Bicipital tendonitis is a common cause of shoulder pain, characterized by inflammation and irritation of the long head of the biceps tendon. This condition can significantly impact a person's daily activities, especially those requiring repetitive shoulder movements such as lifting, reaching, or overhead activities. While traditional treatment methods like rest, ice, and physical therapy exercises are effective, many patients seek additional therapies to expedite recovery and alleviate pain. One such therapy is dry needling, a technique that can be particularly beneficial in managing bicipital tendonitis. Dry Needling Therapy Spruce Grove At Sunrise Physical Therapy, dry needling is used to address this condition by targeting trigger points and relieving muscle tightness, thus reducing shoulder pain and promoting healing. This article explores how dry needling works, its benefits for bicipital tendonitis, and how it is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan at Sunrise Physical Therapy.

Understanding Bicipital Tendonitis

Bicipital tendonitis occurs when the biceps tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse, repetitive motion, or injury. It often affects athletes, manual laborers, and individuals involved in activities that require lifting or pushing. The symptoms of bicipital tendonitis include:




Pain in the front of the shoulder: This pain may worsen when lifting objects, reaching overhead, or when the shoulder is moved in certain directions.

Pain in the upper arm: Pain may radiate down the arm, especially with movements that stress 

the biceps tendon.

Weakness: The shoulder may feel weak, making it difficult to perform tasks that require shoulder strength.

Treatment for bicipital tendonitis often begins with conservative methods such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy exercises. However, when these approaches do not provide adequate relief, dry needling can be a valuable addition to the treatment regimen.

How Dry Needling Works

Dry needling is a procedure that involves inserting thin, solid filiform needles into specific points in the muscles—known as trigger points—where there is a knot or tight band of muscle fibers. These trigger points are thought to be the result of muscle overuse, injury, or poor posture. The insertion of the needle stimulates a local twitch response in the muscle, causing it to contract and then relax. This response helps to break up muscle tightness, alleviate pain, and improve blood flow to the affected area.

The goal of dry needling is to release the tension in the muscle and promote healing. In the case of bicipital tendonitis, dry needling targets the muscles surrounding the biceps tendon, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and deltoid muscles. These muscles often become tight and trigger pain when there is strain on the biceps tendon. By releasing these trigger points, dry needling can significantly reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder function.

Benefits of Dry Needling for Bicipital Tendonitis

Pain Relief: One of the most immediate benefits of dry needling for bicipital tendonitis is pain relief. By targeting trigger points in the surrounding muscles, dry needling reduces muscle tightness and spasms that contribute to shoulder pain. The insertion of the needle can cause a local twitch response, which helps to release the tension and reduce discomfort. This process is often described as feeling like a “cramp” but is brief and manageable.

Increased Blood Flow: Dry needling stimulates increased blood circulation to the area, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation. Enhanced blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, allowing for better recovery and reducing the risk of further muscle damage. In cases of bicipital tendonitis, improved circulation can speed up the resolution of inflammation and support the healing of the tendon.

Improved Range of Motion: Another significant benefit of dry needling is the improvement in shoulder range of motion. By releasing muscle tightness and trigger points, the movement in the shoulder joint becomes less restricted. This allows individuals to perform daily activities with less pain and more freedom. In addition, improved mobility can make physical therapy exercises more effective and help in the overall recovery process.

Enhanced Muscle Function: Dry needling helps to restore muscle function by relaxing tight muscles and reducing the likelihood of muscle imbalances. When trigger points are present, they can cause the surrounding muscles to compensate, abnormal movement patterns and increased stress on the biceps tendon. By alleviating these tight areas, dry needling can help prevent overuse injuries and improve the efficiency of muscle activation.

Complementary to Other Therapies: Dry needling is often used in combination with other physiotherapy techniques at Sunrise Physical Therapy in Spruce Grove. Therapists may integrate dry needling with manual therapy, exercise therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. This multi-faceted approach addresses the different aspects of recovery, such as pain relief, strengthening, and functional movement, ensuring that the patient receives a well-rounded treatment.

Conclusion

Dry needling offers a valuable option for individuals suffering from bicipital tendonitis, particularly those who have not found relief from conventional treatments. At Sunrise Physical Therapy in Spruce Grove, this technique is used to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, and improve shoulder function. By targeting specific trigger points, dry needling can speed up recovery and enhance the quality of life for those affected by this painful condition. If you are dealing with shoulder pain due to bicipital tendonitis, consider discussing the benefits of dry needling with your physiotherapist to explore this effective and natural treatment option.




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