How long does exercise therapy take to work for rotator cuff tendinitis?

The programme may include rotator-cuff and shoulder-blade strengthening, mobility work, and practice of the movements that matter to you. Pain can vary with reaching, dressing, sleeping on the shoulder, or lifting. A useful early sign is improved daily movement; later signs include better force, endurance, and confidence above shoulder height. Recovery may slow if the shoulder is repeatedly overloaded.

Complete the prescribed exercises at the planned frequency and avoid testing the shoulder with sudden heavy lifting between sessions. Keep commonly needed movements gentle and controlled, then increase resistance or range in steps. Record sleep, reaching, lifting, and next-day soreness. A physiotherapist can adjust the angle, resistance, or volume. See Rotator Cuff Tendinitis and Exercise Therapy for related guidance.

Arrange assessment if pain steadily worsens, shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted, weakness is sudden or marked, or symptoms do not begin to change after a consistent trial. Seek urgent care after a significant injury with deformity or inability to lift the arm, or with fever and a hot, red joint.

Ask which movements to limit temporarily, how to judge acceptable soreness, when to increase resistance, and whether neck or nerve symptoms could be contributing.