Shoulder Pain? It Could Be Caused By Your Biceps

Shoulder Pain? It Could Be Caused By Your Biceps

The biceps muscle, located in the front of the upper arm, is a commonly overlooked culprit in cases of shoulder pain. Many people assume that their shoulder pain is always caused by issues in the shoulder itself, such as rotator cuff injuries or impingements, but this is not always the case. In fact, pain in the shoulder can often be referred from other muscles and structures in the body, including the biceps muscle.

One of the primary ways that the biceps muscle can cause shoulder pain is through a condition known as bicipital tendinopathy. This occurs when the tendons that attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder become inflamed or irritated, resulting in pain and stiffness in the shoulder. This injury can be caused by overuse of the muscle, such as from repetitive motions or heavy lifting, or from a direct injury to the muscle or tendons.

Another way that the biceps muscle can contribute to shoulder pain is through muscle imbalances. When the biceps muscle is stronger than the muscles that support the shoulder, such as the rotator cuff and the scapular stabilizers, it can pull on the shoulder and create pain. This muscle imbalance can be caused by overuse of the biceps muscle, poor posture, or an underlying injury that makes it difficult to use other muscles in the shoulder.

Manual therapy and exercises: the powerful combo for shoulder pain relief

Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a highly effective treatment option for individuals experiencing shoulder pain. A physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment of the shoulder and surrounding muscles, joints, and nerves to identify the underlying cause of the pain and to develop an individualized treatment plan.

One of the primary ways that physiotherapy can help to alleviate shoulder pain is through exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder. The physiotherapist will design a specific exercise program to target the muscles and structures that are contributing to the pain, such as the biceps muscle, rotator cuff, and scapular stabilizers. 

This may include exercises such as shoulder blade squeezes, rotator cuff strengthening exercises, and stretches to relieve muscle tension. These exercises will help to restore normal function to the shoulder and reduce pain.

Another important aspect of physiotherapy for shoulder pain is manual therapy. Manual therapy is a technique that involves the use of hands-on techniques such as mobilization, manipulation, and massage to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. The physiotherapist will use these techniques to release muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. This can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing bicipital tendinopathy, as manual therapy can help to reduce pain and improve the function of the biceps muscle.

In addition to manual therapy and exercise, physiotherapy may also include the use of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or ice therapy. These modalities can be used to reduce pain and inflammation, increase blood flow to the shoulder, and promote healing.

Education is also an important component of physiotherapy for shoulder pain. The physiotherapist will educate the patient on proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics to help prevent future injuries. They will also provide tips on how to protect the shoulder and manage pain during daily activities.

Lastly, the physiotherapist will progress the patients’ exercises and treatment plan as the shoulder pain improves to ensure that the patient is able to return to normal activities and prevent recurrence of pain.

In conclusion, physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment option for individuals experiencing shoulder pain. A physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment of the shoulder to identify the underlying cause of the pain and to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder, manual therapy, modalities, education and progression of the treatment plan. With the guidance and expertise of a physiotherapist, individuals can achieve relief from shoulder pain and regain their normal function and activity levels.

If you’d like to find a top physiotherapy clinic near you just click the find a clinic button on this page.

Check out this post from New Leaf Physiotherapy.

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shoulder pain can be serious if it is accompanied by a fever, swelling, inability to move the shoulder, increased pain when bearing weight on the shoulder, or if the pain persists for more than a few days. If any of these symptoms occur, it is best to seek medical attention. 

Red flags for shoulder pain include a history of trauma or a fall, night pain, tingling or numbness in the shoulder or arm, pain that has been increasing over time, a history of cancer, persistent night pain or a fever. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention.

The lungs can sometimes cause shoulder pain with associated coughing and difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms are present, it is best to seek medical attention.

About Taylor Sipos

Taylor is a physiotherapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic located in Toronto, Ontario. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, exercise therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture. His treatment philosophy involves giving his patient’s the means to self-manage their injuries. He does this through reassurance, education and health promotion. Taylor uses the same principles as a patient educator at Pain Hero. He aims to provide you with high-quality, easy to understand information to teach you about your condition and how to improve it.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

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