In this episode of The Shoulder Blueprint Podcast, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens discuss one of the most common sources of front shoulder pain: the long head of the biceps tendon.

They explain the anatomy of the proximal biceps, the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis, how biceps pain overlaps with SLAP tears, rotator cuff pathology, and altered shoulder mechanics, and why this tendon so often becomes a major pain generator.

The episode also covers common symptoms, physical exam findings, MRI and ultrasound evaluation, nonoperative treatment with activity modification, therapy, and injections, plus a practical discussion of surgical options including tenotomy, tenodesis, and management of proximal biceps rupture.

If you have ever been told you have biceps tendonitis, a labral issue, or unexplained pain in the front of the shoulder, this episode gives a clear, practical overview of how shoulder specialists diagnose and treat these problems.

Part 2 of our Labrum series is all surgery: Bankart repairs, capsulorrhaphy, anchors (knotless vs knotted, all-suture vs hard-body), and what can go wrong if you overtighten. We also break down remplissage for Hill-Sachs lesions, when glenoid bone loss pushes you toward Latarjet vs distal tibia allograft, and why we’re not “SLAP-happy” anymore—plus where biceps tenodesis fits today, even for some athletes.

We close with a practical recovery overview: sling timing, when strengthening starts, and realistic return-to-sport expectations.

Educational only—not medical advice.

The shoulder labrum is one of the most misunderstood structures in the body and the word “labrum tear” can mean very different things depending on where the tear is.

In Part 1 of our Labrum series, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens break down the labrum anatomy and the key tear patterns:

• Clock-face anatomy (12 o’clock biceps anchor; front vs back of the socket)

• Bankart tears and why most shoulder dislocations go out the front

• Hill-Sachs and bony Bankart injuries (and why bone changes the risk discussion)

• Why many first-time dislocators don’t need surgery

• SLAP tears and why they’re commonly seen on MRI (especially over age 40)

• Posterior labrum tears: who gets them and what they feel like

• The key instability exam tests: apprehension and relocation

Next episode: we’ll get into treatment and surgery — what to try first, when surgery makes sense, and what’s changed in modern shoulder care.

Contact: info@calebdavismd.com
IG/X/TikTok: @calebdavismd | Podcast IG: @shoulderblueprint
Dr. Givens: @givensshoulderelbow

Medical disclaimer: Educational content only, not medical advice. Consult a physician for personal guidance.