Effects of Tissue Flossing Technique for Bicipital Tendinitis

Inflammation of the bicep tendon is also known as "Bicipital Tendinitis" occurs most commonly in overhead athletes like racquet players, swimmers, gymnasts, tennis players, baseball pitchers, and rowing athletes. Tissue Flossing is a relatively novel practice that initially got recognition in weightlifting athletes. This technique has Japanese origin also known as the "Katsu Technique" or "Blood Flow Restriction technique" BFR. It works on the principle of optimizing the blood circulation to the muscles for fitness, early rehabilitation, and recovery within safe ranges.

The purpose of the current study is to determine the effects of the tissue flossing technique on the physical rehabilitation of bicipital tendinitis. It is a randomized controlled trial with the subjects having a history of bicipital tendinitis, shoulder pain, and recreational athletes with difficulty in overhead activities. Subjects with a history of neurological and psychological disorders, hypertension or heart diseases and with chronic arthritis will be excluded.

Participants will be randomly placed into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive bicep-strengthening exercises after flossing. The Control group will receive bicep-strengthening exercises after bicep-stretching exercises. The total duration of this study will be six months with an assessment performed at baseline, before and after the treatment sessions. Numeric Pain rating scale, Goniometer, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index will be used to measure the outcomes. Data will be analyzed statistically by using parametric or non-parametric tests after the completion of this study.

Inclusion criteria

• Bicep tendinitis with age 18 to 45 years
• Subjects with a history of repetitive overhead activities and pain in bicipital groove.
• Recent history of adhesive capsulitis.
• Chronic bicep weakness with history of recreational activities.
• Recreational athletes with history of pain and difficulty in overhead movements

Exclusion criteria

• Tumors of joint or bone.
• latex allergy
• Hypertension (i.e., resting systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg)
• Venous thrombotic disease
• Heart disease
• Respiratory disease;
• Dermatitis
• Psychiatric condition e.g depression,
• Recent history of shoulder fracture or humerus fracture.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Hyper-laxity of shoulder joint.
• Instability of shoulder
• Neuromuscular disorder
• Inflammatory disorder