Tendonitis of the long head of the biceps
Tendonitis of the long head of the biceps is an inflammatory condition affecting the upper biceps tendon, causing pain at the front of the shoulder, localised tenderness, and reduced overhead function.
What causes biceps tendonitis?
Biceps tendonitis is primarily driven by chronic wear and tear or repetitive overhead loading: Repetitive microtrauma and overuse: Repeated overhead arm actions cause the tendon to continuously slide back and forth within the bicipital groove, leading to chronic friction and inflammation. This is particularly prevalent in athletes involved in swimming, tennis, golf, throwing sports, and weightlifting. Age-related wear: Over time, natural wear frays the tendon fibers, reducing their structural elasticity and loading capacity. Traumatic injury: Sudden direct force, lifting an excessively heavy load, or falling onto an outstretched arm.
Primary symptoms
- Pain and localised tenderness at the front of the shoulder, which may radiate down the upper arm bone
- Pain that worsens during overhead reaching, throwing, pulling, or lifting movements
- An aching sensation in the biceps muscle at rest or following physical activity
- An audible or physical clicking, snapping, or popping sensation at the front of the shoulder during movement
How is biceps tendonitis diagnosed?
Diagnosing tendonitis of the long head of the biceps involves a thorough physical evaluation by your consultant to isolate the source of anterior shoulder pain and check for associated joint pathologies.
How is it treated?
Treatment focuses on calming localised inflammation, restoring painless overhead mobility, and managing any co-existing shoulder conditions.
Treatment routes for biceps tendonitis
The majority of biceps tendonitis cases resolve without surgery. Initial management includes resting from aggravating overhead activities, applying ice packs (wrapped in a damp towel) for 15–20 minutes several times daily, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) under medical direction. A tailored physical therapy program focuses on restoring full range of movement and strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizing muscles. Target ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections into the biceps tendon sheath may also be offered to rapidly reduce severe pain and inflammation.
Recovery from biceps tendonitis
Initial protection and light function
Following surgery, a protective sling is worn for comfort. Most individuals can perform light desk-based activities (such as typing or writing) immediately. Focus on keeping surgical dressings clean and dry, alongside gentle hand, wrist, and finger movements. Stitches are checked or removed around 10 to 14 days post-operation.
Passive and active mobility
Under physical therapy guidance, sling use is phased out. Progressive passive and active-assisted movement exercises begin, ensuring range of motion is restored without placing heavy active resistance on the biceps tendon.
Active strengthening
Active biceps loading and rotator cuff strengthening exercises are gradually introduced. Pain levels improve significantly, allowing a return to routine daily activities and light physical exertion.
Full functional recovery and sports clearance
Rehabilitation progresses to advanced overhead conditioning, heavy resistance training, and sport-specific drills. Return to competitive overhead sports (such as tennis or swimming) or heavy manual labor typically occurs between 3 and 5 months post-surgery.
Working with professionals and teams
Our shoulder specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their shoulders. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Shoulder Treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
1 of 4