Do you feel pain in your shoulder when moving it or performing certain activities? Shoulder tendinitis is a common condition that affects people of all ages, from athletes to those who carry out repetitive activities on a daily basis.

At the Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi Orquin (ITGO), we treat this pathology with a personalised approach, helping our patients to relieve pain and regain mobility.

Join us to discover more about this injury and the best traumatology solutions in Valencia that we can offer you.

What is shoulder tendonitis?

Shoulder tendinitis occurs when the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed. This problem usually affects the tendons of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise and allow movement of the shoulder.

This inflammation can be caused by:

• Repetitive movements, such as those performed in sports like tennis or swimming.
• Overloading, through heavy lifting or overexertion.
• Ageing, as tendons lose elasticity over time, making them more prone to injury.

When not treated properly, tendonitis can progress to complications such as a tendon rupture or frozen shoulder.

Symptoms of shoulder tendinitis

Recognising the symptoms of shoulder tendonitis is essential to seek help in time, especially in cases of sports medicine in Valencia. Some of the most common signs include:

• Pain on the outside of the shoulder: May be mild at first and increase with movement.
• Difficulty moving the arm: Especially when raising it above the head or making turns.
• Muscle weakness: Feeling of loss of strength when carrying objects.
• Swelling and tenderness: The area may be swollen or tender to the touch.
• Nocturnal discomfort: The pain is often intensified when sleeping on the affected shoulder.

Treatments for shoulder tendonitis

At ITGO, we know that each patient is unique. That is why we design a treatment plan adapted to the needs and lifestyle of each person. Here we explain the options available, from the most conservative to surgical.

Conservative treatments

In most cases, shoulder tendinitis can be resolved without surgery. Options include:

Rest and activity modification.

Reducing activities that overload the shoulder is essential to relieve inflammation. This does not mean completely immobilising the arm, but avoiding repetitive and forced movements.

Physiotherapy

At Gastaldi Valencia, physiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment. Our specialists work on:

• Strengthening exercises: To improve shoulder stability and prevent future injuries.
• Stretching: To increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Manual therapies: To relieve tension in muscles and tendons.

Application of cold or heat

Cold helps to reduce inflammation in the early stages, while heat can be useful to relax muscles and improve circulation in later stages.

Injections

In cases of severe pain, infiltrations of corticosteroids or growth factors (PRP) can relieve inflammation and speed recovery. At ITGO, we are pioneers in the use of biological therapies such as PRP, which stimulate natural tissue regeneration.

Surgical treatments

If conservative treatments fail to achieve results after a reasonable time, or if the tendinitis is associated with a partial or total rupture of the tendons, surgical intervention may be necessary.

At ITGO, we have specialists in minimally invasive techniques, such as:

Shoulder arthroscopy

This procedure repairs damaged tendons through small incisions, minimising post-operative pain and speeding recovery.

Subacromial decompression

In some cases, the space between the acromion and the rotator cuff narrows, causing friction on the tendons. This procedure removes the structures that create this pressure, relieving symptoms.

Tendon repair

In cases of severe ruptures, tendons are sutured to restore functionality and prevent long-term complications.

Recovery and prevention

Recovery from shoulder tendinitis depends on the treatment followed and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation.

At ITGO, we offer personalised rehabilitation plans that include physiotherapy, exercises and medical follow-up to ensure a full recovery.

How to prevent shoulder tendinitis?

Although it cannot always be avoided, there are measures that help to reduce the risk:

• Adequate warm-up: Before intense sporting or physical activities.
• Strengthening exercises: To keep the shoulder muscles strong and stable.
• Correct technique: Both in sports and in work activities involving repetitive movements.
• Regular breaks: If you perform repetitive movements, take breaks to avoid overloading.

At the ITGO we are with you

At the Gastaldi Traumatology Institute, we know how important it is to relieve pain and restore shoulder mobility.

Our multidisciplinary team is prepared to offer you the most advanced and personalised treatments.

If you feel discomfort in your shoulder or suspect tendinitis, contact us now. We are here to help you improve your quality of life.

We invite you to visit other articles on our blog, where you will find tips and treatments to take care of your joints and prevent injuries.