Biceps Tendon Repair in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD treats biceps tendon injuries of the shoulder with and without surgery. Same-day or next-day appointments at four Massachusetts offices.
Call 978-969-3624
What is a biceps tendon tear, and how is it treated?
The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder. A proximal biceps tendon tear at the shoulder involves the long head of the biceps and may cause pain, weakness, and a visible bulge in the upper arm. A tear may cause a sudden sharp pain or a pop at the shoulder, followed by weakness and a visible bulge in the upper arm.
Dr. McLaughlin treats biceps tendon injuries of the shoulder with and without surgery. Some proximal tears can be managed without surgery; others may benefit from surgical repair. Dr. McLaughlin discusses all options with each patient.
Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Condition Proximal biceps tendon tears
- Non-surgical Physical therapy, injections, conservative care
- Surgical Surgical repair available
- Surgery location Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Biceps tendon treatment options
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each biceps tendon injury and recommends the appropriate treatment based on the severity and the patient’s needs.
Conservative treatment
Many proximal biceps tendon tears can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification. Expedited PT referrals are available when needed.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections can reduce pain and inflammation around the biceps tendon and shoulder joint.
Learn more →Surgical repair
When surgery is needed, Dr. McLaughlin performs biceps tenodesis, reattaching the long head of the biceps tendon to the upper arm bone. Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center, Beverly.
Biceps tendon problems and other shoulder injuries
The long head of the biceps tendon runs into the shoulder joint and attaches near the top of the labrum. Because of this, biceps tendon pain often appears alongside a rotator cuff tear or a SLAP tear of the labrum, and treating the shoulder well means looking at all of these structures together. Dr. McLaughlin examines the whole shoulder at the first visit.
What causes a biceps tendon tear at the shoulder?
A tear can happen suddenly, from a fall on an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy. It can also develop over time from overhead activity and tendon wear with age.
Biceps tendon questions
What is a biceps tendon tear?
The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder. A proximal biceps tendon tear at the shoulder involves the long head of the biceps and may cause pain, weakness, and a visible bulge in the upper arm.
Can a biceps tendon tear be treated without surgery?
Some proximal biceps tendon tears can be treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each injury and discusses whether conservative treatment or surgical repair is appropriate.
Does Dr. McLaughlin treat biceps tendon injuries at the shoulder?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin treats biceps tendon injuries of the shoulder at Boston Concierge Orthopedics. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
Will a torn biceps tendon change how my arm looks?
When the long head of the biceps tears at the shoulder, the muscle can slide down the arm and form a bulge in the upper arm, often called a “Popeye” deformity. For some people this is mainly a cosmetic change. For others it comes with cramping, weakness, or ongoing pain. Dr. McLaughlin discusses whether treatment without surgery or surgical repair makes sense for your symptoms and activities.
What happens if a biceps tendon tear at the shoulder is not treated?
Some people do well without surgery, especially if their daily activities do not depend on full arm strength. Others continue to have pain, cramping, or weakness. Because biceps tears often occur with other shoulder injuries, an examination helps make sure nothing else needs attention.
Does Dr. McLaughlin perform biceps tenodesis?
Yes. When a biceps tendon problem at the shoulder needs surgery, Dr. McLaughlin performs biceps tenodesis.
How is a biceps tendon tear diagnosed?
Dr. McLaughlin examines the whole shoulder, including strength and motion. Imaging such as an MRI may be needed, and expedited MRI options are available.
What is recovery like after biceps tenodesis?
The arm usually rests in a sling for a few weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and then strength. Dr. McLaughlin follows each patient himself through recovery.
Does Dr. McLaughlin treat biceps tears at the elbow?
No. Dr. McLaughlin treats biceps tendon injuries at the shoulder. Call 978-969-3624 to ask about any other arm injury.
Biceps tendon care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions