Rotator cuff tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis, also known as subacromial impingement, is a common condition that causes shoulder pain, swelling, and localized irritation when lifting or rotating the arm.
What causes shoulder impingement?
Overuse and repetitive overhead movement are the primary causes. The condition is particularly prevalent in athletes involved in swimming, tennis, throwing sports, and weightlifting, as well as individuals in manual trades (such as painters, decorators, and carpenters).
Common symptoms
- Mild, localised shoulder aching during early stages, particularly when reaching overhead or behind your back
- Sharp pain when lifting the arm between 60 and 120 degrees (the 'painful arc')
- Persistent pain at rest or at night, making it difficult to lie comfortably on the affected side
- Progressive joint stiffness, loss of arm strength, and difficulty with daily overhead tasks
How is rotator cuff tendonitis diagnosed?
Diagnosing rotator cuff tendonitis involves a comprehensive clinical examination by your consultant to assess shoulder mobility, muscle strength, and specific pain triggers while ruling out referred neck pain or cervical nerve irritation.
How is it treated?
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, create space within the joint, and restore full overhead function.
Treatment routes for rotator cuff tendonitis
The majority of cases resolve without surgery. Conservative management includes resting from aggravating overhead activities, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under medical advice, and completing a targeted physical therapy program. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and stabilizing the shoulder blade (scapula) to improve posture and joint mechanics. Subacromial corticosteroid injections may also be offered to rapidly calm severe inflammation and facilitate rehabilitation.
Recovery from rotator cuff tendonitis
Pain management and gentle movement
A shoulder sling is worn for comfort during the first week or two. Focus on controlling swelling with ice and prescribed medication. Gentle pendulum exercises and movement of the elbow, wrist, and hand begin immediately. Dressings should be kept clean and dry, with stitches checked or removed around 10 to 14 days.
Restoring range of motion
The sling is discontinued, and guided physical therapy shifts toward progressive stretching exercises to restore overhead reach and rotational flexibility.
Strengthening and functional recovery
Targeted strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles are introduced. Most patients notice significant improvement in pain and daily function between 2 to 4 months post-surgery, with complete tissue recovery taking up to a year.
Working with professionals and teams
Our shoulder specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their shoulders. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Shoulder Treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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