What to expect from physiotherapy for rotator cuff tendinitis

The assessment may look at painful movements, shoulder range, muscle strength, posture and tasks such as reaching overhead. Treatment often starts by reducing repeated or sustained positions that aggravate the tendon without stopping all shoulder movement. Your therapist may then introduce controlled exercises for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade, progressing resistance as tolerance improves. The programme is shaped around work, sleep, exercise and other daily demands.

Use the home plan consistently and follow the suggested effort rather than adding resistance quickly. Break up repetitive overhead work, keep frequently used items within an easier reach, and ask how to modify sport or gym exercises. A little post-exercise awareness may be expected, but symptoms should guide the pace. Report night pain, increasing stiffness or reduced function so the programme can be reviewed.

Seek medical assessment for sudden loss of strength, inability to lift the arm, a new injury, pronounced swelling, fever, or a hot and red shoulder. Urgent care is needed for chest symptoms, breathing difficulty, or neurological changes. If steady rehabilitation brings no functional improvement or pain keeps worsening, arrange follow-up with the treating clinician.

Ask what movements are irritating the tendon, which activities can continue, and how exercise discomfort should be judged. Discuss whether another shoulder problem needs consideration and what improvement would justify progressing your programme.