Bicep Tendonitis Taping Tips & Techniques

Bicep tendonitis taping is a safe and effective treatment option with little to no side effects. This makes it perfect for managing the pain and swelling that comes with tendonitis. Keep reading to learn more about this therapy and how you can incorporate it into your treatment plan.

How Taping Helps

Taping tendonitis injuries can help manage your condition and let you stay active with less pain. The compression from the tape will reduce swelling in the injury. This, in turn, lessens pain and can improve healing time. The tape also supports the joint so you can do more of the activities you enjoy with less pain. Take a look below to learn more about the benefits of taping for tendonitis.

Taping works best when used in conjunction with other biceps tendonitis treatments like rest and icing.

See our full guide on biceps tendonitis treatment here.

Benefits of Taping the Bicep

Taping has many benefits to its users when used in the right way. Some of the most important include:

• Supporting the joint
• Increasing proprioception
• Preventing injury
• Improving healing time 
• Maintaining alignment within the shoulder joint 

Kinesiology Tape Vs Athletic Tape

Kinesiology tape and athletic tape are two similar, yet very different types of therapy tape. Each one has its place in managing injuries but they cannot be used interchangeably. Take a look at the benefits of each type of taping application to determine which one works best for your situation.

Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape is breathable, lightweight tape that uses adhesive to slightly pull on the skin. This is intended to allow better lymphatic and blood circulation. Kinesio tape has successfully been used in physical therapy and physiotherapy sessions as a biceps tendonitis treatment. Here are a few other unique kinesiology tape features:

• The fabric stretches with your movement
• The adhesive pulls slightly on your skin to improve lymphatic circulation
• Allows for a full range of motion
• Supports the shoulder joint
• Increases your proprioception
• Once it’s placed on your shoulder it can be worn for multiple days without being replaced.

Athletic Tape

Athletic tape is stiffer than kinesiology tape which restricts joint movement, similar to wearing a less restrictive brace. Atheltic tape is also easy to find in stores and inexpensive. Here are a few more key points about athletic tape application:

• Compresses the joint
• Limits your range of motion
• Supports your joint
• Does not stretch with movement
• Less expensive than kt tape

Techniques for Bicep Pain

Check out these three kinesiology taping techniques to get you safely back into action.

Y-Shaped Taping

Start with a piece of kinesiology tape cut into a Y shape. Place the base of the tape on the inside of the arm, starting about 2 inches below the elbow. One of the Y pieces should follow along the outside of the upper arm and the other Y piece should follow inside of the upper arm.

Two-Piece Bicep Tendonitis Taping

Place a piece of kinesiology tape on the front of the shoulder. Use 25% stretch and it should end just above the inside of the elbow. Take a second piece of kinesiology tape and place the top end slightly over the first piece of tape on the front of the shoulder. Bring the tape down slightly wider along the biceps muscle.

T-Shaped Biceps Tendinitis Taping

Place a piece of kinesiology tape with the end on the top of the shoulder. Use 50% stretch and pull it down along the inside of the biceps muscle. Take a second piece of k tape, using 70% stretch, place it perpendicular to the first piece of tape along the front of the shoulder. Wrap the tape around to the backside of the shoulder.

Taping Tips

Here are a few general tips to help you get started. Remember to follow any specific instructions you’re given from a medical professional or during your physical therapy session.

• Kinesio Taping Tips

1. Cut rounded corners on the ends of the k tape to help prevent it from curling off of your skin.
2. Have the Kinesio tape pre-cut into strips before you start applying it.
3. Do not use if you have a rash or open skin at or near the site of where you’ll be applying the tape.
4. Keep the tape on your skin for up to five days to maximize usage
5. After applying the end of the tape, stretch the tape and then lay it on your skin.

• Athletic Taping Tips

1. Use a layer of pre-wrap under athletic tape to protect your skin.
2. Avoid wrapping athletic tape tightly around your skin.
3. Replace the tape every two days or more frequently.
4. Use athletic tape if you need more support.

Precautions When Taping for Bicep Tendonitis

Taping is a safe and effective treatment for bicep tendonitis. You may see further pain relief from shoulder pain when using it in conjunction with other treatments like ice, massage, and exercise. Bicep tendonitis is a common condition that needs to be treated properly, so make sure to talk to your doctor or physical therapist before you start any new treatments.