There are several tendons in the shoulder that connect the muscles and bones together. When these tendons are overused or damaged, they can become inflamed, causing shoulder tendonitis. Tendonitis in the rotator cuff or other shoulder tendons can cause pain and limit range of motion. The orthopedic medical team at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA offers shoulder tendonitis treatment at our clinic in Los Angeles.

Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis

The shoulder contains the biceps tendon, as well as the tendons in the rotator cuff. Lifting, reaching and swinging the arm can cause stress on the tendons that can result in shoulder tendonitis. Sports that cause repetitive stress on the shoulder, like weightlifting, baseball or tennis, may cause small tears in the tendons. Other activities that require overhead motions or lifting can also result in tendon damage in the shoulder – tendonitis is more common with age due to degenerative factors. Symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include:

• Pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder
• Swelling on the front of shoulder
• Increased shoulder pain when lifting or lowering arm
• Stiffness in shoulder
• Reduced strength and range of motion
• Difficulty reaching behind the back

Rotator cuff tendonitis can cause shoulder impingement and bursitis, reducing function and increasing pain. Symptoms may be mild and worsen over time without medical treatment.

Shoulder tendonitis is usually treated with conservative therapies, including OTC anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. If the inflammation and pain are severe, a steroid injection can offer pain relief. When conservative treatments are ineffective, shoulder surgery may be recommended to relieve shoulder impingement and pain.

Dr. Farzin Kabaei at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA is a shoulder specialist and orthopedic surgeon. If you need shoulder tendonitis treatment, contact our medical center in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabaei.