Biceps & Triceps 3D

View 3D animated videos for Biceps and Triceps, a further 15 other shoulder videos are available and can be viewed and found listed under ”Orthopaedics “ ”Pain Management “and ” Complementary  Medicine” in our Videos Library section. There are a further 100 3D animated videos listed under ” Orthopaedics ” “Pain Management ” and “Complementary Medicine”. To view the Videos Library please click in the top right hand corner.

Biceps and Triceps

Anatomy of the Triceps

The Triceps Brachii consists of three heads: the lateral, medial, and long heads. Triceps joins the Humerus (shoulder bone) and the Scapula (shoulder blade) to the ulna which is the forearm bone. If you working out in gym you must assure you implement Triceps exercises that target all three of the Triceps heads, as this will fully develop the heads of triceps muscle.

In Training the triceps muscles, you must keep a constant tension throughout triceps isolation movements over the full range of motion. It is also imperative to flex the entire triceps muscle by simply extending the arms fully to get the most muscle fibre recruitment.

Triceps Injury and Treatment

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (used by professional weight lifters and body builders and football clubs such as Chelsea FC.)

Biceps tendinopathy

What is it?

Biceps tendinopathy refers to inflammation within the tendon which connects the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm with the shoulder blade.

How does it happen?

Biceps tendinopathy results from the overuse of the biceps tendon. The biceps tendon passes through a narrow channel in the arm bone before reaching its insertion onto the shoulder blade. In this bony channel the tendon is very susceptible to damage. Overuse or repetitive use of the biceps muscle and, therefore, the biceps tendon can cause friction of the tendon against the edges of the bony channel leading to microscopic tears within the substance of the tendon. Following inflammatory reaction is the response in repairing these microscopic tears. This inflammation within the tendon is called tendinopathy.

How does it feel?

Biceps tendinopathy presents as pain felt in the top of the upper arm. This pain typically develops gradually. Initially, the tendon may only be painful following shoulder activity.  Sometome it may be felt first thing in the morning, the day after vigorous activity, there will also be pain which may lead to stiffness or tightness in the shoulder. Normally, these initial signs of biceps tendinopathy are ignored as they disappear quickly with use of the arm. However, by continuing precipitating activity, the tendinopathy progresses and the pain within the tendon becomes more frequent and intense. Pain occurs during any shoulder activity vigorous or not. In the earlier stages, this pain during shoulder activity may initially disappear, only to return later on.

What should you do?

Biceps tendinopathy generally does not get better on its own if the cause is not addressed and you continue the shoulder activity. If you have or suspect you have biceps tendinopathy, you should consult your Chiropractor or Physiotherapist at their Sports injury clinic. Treatment may begin at home, initially this should consist of an application of the ice pack shortly after shoulder activity, the ice pack should never be placed directly on to the skin, always put a thin fabric on the injured area, the ice pack then on top for 15-20 minutes only, this should be done once an hour, up to 8 times per day, the more you do, the better the results.

What should you not do?

Biceps tendinopathy do not ignore the problem. The pain may dissipate as the shoulder activity is undertaken; however, engaging in shoulder activity will interfere with the healing process and may cause further significant damage. If this occurs, the recovery may be prolonged and it may take a number of weeks or months to return the shoulder to painless activity.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Biceps tendinopathy does not produce any long-term effects as long as it is properly diagnosed and appropriate treatment administered. If not, it can lead to prolonged pain in the upper arm and prolong periods of pain resulting from shoulder activity.

Management

A Chiropractor or Physiotherapist is important in the treatment of biceps tendinopathy. Initially they diagnose the problem and its severity. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI Scan. From this a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

For Example

This may involve shoulder activity modification, soft tissue treatment such as massage and stretching, and the progression through a series of specific strengthening exercises. Please view our Cold or Low Level Laser Section listed under “Types of Pain” for the management of Biceps tendinopathy this modality has a five star rating for pain relief and the acceleration of the healing process of Biceps tendinopathy