Pain, tenderness and inflammation around long head of biceps tendon often caused due to overuse injury among older patients especially older athletes ( 30+ age athletes and old aged patients 60+ age).
Pain often resembles Shoulder impingement syndrome, Rotator cuff tendinopathy.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Occurs more commonly while performing or after sporting activities like lifting, throwing, overhead movement.
In UK prevalence rate of biceps tendon rupture is 0.53/100,000 over 5 years, with male:female ratio 3:1.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Repetitive irritation friction leads to swelling of tendon initially.
Continued irritation, traction, friction makes tendon thicker.
Eventually long term irritation leads to adhesion formation around surrounding structures.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Patients with biceps tendinopathy often complain of a deep, throbbing pain in the anterior shoulder that is intensified when lifting.
Patients are likely to present with a chief complaint of anteromedial shoulder pain The pain is usually localized to the bicipital groove and may radiate toward the insertion of the deltoid muscle or along radial distribution
Pain may be aggravated by overhead reaching, pulling and lifting activities. The pain usually worsens at night when sleeping on the affected shoulder.
Pain with palpation over the bicipital groove is another physical exam finding in patients with biceps tendinopathy. Active elbow flexion may also provoke pain. Cases associated with biceps instability, the patient may complain of an anterior shoulder “clicking” or “popping” sensation associated with throwing motions.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND DIAGNOSIS
Physical examination includes Active And Passive ROM testing, Palpation, Clinical Screening and Specific tests
Biceps Tendon tests
SPEED TEST
Resisted shoulder flexion with elbow extended and forearm supinated
Positive if pain felt in bicipital groove
YERGASON TEST
Elbow flexed at 90°. Initially pronated
Active Supination and flexion against resistance
Pain at bicipital groove yields positive result
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND MEASURES
SLAP Lesion
Glenohumeral Instability
OsteoArthritis
Sub-Acromial Impingement
Scales used to measure is
DASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand)
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
Physical therapy has been commonly used for the treatment of tendinopathies, especially eccentric training.
Intervention should include restoration of pain free range of motion, trunk and core stability and ensuring stable scapulothoracic rhythm. Pain free range can be achieved with such activities as Passive Range of Motion, Active Assisted Range of Motion, and mobilization. Painful activities such as abduction and overhead activities should be avoided in the early stages of recovery as it can exacerbate symptoms.
Initial Conservative Management includes application of ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day for the first 48 hours. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are used for 3-4 weeks to treat inflammation and pain
Stretching and strengthening regimes are a common aspects of most therapy protocols. Therapists also use other modalities like ultrasound, iontophoresis, deep transverse friction massage, low-level laser therapy, Hot fermentation.
Rehabilitation Exercise Regime includes
Active Elbow Flexion and Extension
Biceps Stretch
Biceps Curl
Single arm Shoulder flexion
Resisted Shoulder Internal Rotation
Resisted Shoulder External Rotation
Sleeper Stretch
Side lying External Rotation
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