BICEPS TENDONITIS AND RUPTURE (SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
PERSPECTIVE)
INTRODUCTION
Biceps tendon injuries, including tendonitis and rupture, are common in athletes involved in overhead
and throwing sports such as baseball, tennis, swimming, and weightlifting. The biceps brachii muscle
has two tendons at the shoulder: the long head and the short head, which attach to the scapula. Injury
to these tendons can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced functional capacity of the arm.
Physiotherapists play a vital role in assessment, rehabilitation, and prevention of these injuries.
Additional points: - Can be acute (sudden trauma) or chronic (overuse) - Affects performance in sports
requiring elbow flexion or overhead movement - Requires early intervention to prevent long-term
functional impairment - Understanding biomechanics of shoulder and elbow is crucial for management
DEFINITION
• Biceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon, usually the long head, caused by overuse
or repetitive stress.
• Biceps Tendon Rupture: Partial or complete tear of the biceps tendon resulting in loss of
tendon integrity and function.
Key points: - Commonly affects the long head of biceps - Can be associated with rotator cuff pathology
or shoulder impingement - Leads to pain, weakness, and impaired overhead activity
TYPES
1. Biceps Tendonitis / Tendinopathy
2. Inflammation due to repetitive overhead activity or microtrauma
3. Paragraph: Often results from impingement under the acromion or repetitive eccentric loading.
Presents with anterior shoulder pain and tenderness over bicipital groove.
4. Partial Rupture
5. Incomplete tear of tendon fibers
6. Paragraph: Caused by chronic degeneration or repetitive stress. Symptoms include pain,
weakness, and difficulty with elbow flexion or supination.
7. Complete Rupture
8. Complete tear of the tendon, often long head
9. Paragraph: May result from sudden eccentric load or trauma. Signs include a visible bulge in the
arm (Popeye deformity), sudden pain, and significant functional loss.
1
PERSPECTIVE)
INTRODUCTION
Biceps tendon injuries, including tendonitis and rupture, are common in athletes involved in overhead
and throwing sports such as baseball, tennis, swimming, and weightlifting. The biceps brachii muscle
has two tendons at the shoulder: the long head and the short head, which attach to the scapula. Injury
to these tendons can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced functional capacity of the arm.
Physiotherapists play a vital role in assessment, rehabilitation, and prevention of these injuries.
Additional points: - Can be acute (sudden trauma) or chronic (overuse) - Affects performance in sports
requiring elbow flexion or overhead movement - Requires early intervention to prevent long-term
functional impairment - Understanding biomechanics of shoulder and elbow is crucial for management
DEFINITION
• Biceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon, usually the long head, caused by overuse
or repetitive stress.
• Biceps Tendon Rupture: Partial or complete tear of the biceps tendon resulting in loss of
tendon integrity and function.
Key points: - Commonly affects the long head of biceps - Can be associated with rotator cuff pathology
or shoulder impingement - Leads to pain, weakness, and impaired overhead activity
TYPES
1. Biceps Tendonitis / Tendinopathy
2. Inflammation due to repetitive overhead activity or microtrauma
3. Paragraph: Often results from impingement under the acromion or repetitive eccentric loading.
Presents with anterior shoulder pain and tenderness over bicipital groove.
4. Partial Rupture
5. Incomplete tear of tendon fibers
6. Paragraph: Caused by chronic degeneration or repetitive stress. Symptoms include pain,
weakness, and difficulty with elbow flexion or supination.
7. Complete Rupture
8. Complete tear of the tendon, often long head
9. Paragraph: May result from sudden eccentric load or trauma. Signs include a visible bulge in the
arm (Popeye deformity), sudden pain, and significant functional loss.
1
