Upper arm tendonitis

A tendonitis in the upper arm is a reaction to small tears in the tendon due to overuse. The tendon swells and becomes painful, making movement more difficult. Because tendons have a relatively poor blood supply, recovery is slow. A tendon in the upper arm that is frequently involved in inflammatory reactions is that of the biceps muscle. This is the tendon of the muscle belly in your upper arm.

How does tendonitis in the upper arm arise?

In most cases, an acute or repeated (chronic) overuse of the tendon is the cause of the inflammation. Think of an acute overload such as a fall or a blow to the upper arm. Repeated overuse can result from frequent lifting of the arm or repeatedly bending the elbow.

There are a number of risk factors for developing an inflammatory reaction of the biceps tendon. Examples include a previous biceps injury, poor posture of the trunk or shoulder, and reduced shoulder stability. In sports, biceps tendon inflammation is often seen in strength athletes who may train too heavily, or in throwing sports such as baseball and cricket.

Symptoms of tendonitis in the upper arm

Characteristic of tendonitis in the upper arm is a stabbing, sharp pain at the front and top of the shoulder. This pain can occur at rest and during activity and may radiate toward the elbow. The tendon may swell locally, feel warm, and be tender to the touch.

Because the biceps tendon is so-called biarticular, meaning it is involved in movements of both the shoulder and the elbow, movements of these joints can provoke the pain.

A tendonitis in the upper part of the upper arm is also called proximal biceps injury. In this case, the pain is at the front/top of the shoulder. A tendonitis in the lower part of the upper arm is called distal biceps injury. The pain is then felt at the level of the elbow (elbow crease).

How is tendonitis in the upper arm diagnosed (diagnosed)?

On physical examination, a tendonitis in the upper arm can be well diagnosed by a physical therapist or primary care physician, especially when it involves a superficial muscle like the biceps.

If there is doubt or uncertainty, the physician can write a referral for additional tests at the hospital. In most cases, an ultrasound will be sufficient to diagnose tendonitis in the upper arm.

Treatment of tendonitis in the upper arm

Because tendonitis in the upper arm is usually the result of overuse, rest and graded loading are the first treatment methods to be initiated. It is then important to gradually build up loading of the upper arm again. A physical therapist is ideally suited to guide this process.

In addition, the physical therapist can use treatment methods such as massage, frictions, taping, dry needling, or shockwave.

If you are experiencing tendonitis in the upper arm, enlist the help of a physical therapist.