Question
I'm not sure what type of Dr. to see. Should I go to a Sport Injury Doc or whom?    My injuries and pain are like Claudia's, but I have been dealing with this for 3 months now.  I had a lump or knot in my bicep.  It has now gone down. In some ways my arm feels like it is getting better, but in others it doesn't.  It aches more overall, including my elbow and under my arm in arm pit area and down.  I've taken Aleve for a good while now, and used muscle rub at night and used heating pad at various times.  I'd like an MRI, but not sure what Doctor to see to check on this. What would you recommend?  I'm not sleeping at night because of the pain.  I am able to reach up, it seems to be more of the
outward movement like if you were to reach up to flip a collar down on your shirt.  Does this sound like a tear?

Answer
Dear Cyndie,

Yes this does sound like a tear of the biceps muscle.  The resolution time for something like this will vary, but it is normal for you to have pain in the area foe 4-six weeks.  Depending on how bad the tear is and what your overall function needs to be will determine if you will want to repair the tear surgically, or just let it heal on its own with some minor rehab.

Most tears of the bicep do not require any surgery and many full thickness tears will not be surgically repair either because the other head of the bicep will compensate for the lost strength and function.  

The only way to know to what extent you are injured is to get the MRI that you had mentioned.  This is the definitive test.  Now, it doesn't matter if you see a chiropractic physician or an orthopedist, but make sure that they have some training in sports injuries as they will be able to evaluate the injury better.  Just make sure that you go to a doctor you trust and you can establish a good rapport with. You may want to ask family and friens for a referal to a doctor they have had a good experience with.  Once the MRI has been read by the radiologist, then it will be appropriate to discuss physical therapy or surgical options.

If you need help finding a good sports injury certified chiropractic physican, write me back with your city location, and I will search for one in your area.  Good luck Cyndie!

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net