Biceps Tendinitis

Repetitive overhead lifting in front of the body puts a special strain onto the biceps tendon where the long head tendon inserts into the rotator cuff. Everything that was said above about "shoulder impingement", "rotator cuff tendinitis" and "rotator cuff tear" is applicable here.

If the biceps tendinitis is severe and chronic enough, the brittle tissue will eventually break and a rotator cuff tear at the insertion site of the biceps tendon into the rotator cuff will result. The key to the diagnosis is the observation that there is pain in the front part of the shoulder with activity and with resisted forward flexion, particularly in the overhead position.

An MRI scan at this stage may show the biceps tendinitis, or the complete tear of the rotator cuff. In the case of a biceps tendinitis the physician likely will order modified work duties or advise the patient to take a break from the strenuous sports activity. Often with modified activities, utilization of other muscles and physiotherapy treatments it is possible to cure the tendinitis.Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Pennsaid can be applied to the skin over the location where there is a in tendinitis this topical medication can penetrate considerably deep into the tissues, deep enough to reach the inflamed tendons. This preparation is a mixture of the anti-inflammatory Diclofenac (1.5%) and the vehicle DMSO, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. The doctor can even order compounded medicine that a pharmacist will mix with Lecithin and 5 to 10% Diclofenac, which is used as a cream or patch using saran wrap (Ref.7).

There is an FDA approved non-drug method available, IceWave patches from Lifewave, which will control pain. This is mentioned in the book "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers (Ref. 8) where newer insights of antiaging medicine are also reviewed. Although the patches are placed over acupuncture points, there are no needles involved. Nanotechnology, a newer technology, was used in the manufacturing of these patches and infrared (heat) waves from body heat are utilized to stimulate an acupuncture point, which modifies pain perception and reduces pain to half or less. Medically this would be considered an excellent pain reliever. For more info on the patches see the IceWave patches from Lifewave link above (click "products"). In the US a 5 pack of the IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed onto the skin in the area where the pain is located.

Home page

Arthritis

Shoulder pain

Advertisement

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. ABC of rheumatology, second edition, edited by Michael L. Snaith , M.D., BMJ Books, 1999.

2. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999.

6. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ Several topics can be found under this link by entering the term you search for.

7. Dr. Taunton, Professor at the University of BC, Vancouver, and Sportsmedicine Director of the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre in Vancouver at the 50th Annual St. Paul's Hospital Continuing Medical Education Conference for Primary Physicians, Nov. 16 - 19, 2004

8. Suzanne Somers: "Breakthrough" Eight Steps to Wellness-- Life-altering Secrets from Today's Cutting-edge Doctors", Crown Publishers, 2008

Last Modified: Nov. 16, 2008