Complete Guide to Shoulder Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 

If your shoulder has been hurting when you lift your arm, reach overhead, or even lie on it while sleeping, you could be experiencing Shoulder Tendonitis. This condition is more common than you might think, especially among those who use their shoulders frequently at work or while playing sports. It’s a result of inflammation or irritation in the tendons around your shoulder joint—typically part of the rotator cuff or biceps tendon.

What Is Shoulder Tendonitis?

At its core, shoulder tendonitis is an overuse injury. Your shoulder is made up of a complex system of muscles, bones, and tendons, all working together to support arm movement. When the tendons—especially those in the rotator cuff—get overworked or irritated, they swell up and become painful. This condition makes it difficult to move your arm freely and comfortably.

People who perform repetitive overhead activities like painting, swimming, lifting, or throwing are especially prone to this issue. Poor posture, ageing tendons, or even sleeping positions can also contribute to the problem.

Causes and Risk Factors

The main culprit behind shoulder tendonitis is repetitive stress. When you perform the same shoulder movement again and again, like serving in tennis or lifting weights without proper form, your tendons can wear down. As you age, tendons lose their elasticity and become more prone to inflammation. This makes middle-aged adults more susceptible to this condition.

Other contributing factors include poor posture, shoulder impingement, and underlying conditions like diabetes or arthritis. If you're not warming up properly before physical activity or pushing through shoulder pain instead of resting, you're increasing your risk of developing tendon inflammation.

Recognising the Symptoms

The symptoms often start subtly but gradually worsen. You might notice a dull ache in your shoulder, especially when lifting your arm or reaching behind your back. Over time, this pain might intensify and extend to your upper arm.

Limited range of motion is another sign. You might struggle to reach overhead or experience weakness in your shoulder. In some cases, people hear a clicking sound or feel swelling around the joint. If you're experiencing these symptoms consistently, it's time to take them seriously.

Diagnosis and Tests

When you visit a healthcare professional, they’ll first take your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may check for tenderness, range of motion, and strength in your shoulder. Specific tests like the Neer or Hawkins-Kennedy test help identify tendon irritation.

To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be done. These help rule out other conditions like rotator cuff tears or arthritis. Early diagnosis can prevent the problem from worsening, so don’t delay seeking medical advice.

Treatment Options

Initial treatment usually focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring mobility. Rest is key—avoid movements that aggravate the pain. Ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can help bring relief.

Physical therapy plays a major role in recovery. A trained therapist can guide you through specific stretches and strengthening exercises to support the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections might be recommended to reduce swelling quickly.

Surgery is rarely needed, but in chronic cases where the tendon is torn or severely damaged, it might be considered. Arthroscopic surgery can repair the tendon and remove inflamed tissue.

Rehabilitation and Prevention

After the pain subsides, focus on rehabilitation. Gentle range-of-motion exercises followed by progressive strengthening can bring your shoulder back to full function. Resistance bands, wall push-ups, and pendulum swings are often part of a rehab plan.

To prevent recurrence, correct your posture, warm up properly before activities, and avoid repetitive overhead movements without breaks. If your job or sport requires heavy shoulder use, consider regular physical therapy check-ins to keep your joint healthy.

Also, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich fish can support healing and reduce flare-ups. Managing your weight and staying active overall will also help your joints function better.

FAQ

How long does it take to recover from tendonitis?

With rest and therapy, most people recover within a few weeks to three months, depending on severity.

Is shoulder tendonitis permanent?

No. With proper treatment, it’s highly manageable and reversible in most cases.

Can I continue working out with this condition?

You should rest initially, then slowly return to exercise under professional guidance.

Does tendonitis always require surgery?

No. Surgery is only a last resort when other treatments fail over an extended period.

Wrapping Up

Living with Shoulder Tendonitis doesn't mean giving up on your routines or the activities you love. The key is early action—understanding the symptoms, getting a proper diagnosis, and following a treatment plan tailored to your needs. With rest, rehab, and lifestyle adjustments, you can regain full use of your shoulder and prevent future flare-ups. Listen to your body and don’t ignore the pain—it’s trying to tell you something important.