If you've been feeling a persistent ache in the front of your shoulder—especially when lifting, reaching overhead, or doing curls—it might not just be a muscle strain. Biceps tendinopathy, a condition involving irritation or degeneration of the biceps tendon, is a common but often overlooked source of shoulder pain.
The good news? With proper diagnosis and a focused recovery plan that includes physical therapy, most people return to full strength without surgery.
What Is Biceps Tendinopathy?
Your biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to bones in the shoulder and forearm. The long head of the biceps tendon runs through the shoulder joint, making it especially prone to wear and tear.
Biceps tendinopathy includes:
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Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse or strain
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Tendinosis: Chronic degeneration of the tendon without active inflammation
What Causes It?
Biceps tendinopathy often develops gradually due to repetitive overhead activity, poor posture, or muscular imbalances. Common risk factors include:
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Repetitive lifting or overhead work
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Weightlifting (especially curls or pressing movements)
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Poor shoulder mechanics or posture
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Rotator cuff weakness or tears
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Aging, which reduces tendon resilience
Symptoms to Look Out For
You may be dealing with biceps tendinopathy if you experience:
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A deep, aching pain in the front of the shoulder
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Pain that worsens with lifting, reaching, or carrying objects
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Tenderness over the biceps groove
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Weakness or fatigue during upper body workouts
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Occasional snapping or popping in the shoulder
How Physical Therapy Can Help
A skilled physical therapist near you can help manage biceps tendinopathy with a targeted, evidence-based rehab plan. Rather than just treating the pain, PT addresses the root cause to prevent recurrence.
Here’s what a physical therapist in NYC or your area might include:
✅ Postural training to relieve tendon stress
✅ Manual therapy to reduce tension and improve mobility
✅ Targeted strengthening for the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and biceps
✅ Eccentric loading exercises to promote tendon healing
✅ Movement retraining for lifting and overhead motion
At-Home Tips for Recovery
Support your recovery with these daily habits:
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Apply ice after activity to reduce soreness
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Avoid heavy lifting or overhead pressing until cleared
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Maintain good posture throughout the day
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Stretch the pecs and shoulders to reduce strain
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Use a resistance band for gentle strengthening drills
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Stall Your Progress
Biceps tendinopathy is treatable—and with expert guidance, you can get back to lifting, working, and living pain-free. MotionSync helps you find the best physical therapy near you, with top physical therapists in NYC, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens ready to create a personalized rehab plan.
Stronger shoulders start with smarter recovery—let’s get to work.
