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What Causes Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy?

What Causes Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy

Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy is a medical condition that affects the elbow joint and causes chronic pain. It occurs when the tendon that connects the biceps muscle of the upper arm to the shoulder becomes damaged. Although it can affect anyone it is more common in athletes particularly those who engage in overhead activities such as weightlifting, throwing, and swimming. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy and how chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help manage the condition.

Overuse of the Elbow Joint: One of the most common causes of Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy is overuse of the elbow joint. When you repeatedly perform activities that require you to move your arm above your head or throw a ball, you put extra strain on the long head biceps tendon. Over time, this can lead to damage and inflammation of the tendon.

Aging: As we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to damage. This is why Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy is more common in people over the age of 40. With age, the tendon loses its elasticity, making it more prone to small tears and fraying.

Traumatic Injury: Another cause of Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy is a traumatic injury to the elbow joint. Falling on an outstretched arm, lifting a heavy object improperly, or suddenly stopping a weightlifting movement can all cause damage to the tendon.

Poor Posture: Poor posture can also cause Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy. When you spend long hours sitting in front of a computer or driving, your shoulders tend to hunch forward, causing a strain on the tendon. It is important to maintain good posture throughout the day and perform exercises that strengthen your back muscles.

Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy: Chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help manage Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy. Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the spine, which in turn helps to reduce the strain on the elbow joint. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, helps to restore the function and mobility of the elbow joint through exercises and stretches. Both treatments complement each other and have been shown to be effective in managing Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy.

In conclusion, Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy is a condition that affects the elbow joint and causes chronic pain. Overuse of the elbow joint, aging, traumatic injury, and poor posture are some of the common causes of this condition. If you suffer from Long Head Biceps Tendinopathy, it is important to seek chiropractic care and physiotherapy to manage your symptoms. With proper treatment and care, you can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with this condition and regain your quality of life.

If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!

Picture of Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT

Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT

Physiotherapist
Nitin is an internationally trained physiotherapist and has been practicing in Canada since 2015. After graduating in 2009, Nitin started as a physiotherapist in a cardiothoracic and vascular surgery team under the guidance of an eminent cardiac surgeon. His interest and passion in the field of sports and musculoskeletal rehabilitation made him switch from acute care to a musculoskeletal rehabilitation setting. Nitin blends various hands-on physiotherapy techniques with therapeutic exercises to achieve his client’s goals. He is certified in the McKenzie method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT): Lumbar spine, Mulligan concepts and personalized blood flow restriction rehabilitation (PBFR). His clients vary from weekend warriors to elite athletes. He is a huge advocate of the ‘Looking beyond the pain’ model to provide clients with the best care possible. Exercises and activity modification are always important components of his treatment plans to empower clients to reach their health goals.

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