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Area of care: Rheumatism and joints

Shoulder tendinopathy

In short

Shoulder tendinopathy affects one or more tendons around the joint, such as those of the rotator cuff. It causes pain that gets worse when you raise your arm, often with a loss of strength.

  • Areas concerned: Shoulder
  • Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Shoulder

Common signs

  • Dull pain that eases with rest
  • Pain during and after movements where you raise your arm
  • Movements that bring on or increase the pain: raising the arm in front or to the side, turning the arm, putting your hand behind your back
  • Less strength in the arm for some movements
  • Sleep sometimes disturbed when lying on the painful shoulder

When to see a doctor

  • Sudden or very severe shoulder pain
  • Unable to move the arm
  • Shoulder that looks deformed or very swollen, or arm hot or cold to the touch
  • Pins and needles that do not go away, or an arm that has lost all feeling
  • Pain that started after a fall or an accident, or with a fever

What physiotherapy does

Physiotherapy is used very often, usually along with pain medicines. It aims to ease the pain and give the shoulder back its strength and mobility. The physiotherapist follows your doctor’s instructions and teaches you to continue part of the rehabilitation yourself, because your participation is needed. If an operation becomes necessary, the rehabilitation that follows is essential for the shoulder to get its mobility back.

Techniques used at the practice

Initial management of pain and signs of inflammation depending on the context: cold therapy, pain-relieving electrotherapy, ultrasound if indicated and manual therapy. Joint mobilisations to recover range of movement, followed by progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff and the shoulder blade muscles.

How the sessions go

Targeted assessment of the shoulder: mobility, strength, tolerance to load and coordination of movement. An individualised programme in the rehabilitation gym, through to the return to work or sports movements.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Keep the shoulder moving regularly, while avoiding forcing painful movements. Temporarily adapt the intensity of your efforts and gradually follow the recommended strengthening programme. Gradually go back to movements that use the shoulder in daily, work and sports activities, respecting what you feel.

Sources

  1. Symptômes, diagnostic et évolution de l'épaule douloureuse chronique (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  2. Traitement de l'épaule douloureuse chronique (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  3. Shoulder pain (new tab)NHS (National Health Service, Royaume-Uni), accessed October 26, 2026

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Rheumatism and joints

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