Front or side shoulder pain? It could be biceps tendinitis (and here’s how we fix it)

Front or side shoulder pain? It could be biceps tendinitis (and here’s how we fix it)

At a glance

What you feel	Likely cause	First helpful step
Sharp/stabbing pain at the front or side of the shoulder, worse with curls or reaching overhead	Irritation of the biceps tendon (often the long head)	Reduce painful loads, then book a focused assessment for a tendon‑safe plan

What your biceps tendon does

Your biceps has two parts (long head & short head). They help bend the elbow and stabilise the shoulder. Because the long head runs through a narrow groove at the front of the shoulder, it’s prone to irritation—felt as a deep ache or stab at the front/side of the joint.

Quick self‑check (save this)

Checklist	Yes/No
Pain at the front/side of the shoulder when lifting, reaching, twisting jars or doing curls
Tender to touch in the front shoulder “groove”
Pain lingers >2 weeks or keeps returning

Urgent signs: a sudden “pop”, heavy bruising down the arm, or you can’t lift the arm. Get assessed promptly to rule out a tear.

Why it flares up

• Sudden heavy lifting, repetitive work or quick jumps in gym load

• Slouched posture and poor shoulder‑blade control

• Overuse of the biceps to “carry” the shoulder when the rotator cuff is tired

Our treatment plan (clear phases)

Phase & goal	What we use	What that does
Calm inflammation	Shockwave therapy, Ultrasound therapy	Breaks up adhesions, boosts local blood flow, settles tendon irritability
Ease pain	Electrical therapy (TENS/EMS)	Short‑term analgesia so you can move and sleep better
Fix the cause & prevent recurrence	Therapeutic massage, Corrective exercise education, Posture & load management, (If swollen) Lymphatic massage	Releases overload in biceps/shoulder, builds capacity in cuff & scapula, stops the cycle

What a session with J&J Therapy looks like

Step	What happens	Your takeaway
1. Consult & assess	We confirm it’s the biceps tendon and map your triggers	Clear diagnosis & plan
2. Hands‑on & device care	Corrective/therapeutic massage + shockwave where indicated	Pain down, movement up
3. Your mini programme	3–5‑minute home routine, posture & lifting rules	Control your symptoms, safely reload

Simple home tips (until you visit)

• Cut back painful overhead work and heavy curls for 1–2 weeks

• Ice 10–15 min after activity for 48–72 hrs of a flare; later use gentle heat for stiffness

• Pain‑free biceps isometrics: elbow by your side, press into the opposite hand 5×10s

• Sleep on the other side, hug a pillow to keep the shoulder neutral

Ready to feel better?

Most people feel meaningful relief within a few sessions—and leave with a simple, personalised plan to keep it away. Book your assessment and get back to lifting, training and everyday life with confidence.