Conditions We Treat
Massage for Biceps Tendonitis & SLAP Tear Support in NYC
Pain in the front of the shoulder, clicking with overhead movement, or weakness when lifting often points to biceps tendon irritation or a SLAP (labral) injury. Our licensed medical massage therapists help reduce strain, restore mechanics, and rebalance the entire upper-body system so the shoulder can move freely again.
- Available in FiDi & Midtown West – open 7 days a week
Causes
What’s Going On With Biceps Tendonitis & SLAP Tears?
- The long head of the biceps tendon travels through the front of the shoulder and attaches deep inside the joint, making it prone to compression and overuse.
- SLAP tears involve injury to the upper labrum where the biceps anchors, often from repetitive overhead motion, falls, or sudden traction.
- Biceps tendinopathy accounts for ~5% of all shoulder injuries, and SLAP lesions appear in up to 26% of arthroscopic shoulder evaluations (StatPearls–NIH 2023; Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015).
- Forward head posture, rib immobility, and scapular dyskinesis can overload the biceps tendon during reaching or pulling.
- Lower-body asymmetry—especially hip imbalance or limited ankle dorsiflexion—can alter arm swing and force the shoulder to compensate.
At Bodyworks DW, we view biceps and labral injuries as part of a broader mechanical overload pattern involving the ribs, neck, shoulder blade, and hips. We address local pain and mobility while also treating the upstream drivers that help relief last and reduce recurrence.
Related conditions: See also our Shoulder Pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Neck Pain pages.
How we treat
How Bodyworks DW Treats Biceps Tendonitis & SLAP Tears
The long head of the biceps tendon crosses multiple joint planes — ribcage, shoulder blade, and humerus — making it sensitive to whole-body imbalance. Anatomy Plate (Gray’s 1918)
Whole-Body Evaluation
We assess rib mobility, shoulder blade glide, neck tension, and postural alignment to pinpoint what’s overloading the biceps tendon or labrum.
Targeted Myofascial & Deep Tissue Work for Immediate Relief
We begin by creating slack through the ribs, diaphragm, hips, and pecs before addressing the front-of-shoulder complex. Then we work in layers along the biceps tendon pathway and surrounding shoulder structures to provide immediate relief and improved range of motion.
Progressive Plan That Builds on Each Session
As pain decreases, we integrate full-body mechanics — ribs, scapula, spine, hips, and feet — to normalize loading on the biceps anchor and prevent re-injury.
What to Expect
A Progressive Plan
Session 1
Reduce compression by releasing pecs, ribs, diaphragm, and upper-arm tension. Expect easier reaching and noticeably less sharpness in the front of the shoulder.
Sessions 2–4
Reinforce healthy shoulder-blade glide, rib mobility, and cervical alignment to decrease strain on the biceps tendon.
Sessions 5–8+
Integrate whole-body alignment — feet, hips, ribs, shoulders, neck, and jaw — to rebuild long-term shoulder stability and ease of movement.
Ready to start feeling better?
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Care
Home Care That Helps Between Sessions
We’ll show you simple, effective practices such as:
- Pec and anterior shoulder stretches
- Ribcage expansion breathing
- Scapular glide and upward-rotation drills
- Gentle biceps isometrics
- Rotator cuff activation for shoulder stability
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Pricing & wellness wallets
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No prepay—card on file to hold; pay after your session. New here? Choose “New Client Massage” when booking to get $25 off your first visit.
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60 minutes
$160
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90 minutes
$230
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch
How do I know if my shoulder pain is coming from the biceps tendon?
Pain in the front of the shoulder that worsens with overhead movement, reaching, or elbow flexion often points to long-head biceps involvement. Clicking or catching may indicate a SLAP tear.
Do I need imaging or a doctor's release before receiving massage?
No. Under NYS Title VIII licensure (see NY Board of Education FAQ #28), massage therapists can assess whether your symptoms are safe for massage. We refer out only when necessary.
What makes Bodyworks DW’s approach different?
We address the full chain of contributors — ribs, scapula, hips, breath, and posture — not just the painful tendon.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients feel noticeable improvement in 2–4 sessions, with longer-term structural change developing over 5–8 sessions.
Are there precautions for biceps tendonitis or slap tear recovery massage?
Yes — recent injuries, acute inflammation, fever/illness, or medications affecting tissue integrity require caution.
Full list: NYS Massage Therapy Precautions