Biceps Tear at the Shoulder

The biceps muscle has two tendons that attach it to the shoulder: the short head tendon and the long head tendon. A biceps tendon tear at the shoulder most commonly involves the long head tendon and may occur suddenly during an injury or gradually as the tendon weakens over time.

Although these injuries can be painful, many patients are able to regain function through appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize discomfort, improve shoulder function, and prevent further complications. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and activity goals.

What Is a Biceps Tendon Tear at the Shoulder?

The biceps muscle is located on the front of the upper arm and helps bend the elbow and rotate the forearm. At the shoulder, two tendons attach the muscle to the shoulder blade.

When a tendon becomes frayed, partially torn, or completely ruptured, patients may experience pain, weakness, and reduced function. Most tears occur in the long head tendon due to its location within the shoulder joint and the stress placed upon it during everyday activities.

Biceps tendon tears are often associated with other shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and arthritis.

What Types of Biceps Tendon Tears Are There?

Biceps tendon injuries can vary in severity.

Partial Biceps Tendon Tear

A partial tear occurs when some of the tendon fibers are damaged but the tendon remains attached to the bone. Patients often experience pain and weakness but may retain much of their shoulder function.

Complete Biceps Tendon Tear

A complete tear, also known as a rupture, occurs when the tendon fully separates from the bone. This can result in significant pain, weakness, bruising, and changes in the appearance of the upper arm.

Degenerative Tendon Tear

Some tears develop gradually over time as the tendon weakens due to aging, repetitive use, or underlying shoulder conditions. These tears may worsen if left untreated.

What Causes a Biceps Tendon Tear?

Biceps tendon tears may result from either a sudden injury or chronic tendon degeneration.

Common causes include:

• Heavy lifting
• Sudden pulling motions
• Falls or traumatic shoulder injuries
• Repetitive overhead activities
• Sports-related injuries
• Natural aging and tendon degeneration
• Chronic shoulder impingement
• Rotator cuff disease
• Repetitive occupational activities

The risk of a tendon tear often increases with age due to gradual wear and tear of the tendon tissue.

What Are Biceps Tendon Tear Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in the shoulder
• A popping sensation at the time of injury
• Bruising along the upper arm
• Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
• Difficulty rotating the forearm
• Shoulder tenderness
• Cramping in the biceps muscle
• Reduced arm endurance
• A visible bulge in the upper arm, sometimes called a “Popeye” deformity

While pain often improves over time, weakness and cosmetic changes may persist without treatment.

How Is a Biceps Tendon Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a biceps tendon tear begins with a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Review of symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination
• Strength testing
• Evaluation of shoulder range of motion
• X-rays to assess bone abnormalities
• MRI scans to evaluate tendon damage and associated shoulder injuries
• Ultrasound imaging when appropriate

Diagnostic imaging can help determine the extent of the tear and identify related conditions that may require treatment.

How Is a Biceps Tendon Tear Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear, symptoms, activity level, and individual goals.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Biceps Tendon Tears

Many patients, particularly those with partial tears or lower activity demands, can achieve good results with conservative treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment options may include:

• Activity modification
• Rest and ice therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Corticosteroid injections when appropriate

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore function, and strengthen the surrounding shoulder muscles.

Biceps Tendon Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for patients who experience significant weakness, persistent pain, cosmetic concerns, or have high physical demands.

Surgical options may include:

• Biceps tenodesis
• Biceps tenotomy
• Tendon repair procedures
• Treatment of associated rotator cuff injuries

The specific procedure depends on the location and severity of the tear, along with the patient’s age and activity level.

What is Biceps Tendon Tear Recovery Like?

Recovery timelines vary based on the severity of the injury and the treatment selected.

Patients undergoing nonsurgical treatment may notice improvement over several weeks to months with physical therapy and activity modification.

Following surgery, recovery often includes:

• Temporary use of a sling
• Structured physical therapy
• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Gradual return to daily activities
• Return to sports and heavy labor as healing allows

Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and function when following their prescribed rehabilitation program.

Can a Biceps Tendon Tear Be Prevented?

Although not all tendon tears can be prevented, certain strategies may reduce the risk of injury.

Prevention measures include:

• Maintaining shoulder strength and flexibility
• Using proper lifting techniques
• Avoiding sudden increases in activity levels
• Addressing shoulder pain early
• Taking breaks during repetitive activities
• Following proper sports training techniques
• Maintaining overall shoulder health

These habits can help reduce stress on the tendons and lower the likelihood of injury.

Get Expert Biceps Tendon Tear Care at Fox Valley Orthopedics

A biceps tendon tear can make it difficult to work, exercise, and perform everyday tasks comfortably. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our experienced specialists provide comprehensive care for shoulder injuries, including advanced imaging, nonsurgical treatments, rehabilitation, and surgical repair when necessary.

Whether your treatment involves physical therapy, activity modification, injection therapies, or surgery, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, strength, and confidence. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a biceps tendon tear at the shoulder, schedule an appointment with Fox Valley Orthopedics today by calling (855) 386-7846 to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward lasting relief.