Shoulder (Tendinitis) Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the shoulder that can cause persistent pain, weakness, and limited movement. This shoulder condition can make lifting, reaching, sleeping, or playing sports difficult. Treatment is essential, but non-surgical care is often enough to relieve pain and restore function.

Shoulder Tendinitis at a Glance

Shoulder tendinitis (sometimes spelled shoulder tendonitis) is inflammation or irritation of a shoulder tendon, causing pain, weakness and difficulty moving the arm.

Symptoms include: Shoulder pain, tenderness, weakness and pain when reaching overhead or behind your back.
Causes include: Repetitive overhead activities, sports injuries, overuse and age-related tendon wear.
Reduce the risk of shoulder tendonitis by: Warming up before activity, strengthening the shoulder muscles, using proper technique and avoiding repetitive overhead strain.
When to see an orthopedic specialist: If shoulder pain is severe, persists despite rest, worsens over time or limits your ability to work, exercise or perform everyday activities.

Hoag Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options for patients with shoulder pain.

This pain worsens when doing everyday activities such as lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or sleeping on the affected side. Without proper treatment, continued irritation can lead to worsening pain, weakness, stiffness, and reduced shoulder mobility.

Common shoulder tendonitis symptoms include:

Aching pain in the shoulder or upper arm
Pain that travels down the outside of the arm
Tenderness near the front or side of the shoulder
Shoulder pain that worsens midway through lifting the arm
Weakness when reaching, lifting, or rotating the shoulder
Stiffness or reduced shoulder mobility
Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations during movement
Mild swelling or warmth around the joint

As inflammation worsens, everyday movements such as reaching behind the back, fastening a seatbelt, or putting on clothing may become difficult. Reduced range of motion and nighttime shoulder pain are also common signs of tendonitis in the shoulder.

What Causes Tendonitis in the Shoulder?

Shoulder tendonitis is typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain that irritates or inflames the rotator cuff or biceps tendons. Repeated overhead motion, poor posture, shoulder impingement, sudden injuries, and age-related tendon wear can all contribute to the inflammation and irritation of the shoulder tendons.

Common causes of shoulder tendonitis include:

Sports involving repeated overhead motion, such as swimming, baseball, volleyball, tennis, or weightlifting
Jobs that require frequent lifting, reaching, painting, or repetitive shoulder rotation
Falls, sudden shoulder injuries, or lifting objects that are too heavy
Shoulder impingement, where tendons become pinched during arm movement
Poor posture that places ongoing strain on the shoulder joint
Repetitive daily activities such as gardening, raking, shoveling, or cleaning
Sleeping positions that place prolonged pressure on the shoulder
Age-related degeneration that weakens the shoulder tendons over time

Types of Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis types are classified by the tendon involved or the underlying cause of inflammation:

Rotator cuff tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons that stabilize the shoulder
Biceps tendonitis: Irritation of the biceps tendon
Calcific tendonitis: Caused by calcium deposits forming within the shoulder tendons
Shoulder impingement: Compression or pinching of the tendons during movement

How Long Does Shoulder Tendonitis Last?

How long shoulder tendonitis lasts depends on the severity of the inflammation and how quickly proper treatment begins. Mild cases may improve within two to four weeks, while more moderate cases often require at least 6 weeks of treatment. Chronic or more severe shoulder tendonitis can take three to six months to fully heal.

Rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and early treatment can shorten recovery time and help prevent ongoing pain or tendon damage.

Find a Shoulder Care Doctor

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Specialists for Shoulder Tendonitis

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our board-certified and fellowship-trained shoulder care specialists provide advanced shoulder tendonitis treatment tailored to the cause and severity of your condition. We focus on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and helping you get back to the activities you love, often with effective non-surgical care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At your first visit, you’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialist who will take time to understand the symptoms you have, as well as your concerns and goals. Your appointment will begin with a thorough review of your medical history and any relevant imaging or test results you have. Your shoulder doctor will perform a focused physical exam to assess your joint stability, range of motion, and areas of pain or weakness.
If additional information is needed, tests such as X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI can be arranged on-site. You’ll then discuss the most likely causes of your symptoms and consider both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Before you leave, your shoulder specialist will outline a personalized plan for the next steps, so you are informed and feel supported and confident in your care.
To schedule your consultation with an experienced shoulder doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, call (949) 890-0464 or complete our secure online request form. We’ll connect you with the orthopedic shoulder specialist best suited to your needs and help arrange any imaging or records in advance, so you can quickly access the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Our award-winning team of orthopedic shoulder doctors offers a full spectrum of treatments to address everything from minor strains to complex joint damage. Our non-surgical care may include targeted physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, bracing for added stability, and image-guided injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
When surgery is your most effective option, our shoulder surgeons perform procedures such as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, fracture fixation, and total or reverse shoulder replacement. Many of these surgeries incorporate advanced robotic-assisted technology, allowing for precise implant positioning, secure joint reconstruction, and improved functional outcomes.
We tailor your treatment plan to your specific condition and goals, helping you heal, regain strength, and return to the activities that matter most to you.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder doctors and orthopedic shoulder surgeons brings world-class expertise to diagnosing and treating your injury or condition. Our shoulder specialists use advanced treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies to highly complex shoulder surgery performed with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Using robotic technology, our shoulder surgeons perform highly accurate implant placement and stable joint reconstruction, while better protecting surrounding tissue, improving function, and promoting a smoother recovery.
Whether you’re suffering from a sports injury, degenerative arthritis, or a complex rotator cuff tear, we personalize your care to your specific needs and goals. Our orthopedic shoulder specialists apply leading-edge techniques with one clear purpose—to help you move comfortably again and return to the activities you enjoy.