Rehabilitation from biceps tendonitis depends on the severity of the injury. Minor tendonitis can be treated with a combination of rest, ice and medication. Severe injuries may require surgery. However treated, recover from biceps tendonitis requires a physical therapy program that will strengthen your arm, restore range of motion and reduce pain.
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis is the inflammation of your biceps tendon. Your biceps muscle is on the front of your upper arm and is attached to your shoulder and lower arm bone. Tendons are soft tissues that connect muscles to bone. Your biceps tendon is what attaches the biceps muscle to the bone. Your biceps is used to control the movement of your lower arm, as well as in throwing motions, such as throwing a baseball. Repetitive overhead motion can cause friction against the biceps tendon, resulting in irritation and inflammation. If you have biceps tendonitis, you may notice pain and localized tenderness in your arm and an occasional popping sound or feeling in your shoulder.
Rehabilitation
Biceps tendonitis can usually be treated with non-surgical measures. If this is the case, your rehabilitation will include rest, ice and medication. You should avoid putting any stress on your biceps if it is hurting. You can apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day to prevent swelling. Make sure to wrap the ice first to avoid irritating your skin. You may also take pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and inflammation. These are the most common treatments for biceps tendonitis. Your doctor may also prescribe an exercise routine to help strengthen the tendon.
Physical Therapy
Regardless of whether or not surgery is required, you will most likely need physical therapy following your injury. The goal of physical therapy is to provide strength and stability while maintaining full range of motion. This will allow you to return to normal activities. Your program should include stretching and strengthening exercises performed once or twice daily. Stretching will help improve the elasticity of your tendons. Make sure to stay within your pain limitations and hold each stretch for 10 seconds. Strengthening exercises build up your biceps, shoulder and arm muscles, helping to stabilize your arm and prevent another injury.
Prognosis
According to the Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic, with proper rehabilitation, biceps tendonitis treated early usually lasts about two weeks. If surgery is required, it may take up to two months to fully recover.
