Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons—often in the rotator cuff—that help stabilize and move the shoulder. It’s commonly caused by repetitive overhead motion, heavy lifting, or injury, and can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility if untreated.

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Pain in the front or side of the shoulder, especially during or after activity

Stiffness in the shoulder joint, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest

Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm

Pain that worsens with overhead movements, such as reaching or throwing

Swelling or tenderness around the affected area

A "catching" or "clicking" sensation when moving the shoulder
Dr. Romanelli will perform a physical examination to assess shoulder movement, strength, and tenderness. He may ask you to perform certain arm movements to determine which tendons are inflamed. Imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI may be used to rule out other conditions like shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears and to confirm the diagnosis of tendonitis
Treatment for shoulder tendonitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore the full function of the shoulder. Most cases can be treated with non-surgical methods, but surgery may be necessary in severe or chronic cases.
Non-surgical treatments are typically the first approach for shoulder tendonitis and may include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that stress the shoulder, especially overhead motions, allows the tendons to heal.

Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can reduce inflammation and pain, while heat can relax tight muscles and improve mobility.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises help strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on the tendons, promoting long-term recovery and preventing future flare-ups.
Non-surgical treatments are typically the first approach for shoulder tendonitis and may include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that stress the shoulder, especially overhead motions, allows the tendons to heal.

Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice can reduce inflammation and pain, while heat can relax tight muscles and improve mobility.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises help strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on the tendons, promoting long-term recovery and preventing future flare-ups.
Physical therapy is crucial in recovering from shoulder tendonitis, whether treated surgically or non-surgically. A personalized rehabilitation program will focus on restoring shoulder strength, improving flexibility, and increasing the range of motion. Dr. Romanelli works closely with physical therapists to design a recovery plan tailored to your needs, helping you regain function and return to your regular activities as soon as possible.

Whether you're seeking expert care for a sports injury, work-related issue, or a chronic condition, Dr. Romanelli and his team are here to provide personalized, state-of-the-art surgical solutions. Get in touch today to take the first step toward recovery.

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