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Thread: Bicep Tendonitis

  1. #1
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    Default Bicep Tendonitis

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    I got an ultrasound on my left shoulder, which revealed the following:
    Mild tendinosis of biceps tendon is noted.

    Mild heterogeneity of the subscapularis tendon at the insertion is noted in keeping with tendinitis.
    AC joint is unremarkable.

    There is heterogeneity at the insertion of supraspinatus tendon suggestive of tendinitis. Infraspinatus and teres minor tendons are normal.

    No bursal effusion. No supraspinatus impingement during dynamic assessment. As above.

    The doctor said I shouldn't lift weights for 6 months while adding that the timeline could be accelerated with physiotherapy. As I can still perform the main barbell movements with very little pain, I doubt it's really necessary to stop training.

    Is there anything I should do differently in light of this diagnosis though?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
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    Did you get the ultrasound because you have pain in the front of your shoulder?

    If so, how old are you, how long has this been going on, and what does your programming look like?

    Do you have any other hobbies outside of lifting that use your left shoulder a bunch?

  3. #3
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    Jul 2024
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nick D'Agostino View Post
    Did you get the ultrasound because you have pain in the front of your shoulder?

    If so, how old are you, how long has this been going on, and what does your programming look like?

    Do you have any other hobbies outside of lifting that use your left shoulder a bunch?
    Yes, I got the ultrasound in response to shoulder pain. I had posted about it here back in September. I was feeling shoulder pain at the gym for a few weeks at that point with no noticeable improvement over that time period, although the pain itself was slight. Since then, the pain has become even less severe, but it's still faintly present. I can't really pinpoint which movements specifically are causing or aggravating it other than it not being the deadlift. Sometimes I notice it after squatting, sometimes I don't until the pressing movements, and sometimes I don't even notice it at all.

    I'm a 26 year-old male, still using novice programming (squatting three times per week, alternating the bench and press, and doing a pulling variation each workout).

    No other physical hobbies.

  4. #4
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    Hey DBA,

    To help narrow down the main contributor to your shoulder pain, you could try changing the exercise order. Try doing bench presses or shoulder presses first in your workout instead of squats. If you don't feel any aggravation while performing those exercises first, it’s likely that your squat grip—specifically, how you are managing/securing low bar position—is the main thing pissing off your shoulder. This is the first step I'd recommend to help identify the issue.

    If you find the squat is the main thing pissing off your shoulder, you'll need to post a video squatting so that we can clearly see the bar position on your back as you perform a work set.

    Hope this helps!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
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    Quote Originally Posted by DBA View Post
    The doctor said I shouldn't lift weights for 6 months while adding that the timeline could be accelerated with physiotherapy. As I can still perform the main barbell movements with very little pain, I doubt it's really necessary to stop training.
    Quote Originally Posted by DBA View Post
    I was feeling shoulder pain at the gym for a few weeks at that point with no noticeable improvement over that time period, although the pain itself was slight. Since then, the pain has become even less severe, but it's still faintly present.
    I'm not trying to add to Nick's response, just commenting on how facile the "no weights for 6 months" advice is. DBA, you told the doctor that your symptoms are better than two months ago, and you've been training during that time, so clearly, he told you to stop doing that for six months? Just curious if you pointed that out to him...

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2024
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nick D'Agostino View Post
    Hey DBA,

    To help narrow down the main contributor to your shoulder pain, you could try changing the exercise order. Try doing bench presses or shoulder presses first in your workout instead of squats. If you don't feel any aggravation while performing those exercises first, it’s likely that your squat grip—specifically, how you are managing/securing low bar position—is the main thing pissing off your shoulder. This is the first step I'd recommend to help identify the issue.

    If you find the squat is the main thing pissing off your shoulder, you'll need to post a video squatting so that we can clearly see the bar position on your back as you perform a work set.

    Hope this helps!
    Sounds good. I'll try benching first my next workout.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jason Donaldson View Post
    I'm not trying to add to Nick's response, just commenting on how facile the "no weights for 6 months" advice is. DBA, you told the doctor that your symptoms are better than two months ago, and you've been training during that time, so clearly, he told you to stop doing that for six months? Just curious if you pointed that out to him...
    I didn't bother getting into it. I had no intention of following that advice anyways.

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