Quick Summary
Shoulder tendonitis is a familiar term for pain involving a shoulder tendon. Persistent symptoms are often described as tendinopathy, because inflammation alone does not explain every case. We assess which movements and loads are difficult and build a programme that helps you use the arm more confidently.
What is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Several tendons work around the shoulder, including the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps. A broad tendonitis label does not tell us exactly which structure is involved or whether a tear is present. Your history, movement and strength help guide care; imaging is considered when it would change management.
Your assessment at J&J Therapy looks at how symptoms affect your day, relevant health history, movement and strength. We explain the findings, agree priorities with you and advise when medical review or imaging would change your care.
Image: NIAMS / Angelito7 / Jmarchn · Public domain. Adapted.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Shoulder pain during lifting, reaching or repeated arm use.
- Discomfort after a change in work or training load.
- Reduced endurance or strength; sudden weakness after injury needs assessment.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why can it develop?
A rapid increase in lifting or overhead activity, insufficient recovery or age-related tendon changes can be relevant. Complete rest is rarely the whole answer for persistent symptoms; loading is usually adjusted and rebuilt to match current tolerance.
Your treatment plan at J&J Therapy
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment may ease associated pain or stiffness and help you participate in rehabilitation. It is an adjunct to an activity plan, not a claim to stimulate guaranteed tendon repair.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for non-calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. A separate calcific diagnosis needs a different discussion; NICE recommends shockwave for calcific shoulder disease only in research.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We use a progressive shoulder-loading plan and adjust difficult tasks while strength and endurance develop. The exercise selection and rate of progression depend on the examination and how symptoms respond.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP advice or contact NHS 111 for sudden severe pain, inability to move the arm, marked swelling, persistent numbness or a hot shoulder with fever.
- After an injury, a changed shoulder shape or sudden loss of strength needs urgent assessment. Do not try to put a dislocated shoulder back yourself.
- Call 999 for shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating or feeling faint.
Your questions answered
What is the difference between tendonitis and tendinopathy?
Tendonitis suggests inflammation, while tendinopathy is a broader term for a painful tendon problem. The distinction helps avoid assuming that all persistent tendon pain needs only anti-inflammatory treatment.
How is this different from the rotator cuff page?
This page is an overview of shoulder tendon pain. Once the assessment identifies a more specific pattern, your care can follow the relevant rotator cuff, biceps or other pathway.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment to understand this problem and plan your rehabilitation. Soft Tissue Therapy may be considered for associated muscle tension when appropriate; it does not replace assessment of an injury, tendon problem or joint restriction.
Book an appointment at J&J Therapy, ground floor, CI Tower, New Malden. Need help choosing? Call our reception team on 07935 869938.
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page does not diagnose your symptoms or replace an individual assessment. Treatment depends on your health, examination and preferences. Use the urgent-care advice above when needed.