What is the first treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis?

Rotator cuff tendinitis involves irritation of the tendons that help control shoulder lifting and rotation. Repeated overhead work, sudden increases in training, or poor load tolerance can keep symptoms active. Early treatment reduces the movements that provoke pain while building the shoulder's ability to handle normal activity.

Physiotherapy may include movement assessment, posture and shoulder-blade work, mobility exercises, and gradual strengthening. Exercise therapy is adjusted to your pain response and daily demands. A cortisone injection may sometimes be considered when pain blocks rehabilitation, but it is not appropriate for every person.

Pause or reduce painful overhead lifting, repeated reaching, and heavy pushing for a short period. Continue comfortable daily movement rather than holding the shoulder completely still. Apply any heat, cold, or medicine advice provided by your clinician, taking your other health conditions into account.

As symptoms settle, increase exercise gradually instead of returning suddenly to full training or a demanding job. Keep the shoulder-blade and upper-back movements in your programme, because control of the whole shoulder region affects tendon loading.

Book an assessment if pain lasts, repeatedly wakes you, or limits reaching, dressing, work, or sport. Seek prompt care after a major injury, or if you develop sudden marked weakness, numbness, a deformed shoulder, fever, or a hot swollen joint.

Which shoulder movements are irritating the tendon? What exercises should I begin with, and what discomfort is acceptable? How quickly should activity increase? Would an injection help me participate in rehabilitation, and what are the alternatives?