Before knowig Biceps Tendinopathy Physical Examination first talk about what is Biceps tendinopathy ?
Biceps tendinopathy, also known as bicipital tendinopathy, refers to a condition characterized by pain and dysfunction in the biceps tendon.
The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the bone in the shoulder and elbow joints.
Tendinopathy is a general term that encompasses various tendon-related disorders, including tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) and tendinosis (degeneration of the tendon).
Biceps tendinopathy usually involves a combination of these conditions.
The primary cause of biceps tendinopathy is overuse or repetitive strain on the tendon.
It commonly affects individuals who engage in activities that require repetitive arm motions or those involved in sports such as weightlifting, tennis, or throwing.
Other contributing factors may include age-related degeneration, shoulder impingement, muscle imbalances, and poor biomechanics.
Symptoms of Biceps tendinopathy
Symptoms of biceps tendinopathy typically include pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder or the front of the elbow, depending on the location of the affected tendon.
Pain may worsen with certain movements, such as lifting, reaching, or overhead activities. Weakness, stiffness and aching sensations are also common.
Physical examination for Biceps Tendinopathy
During a physical examination for biceps tendinopathy, a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist, will typically perform the following assessments:
Medical history:
The healthcare professional will ask you questions about your symptoms, including the location and nature of pain.
when it started, any activities that aggravate or relieve the pain and any previous treatments or injuries.
Observation of Biceps Tendinopathy :
The healthcare professional will visually inspect the affected area, looking for any visible signs of swelling, redness, or deformity.
They may also observe your posture and arm movement to assess for any abnormalities or compensatory movements.
Palpation:
By gently feeling the affected area, the healthcare professional can identify specific points of tenderness and evaluate the integrity of the biceps tendon.
They may also check for any muscle knots or tightness in the surrounding muscles.
Range of motion assessment :
The healthcare professional will assess your shoulder and elbow range of motion to determine if any restrictions or limitations are present.
They may ask you to perform various movements, such as flexion, extension, abduction and rotation, while they observe and note any pain or discomfort.
Strength testing:
Muscle strength will be evaluate to assess the function of the biceps and other surrounding muscles.
The healthcare professional may ask you to perform specific actions
such as flexing the elbow or resisting against their pressure, to assess the strength of the biceps muscle.
Special tests to identify Biceps Tendinopathy :
There are several specific tests that can help diagnose biceps tendinopathy and rule out other shoulder or elbow conditions.
For example, the Speed’s test involves resisting shoulder flexion with the elbow extended, which can elicit pain in the biceps tendon.
The Yergason’s test involves resisting forearm supination while the elbow is flexed
which can reproduce pain or instability in the biceps tendon.
Biceps Tendinopathy diagnosis
Based on the findings from the physical examination, the healthcare professional can make a preliminary diagnosis of biceps tendinopathy.
Further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI.
may be order to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of the tendon damage.
It is important to note that the specific physical examination techniques may vary depending on the doctor and their clinical judgment.
Therefore, it is always recommend to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Treatment :
Treatment for biceps tendinopathy focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting tendon healing.
It often involves a combination of conservative measures such as rest, ice therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Physiotherapy Treatment :
Physical therapy exercises and modification of activities to avoid aggravating the tendon.
In some cases, corticosteroid injections or other therapeutic modalities may be recommended.
Surgical intervention :
Severe or persistent cases of biceps tendinopathy that do not respond to conservative treatment may require surgical intervention.
Surgery aims to repair or remove damaged tendon tissue and address any underlying structural issues in the shoulder joint.
If you suspect you have biceps tendinopathy or are experiencing persistent shoulder or elbow pain, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.