Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
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Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
What is Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
Biceps femoris tendinopathy is a painful condition that affects the biceps femoris tendon, located on the outer side at the back of the knee. The biceps femoris is one of the hamstring muscles, and when its tendon becomes irritated or damaged, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. This condition is also sometimes referred to as biceps femoris tendonitis. Physiotherapy plays a key role in reducing pain, improving tendon healing, and restoring full function of the knee.
How Does Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy Occur?
This condition most often develops in athletes and individuals who perform repeated running, sprinting, or stop-start movements that involve frequent acceleration and deceleration. The biceps femoris tendon helps transfer the powerful forces of the hamstring muscle to the lower leg, controlling knee movement. When this tendon is placed under excessive or repetitive strain, tiny tears can form within its fibres. In response, the body triggers an inflammatory process, which leads to pain and swelling — the hallmark signs of tendinopathy.
What are the Symptoms of Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
Biceps femoris tendinopathy usually develops gradually, with pain felt on the outer side at the back of the knee. In the early stages, discomfort may only appear after physical activity and often eases with gentle movement or heat. Because of this, many people ignore the problem. However, continuing to exercise without treatment can make the condition worse, with pain lasting longer during activity and eventually becoming constant.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the outer back of the knee
- Reduced range of movement in the knee joint
- Swelling or inflammation around the tendon
- Stiffness, especially after rest or in the mornings
- Weakness in the hamstring or difficulty with powerful leg movements
These symptoms are often aggravated by activity or direct pressure on the knee.
What Should I Do if I Have Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
If you suspect you have biceps femoris tendinopathy, it is important to book a physiotherapy appointment as soon as possible. This condition rarely improves on its own without proper treatment. While waiting for your appointment, you can manage symptoms at home by applying ice to the painful area for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours. Use a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice wrapped in a damp cloth — never place ice directly on the skin. Early management and physiotherapy can significantly reduce pain, improve tendon healing, and prevent the problem from becoming chronic.
What Shouldn’t I Do if I Have Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
If you suspect you have biceps femoris tendinopathy, it is important not to ignore the problem and continue exercising through the pain. While discomfort may sometimes ease during activity, the exercise itself could be aggravating the tendon and causing further damage. Persisting without treatment may worsen the condition, increase pain levels, and significantly prolong recovery time.
Could There Be Any Long-Term Effects from Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
When left untreated, biceps femoris tendinopathy can result in ongoing pain at the back of the knee and lead to long-term restrictions in sport and daily activities. Chronic tendon pain can also cause weakness and reduced performance, delaying your return to exercise and potentially leading to further injuries.
Could There Be Any Long-Term Effects from Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy?
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat biceps femoris tendinopathy. During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will diagnose the condition, assess its severity, and design a personalised rehabilitation programme. Treatment typically aims to reduce pain, restore tendon health, and strengthen the hamstrings to prevent recurrence. Approaches may include:
- Manual Therapy (Manipulation/Mobilisation): To improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Electrotherapy: Such as ultrasound or TENS to help reduce pain and promote healing.
- Hydrotherapy: Gentle, water-based exercises to aid movement while reducing strain on the tendon.
- Strengthening & Stretching Exercises: To restore tendon resilience and improve hamstring flexibility.
- Activity Modification & Education: Helping you adapt your training to avoid further tendon overload.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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