DefinitionA
Biceps strain is an injury to either the biceps muscle or the biceps tendon and in some cases both the tendon and the muscle. As with all strains a biceps strain will occur at the weakest point in the contractile unit wich is were the muscle merges with the tendon. A strain of the biceps can be one of three different strain grades, which are as follows
Grade 1 very minor overstretching of the biceps muscle or tendon
grade 2 moderate overstretching resulting in some tearing of the muscle or tendon
Grade 3 complete or near to complete rupture of the biceps muscle or tendon
Parts involved- biceps muscle and biceps tendon
- humerus and the bones that make up the should such as the scapula and the coracoid process of the scapula
- soft tissues that surround the biceps such as nerves, connective tissue etc
Signs & Symptoms- Pain is felt when the biceps muscle is stretched or contracts
- swelling in the area of the strain
- loss of strength can be experienced with grade 2 and grade 3 biceps strains
- if it is grade 3 biceps strain then will see “popeye deformity” which is when the torn muscle rolls up into a ball under the skin
- inflammation of the biceps tendon
Causes- extended use of the bicep muscle and its tendons
- extreme force applied to the biceps muscle causing the muscle to elongate past its regular range of motion or movement
- extreme muscle contraction of the opposing muscle group which is the ticep muscle
Risks- contact sports such as football, mixed martial arts etc
- poor flexibility of the biceps muscle and its tendons
- poor muscle conditioning of the biceps
PreventionThe best way to prevent a
biceps strain is the same as for any muscle strain prevention and that is to warm up properly before taking part in any physical activity. The other step to prevent a strain is to take part in a good flexibility program and strength training program. the two programs will help to keep the muscle and its tendons healthy and strong and able to withstand stretching and sudden force being applied.
