Bicipital Tendinitis: Understanding Shoulder Pain from the Biceps Tendon
Shoulder pain can stem from many causes- but when the front of your shoulder aches, especially when you lift your arm or rotate it, one common culprit is bicipital tendinitis.
At Metro Wellness NYC, we help busy professionals, athletes, and desk workers recover from this frustrating condition with non-surgical, evidence-based treatments including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture.
What is Bicipital Tendinitis?
Bicipital tendinitis (also called biceps tendinopathy or biceps tendonitis) is the inflammation or irritation of the long head of the biceps tendon, where it runs through a groove in the upper arm bone (humerus) and attaches to the shoulder joint.
This tendon helps with shoulder stability, elbow flexion, and forearm rotation, so inflammation can make everyday movements painful.
What Causes Bicipital Tendinitis?
Bicipital tendinitis often results from repetitive overuse or chronic stress on the shoulder joint, especially in movements involving overhead lifting or reaching.
Common causes include:
Repetitive overhead activities (e.g., weightlifting, swimming, tennis)
Poor posture (especially forward-rounded shoulders from prolonged sitting)
Impingement or rotator cuff dysfunction
Shoulder instability or trauma
Desk work with poor ergonomics and long-term muscle imbalances
A 2021 review in Shoulder & Elbow confirmed that repetitive shoulder movement, especially with poor mechanics, is a primary risk factor for long head biceps tendinopathy.¹
Who’s at Risk?
Anyone can develop bicipital tendinitis, but it’s most common among:
Athletes (e.g., swimmers, climbers, weightlifters, pitchers)
Desk workers with poor posture and weak postural muscles
Manual laborers using repetitive shoulder motions
Adults aged 35+, especially with existing rotator cuff issues
Even non-athletes are at risk if they sit with slouched posture and don’t actively stretch or strengthen their shoulders and upper back.
Signs and Symptoms
You may have bicipital tendinitis if you experience:
Pain at the front of the shoulder that worsens with lifting or overhead motions
Tenderness when pressing the biceps groove
Pain with reaching behind the back (like putting on a coat)
Occasional clicking or snapping in the shoulder
Weakness or fatigue in the arm
Sample Exercises to Prevent or Relieve Bicipital Tendinitis
These simple, science-backed movements can help:
1. Wall Angels
Strengthens postural muscles and improves shoulder mobility
✅ Stand against a wall, arms in “goalpost” position
✅ Slowly raise and lower without arching your back
2. Isometric Biceps Hold
Reduces inflammation while maintaining strength
✅ Elbow bent at 90°, press palm against a wall gently for 5–10 seconds
3. Scapular Retractions
Activates mid-back muscles to counteract desk slouching
✅ Squeeze shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds
4. Doorway Pec Stretch
Relieves anterior shoulder tightness
✅ Stand in a doorway, arms at shoulder height
✅ Step forward gently to stretch chest and shoulders
* Always consult a physical therapist before starting a new rehab program, especially if pain is persistent.
How to Prevent Bicipital Tendinitis
Prevention is key, especially for desk-bound or active people:
✅ Practice good posture – Keep your head over your shoulders and avoid slouching
✅ Strengthen your upper back – Focus on rows, reverse flys, and scapular stability
✅ Avoid overtraining – Give your shoulder time to recover after workouts
✅ Stretch the front of your body – Chest and shoulder stretches are essential
✅ Ergonomic workspace setup – Monitor at eye level, elbows at 90°, wrists neutral
How Metro Wellness NYC Can Help
At Metro Wellness, we take a comprehensive, hands-on approach to shoulder pain like bicipital tendinitis.
Physical Therapy
Our licensed PTs guide you through:
Customized rehabilitation programs
Manual therapy and myofascial release
Postural re-education and shoulder stabilization
A 2020 study in Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that exercise therapy and manual mobilization are effective for tendon-related shoulder conditions.²
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors address:
Joint mobility in the thoracic spine and shoulder girdle
Postural alignment to reduce shoulder strain
Functional movement assessment for long-term relief
Acupuncture
Reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and calms nervous system tension.
Studies in Pain Medicine show acupuncture significantly improves shoulder pain and function, especially in tendinopathies.³
Ready to Move Without Pain?
If you're struggling with shoulder pain from bicipital tendinitis, don’t wait for it to become chronic. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and fewer setbacks.
📍 Visit Us:
Metro Wellness Chiropractic Physical Therapy and Acupuncture PLLC
64 W 48th St, Suite 608
New York, NY 10036
📞 Call Us: 212-202-0065
📲 Text Us: 917-382-0980
📧 Email: info@metrowellnessnyc.com
Let’s help you get back to life pain-free.
References
Mazzocca AD, et al. (2021). "Biceps tendinopathy: pathophysiology and treatment." Shoulder & Elbow.
Littlewood C, et al. (2020). "The effectiveness of exercise therapy in the management of rotator cuff tendinopathy." JOSPT.
Vickers AJ, et al. (2018). "Acupuncture for chronic pain: meta-analysis of individual patient data." Pain Medicine.
