Physiotherapy/treatment

The treatment of biceps tendon inflammation depends on the cause. For example, an inflammation of the biceps tendon, which is the result of an impingement syndrome on the shoulder (bottleneck syndrome), often requires surgical treatment. However, an inflammation of the biceps tendon is usually caused by overloading and treatment is conservative.

In the first step, the treatment to alleviate the symptoms consists of temporary protection/immobilization of the arm and the prescription of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. Local cold applications also relieve the signs of inflammation. Sports activities are taboo until the biceps tendon inflammation has completely healed.

Nevertheless, the affected person should start with physiotherapy early on. The experienced physiotherapist will use manual techniques to loosen so-called “adhesions” of the connective tissue and tensions of the surrounding muscles. This alone can significantly relieve the pain and increase the range of movement again.

The manual techniques focus on transverse friction – this means that the physiotherapist massages the sinewy part at right angles to its longitudinal course. This improves the local blood circulation and the inflammation can heal faster.

In addition, targeted muscle training is performed to build up the muscles of the shoulder girdle in order to counteract renewed complaints. Kinesiotapes can also be applied to the painful area. They are supposed to relieve tension, drain and support the healing process by reducing inflammation.The same applies to local applications of ultrasonic waves or stimulation current.

Symptoms

An inflammation of the biceps tendon is also known in the vernacular as the wallet syndrome. This is because if the person affected puts his hand in the back pocket of his trousers (as if he wants to pull out his wallet), an inflammation of the biceps tendon becomes particularly noticeable. Those affected suffer from dull and/or stabbing pain in the area of the breast-armpit transition towards the shoulder.

This pain can radiate into the neck and elbow. In many cases, the pain is accompanied by the classic signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, overheating and restricted movement. In rare cases, movements in the shoulder are accompanied by “snapping”, “jumping” or “cracking”.