SIMPLE tests for Biceps LONG HEAD tendon vs Rotator Cuff

There are two simple tests that can help you determine if the Biceps LONG HEAD TENDON is injured. Learn these two tests PLUS the rotator cuff resistance tests in this informative video.

Burke Selbst PT OCS is a licensed physical therapist and educator and is the owner of Focus Physical Therapy in Bend Oregon, a multispecialty and multidisciplinary sports, spine and orthopedic clinic serving all ages with one-on-one care.

This is not medical advice! The content is intended to be educational only. If you are a patient, seek the care of a health care professional.

Any information on injuries and treatments available on this channel is intended for general guidance only and is not a substitute for personalized and individualized advice by a qualified health professional. The videos, posts, and comments contained in this video are not medical advice or a treatment plan and are intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. They should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use these videos to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this video. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Focus Physical Therapy, Inc, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this video’s content. Focus Physical Therapy Inc. makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this video is at your sole risk.

[cyclonemt]

Thank you! I was able to isolate it to the subscapularis pain which is what I was suspecting, a rotator cuff/shoulder issue. Your video was very succinct, to the point, with practical tips.

[MrAnanoymous]

your upper cut test just saved me! thank you so much!

[kerrydennis]

Love this video! I couldn't see the link for the exercises 😢

[pphanfx]

After 6 months couch potato and jacuzzi rest, all tests negative.. but I can feel painless clicking and squishing of tendon doing those tests. Stiffness in that area when waking up in morning. Power, strength, explosion seem to be there. However a minor bump on upper outside of arm, it was large 6 months ago and now small. Really weird, annoying problem to have.

[DavidCNavas]

supraspinatus or longhead, could be either. But I've got distal bicep pain as well. Definitely happened when I started doing hammer curls. Cut those completely. Doing lightweight supinating stretches. Cannot hold arm to shave on opposite side of face for more than a minute or two or the arm will feel pain when straightened (must straighten slowly) -- assuming this is some form of tenosynovitis (began several years ago with that one). Shoulders not quite at even heights when standing, likely the result of overdevelopment of front delts vs rear lats. Minor weakness in shoulder during presses and differential in lifting motions between right and left sides -- likely adaptive compensation to avoid the painful ranges of motion (used to be worse).
I can see why this stuff is hard to diagnose.

[MrHoustonismydog]

Thank you for the information. I had no pain when performing these test. I do have pain when I bend my are along my body up to my chest then raise my armwhile bent and don’t get very far without pain but the pain passes when I raise high enough. Not sure I described that very well.

[swong]

Where is the link to the RC strengthening exercises mentioned in the video? Thanks!

[noneofubusiness]

My bicep is loose at the Longmeadow, and it moves when I use my arm, also 2 full ruptured tendons in superspermatus and ruptured rotate cuff, had three surgical treatments for tennis and golfers elbow with ulnar nerve surgery

[fitspirit]

Ah thank you! I'm an older female shoveling snow 3 weeks ago in Vancouver! We never get snow, plus there was ice stuck to the ground that I was scaping off with shovel. It didn't hurt at the time! But wow so painful. I watched a lot of videos before yours but couldn't figure it out. This video is so clear and to the point. Thank you!

[tunadal]

Thanks for the video which is super helpful. Uppercut test is for me really painful. Should ı do foam rolling to biceps or massage gun to my shoulder ? Are these can be helpful? How ı can implement these for rehab? Or some massage techniques something to relieve the pain. İts been a week pain is still there.

[isaacreyes]

This injury is no joke I’m dealing with it right now I can’t even sleep it’s getting worse as the days goin on

[robinharwood]

Pain during the test means it’s positive?

[katsthoughts]

Thank you for the video. My long head at attachment hurt during movement. Surgeon said i needed SLAP surgery, had it, 5 mnths later, still cant move shoulder and long head still hurts just the same. At my wits end. Now surgeon says i need another surgery. No, i never needed surgery on shoulder. Not sure where to go from here. I rested, cortisone three times. Still hurts for various movements throughout the day. Maddening

[lamnguyentung]

Pls help i got pain in every test in the video

[Yujiro]

I got the pain in the distal bicep doing the hand behind the hips is it normal ?

[dorisbest]

both tests are painful :-(, please could you kindly advise?

[umotknc]

Thank you for this, I have been struggling with this low grain pain for at least two months. I am having trouble accessing the exercises (referenced in your video) that you recommend to fix this? Please advise and THANK YOU.

[Isabel-ofwq]

Thanks … so if the lift off test is painful then it’s rotator cuff problem? My upper arm hurts too, which is why I thought it might be bicep but the tests don’t trigger it. Sorry I found it a little difficult to follow even with the transcript

[Taylzz]

What if everything hurts.. Upper cut and pushing into my stomach the most..

[chih-fang-hsu]

Could you tell me what kind of movement I should avoid to prevent LHB tendon injuries? I know I shouldn't reach back far while spiking a volleyball (sometimes feel painful) but I need a more specific instruction.