Bicipital tendinitis, also known as biceps tendinopathy, is a common source of shoulder pain especially in people who perform repetitive overhead movements like swimmers, tradies, and gym-goers. It affects the long head of the biceps tendon, which runs through the front of the shoulder and helps stabilise and move the joint.
If you're experiencing persistent pain at the front of your shoulder, discomfort when lifting or rotating your arm, or weakness when carrying items, bicipital tendinitis may be the cause. Fortunately, cold laser therapy offers a non-invasive option that may assist with reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair.
Signs and Symptoms of Bicipital Tendinitis
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness at the front of the shoulder
- Pain that worsens with lifting, overhead activities, or carrying loads
- Clicking or catching sensation in the shoulder
- Weakness in the affected arm
- Discomfort when extending the arm behind the body
This condition can also be associated with other shoulder issues, including rotator cuff injuries or impingement syndromes.
How Cold Laser Therapy May Help
Cold laser therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in soft tissues. For conditions like bicipital tendinitis, this therapy may:
- Help reduce local inflammation
- Support collagen production and tendon healing
- Improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation
- Reduce pain intensity over time
A 2010 systematic review with meta-analysis reported that LLLT can be beneficial for tendon disorders by promoting tendon regeneration and modulating inflammation Read the study here.
Research also indicates that cold laser therapy may support recovery for chronic tendon pain, especially when combined with load management and rehabilitation exercises Read the study here.
Chiropractic and Manual Therapy Approaches
In addition to cold laser, chiropractic care may help address mechanical issues that contribute to tendon overload. This can include:
- Addressing shoulder joint restrictions
- Improving posture and scapular control
- Releasing tight surrounding muscles (e.g. pecs, upper traps)
- Providing rehabilitation exercises to support tendon loading
At Cold Laser Perth, we often combine laser therapy with soft tissue techniques and tailored exercises to improve outcomes for persistent shoulder pain.
Book an Appointment
If you're dealing with shoulder pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if bicipital tendinitis is behind it. Cold laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery.
📍 Find us in Joondalup 📅 Book online
While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having any shoulder pain, feel free to contact Cold Laser Perth at Lakeside Chiropractic at 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more information.
📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup.
If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.
References
- Bjordal, J. M., Lopes-Martins, R. A. B., Joensen, J., Couppe, C., Ljunggren, A. E., & Stergioulas, A. (2008). A systematic review with meta-analysis of the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in lateral elbow tendinopathy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9, 75.
- Stergioulas, A. (2007). Effects of low-level laser and plyometric exercises in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 25(3), 205–213.
Dr. Kaitlyn (Yun Qi) Lau
I was first introduced to the world of Chiropractic in my teenage years, when I was given the opportunity to observe my cousin who is a chiropractor. During my brief time in observation, I witnessed the wonder of chiropractic and it was truly a miracle to me, seeing how it can change a person’s life. An old lady came in limping with chronic pain, after the treatment, she walked out perfectly fine with a big smile on her face. She held onto my hand to say thank you to me, even though I was just standing there doing nothing. It filled with me with such joy and fulfillment that in that instance, I made up my mind to become a chiropractor, no matter what it took. I graduated from Murdoch University with Distinction honours in 2016. During these 5 years at University, I participated in a 2 week placement in Northern India, called “Hands on India”, helping to raise over $80,000 to assist the communities living in poverty there, in return, I gained a wealth of knowledge and I was humbled by the amazing people there. In my role at Lakeside Chiropractic, I endeavor to provide excellent Chiropractic care and health advice to our community. I keep myself current with the best available research and professional development opportunities. I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and find that one of the most rewarding parts is being able to assist my patients in expressing their optimal health. My special interests are cervicogenic migraine, TMJ and sciatic pain. I especially love helping our moms-to-be achieve their best shape along the journey, this lead me to recently attended seminars for women’s fertility and pregnancy care essentials. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy my routine of going to yoga and pilates 3 times a week, as well as being a couch potato in front of TV with family. Born and raised in Malaysia, I am also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
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