is under control, stretching exercises can be implemented for re-acclimating the tendon to motion. People normally start out slowly and gently stretch the biceps tendon in different directions, determining how much pain still exists. One stretching exercise may entail holding one arm against a doorway and gradually twisting the body away from the arm to stretch the top of the biceps tendon. Another may require a person to reach behind his back and pull a rolled-up towel upward to stretch the biceps tendon at another angle. Stretching exercises enable a person with bicep tendonitis to gradually work through any lingering pain. Stretching promotes blood flow to foster the healing process.

Types of Strengthening Exercises

• Once the bicep tendon has been stretched and loosened up over a period of time, light weightlifting or resistance training is normally introduced. Exercises can include dumbbell biceps curls, front dumbbell raises for shoulders, one-arm rows for upper back and various other exercises. Resistance or light weightlifting helps get mobility and strength back into the tendon. At the same time, adjacent muscles can be strengthened to provide support for the healing biceps tendon. Weightlifting is usually the best way to promote the greatest amount of blood flow to the tendon. Gradually, the biceps tendon will get stronger and a person can eventually return to normal activity.

Time Frame

• There is no set time frame for using physical therapy to overcome bicep tendonitis. Healing time is contingent upon the severity of the injury. However, those that take a more proactive approach to their physical therapy can expect to heal at a faster pace than others.