Stretching for Pain Relief and Rehabilitation - Biceps Brachii

Treating Biceps Brachii - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner

Muscle strains are among the most common sports injuries and often result from the sudden extension of a joint beyond its normal range. This causes damage to muscle and other soft tissue.

Weight training, sudden, violent torsion of the shoulder during throwing sports or sudden force applied to the nexus of the pectorals and biceps brachii (as when warding off a check in hockey with the arm extended) can produce such injuries.

Bicep Brachii Muscle Strains are characterized by tenderness and pain over the affected muscle, stiffness, and pain during muscle use. Note: The chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor) join the biceps brachii muscle at the shoulder.

Cause of injury

Sudden movement leading to a muscle tear. Large physical demand placed on the muscle. Warding off a check in hockey or tackle in football.

Signs and symptoms

Tenderness and pain over the affected muscle. Stiffness. Pain during muscle use.

Complications if left unattended

Muscle strains are usually self-limiting and repair themselves given proper time off from exertion for healing. Insufficient recovery time can lead to further tearing, increasing the risk of re-injury and cause degenerative changes in the muscles over time.

Immediate treatment

RICER regimen and analgesics to reduce inflammation and pain. Then heat to promote blood flow and healing.

Rehabilitation and prevention

Stretching exercises following healing can help restore full mobility to the affected area while strengthening exercises can help prevent re-injury.

Stretching and warm-up, as well as attention to proper athletic technique (particularly in weight training) may help prevent this type of injury.

Long-term prognosis

Muscle strains involving the pectoral muscles and/or biceps brachii are common and – given adequate time for proper healing – generally not a serious threat to the athlete, although severe or repeated muscle strains can cause chronic pain and lead to impairment of muscle function.