Mild Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis

Rotator cuff tendinitis (often supraspinatus tendinopathy / subacromial impingement) causes activity‑related shoulder pain.

Symptoms

• Pain anterior/lateral shoulder, worse overhead.
• Night ache (especially lying on affected side).
• Weakness, clicking.

Conservative Treatment (First‑Line)

• Relative rest (avoid provocative motions).
• Ice 15–20 min, 3–4×/day.
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) 1–2 weeks.
• Physical therapy: Posterior capsule stretch, scapular stabilization, progressive rotator cuff strengthening (isometric → eccentric).
• Subacromial corticosteroid injection if PT fails at 6–8 weeks.

Prognosis

Most resolve within 6–12 weeks with adherence. Persistent cases may need MRI to assess for tear; surgery rarely needed for pure tendinitis.