Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy occurs due to damage or irritation to the biceps femoris tendons near the knee, causing pain.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of biceps femoris tendinopathy aims to:
Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy Treatment
What is Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
Tendons are fibrous tissue which connect the muscle to bones. The biceps femoris tendons sit to the outside behind the knee – the biceps femoris muscle is part of the hamstring muscle group. This muscles emits force controlled and transmitted by the biceps femoris tendons to facilitate movement of the knee.
Tendinopathy refers to a failed healing process of a damaged tendon, causing microtears, degeneration and irritation. Tendon pain is not well understood. Current thinking is that the tendon is on a continuum between a health tendon, reactive tendon, tendon dysrepair and degernation. The tendon can move up and down the continuum depending on the relative load placed on it. Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy develops as a result of this, causing thickening of the tendon, pain and discomfort in the hamstrings and knee.
What are the causes?
This condition is triggered and worsened by sustained pressure and force to the biceps femoris muscle and knee. Some common factors which influence injury include:
- Repetitive acceleration/deceleration due to sports – e.g., running, netball, soccer, etc
- Overstretching the biceps femoris muscle frequently – e.g. yoga, pilates, etc.
- Previous tendon tears
- Differential diagnosis of other tendinopathies – e.g., proximal hamstring tendinopathy, etc.
What are the symptoms?
- Deep pain in the hamstring/knee
- Gradual onset (depends on severity)
- Swelling at the injury site or thickening of the tendon
- Limited range of movement
- Bruising/tenderness/blotchy skin
- Tingling/numbness of the hamstring/knee (similar to sciatica)
- Muscle spasms
- Reduced upper leg strength
- Pain with direct use of the hamstring/knee (e.g. running, netball, etc.)
Treatment for Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
If you suspect you have hamstring tendinopathy, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional. You may also be referred for imaging tests to determine the location and extent of the condition, or to rule out a differential diagnosis.
Physical therapy is highly beneficial in restoring movement and normalising loading. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- Ice
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or straps.
How to book an appointment?
If you have biceps femoris tendinopathy, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
If you think you have biceps femoris tendinopathy, or are looking for a physiotherapist near me, the team at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
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