Condition profile · Shoulder
Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tear
Protocol from 3'585 CHF · ≈ 7 weeks
Understand
What is rotator cuff tendinopathy?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilise and rotate the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinopathy, often called shoulder tendinitis, causes pain on the side of the arm when lifting it, getting dressed or at night when lying on that shoulder.
It is common in throwing athletes and swimmers, in people who often work with their arms raised, and with age. A partial or full tear of the tendon is also possible, after a fall or through wear. In most cases, progressive strengthening gives very good results.
See a doctor promptly if…
- Sudden inability to lift the arm after a fall or an effort
- A deformed shoulder after an injury
- Shoulder pain with breathlessness, chest pain or fever
Common causes
- Repeated overload (sports or occupations with overhead arm work)
- Age-related wear
- Trauma
Symptoms
- Pain with movement
- Weakness, especially with a tear
- Night pain when lying on the affected side
Timeline
How long does shoulder tendinopathy last?
Night pain is often the first to improve. Strengthening should continue for several weeks after the pain has gone.
- Recent tendinopathy
- 6 to 12 weeks
- Tendinopathy present for several months
- 3 to 6 months
- Surgically repaired tear, overhead movements
- 6 to 12 months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical cuff tests (Jobe, Neer, Hawkins) by the physiotherapist. Ultrasound with Dr Massimo Donalisio first-line, MRI if a tear is suspected.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy
- Physical preparation (progressive cuff strengthening)
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: shockwaves, PRP if these fail, surgical referral for a complete tear in a young patient with sudden loss of strength
Rehab
Physio treatment, step by step
- 01
Ease the pain
Adapt the movements that irritate it (arms overhead, loads held away from the body), gentle exercises and comfortable sleeping positions.
- 02
Strengthen progressively
Band rotations, arm raises and shoulder blade work: the load increases over the weeks.
- 03
Regain overhead strength
Overhead exercises, pushing and pulling, movements closer and closer to your sport or job.
- 04
Return to activity
Back to throwing, swimming, tennis or weight training, with a maintenance programme.
Exercises
Rotator cuff exercises
Band external rotation
Elbow at your side bent to 90°, pull the band outwards and return slowly. 3 sets of 12 to 15.
Lateral raise to shoulder height
With a light weight, lift your arm out to the side up to shoulder height, thumb up. 3 sets of 10.
Shoulder blade squeeze
Sitting or standing, draw your shoulder blades back and down, hold for 5 seconds. 2 sets of 10.
Isometric wall press
Elbow bent, press the back of your hand against a wall without moving, 30 seconds. 5 repetitions while it is painful.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Returning to sport and overhead movements
- Full, pain-free arm elevation
- Rotation strength similar on both sides, measured with a dynamometer
- Sleep no longer disturbed by the shoulder
- Sport-specific movements (throwing, front crawl, serving) rebuilt in stages, with no pain the next day
Investment
Base protocol price
From
3'585CHF
≈ 7 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about shoulder tendinopathy
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppDoes a rotator cuff tear need surgery?
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Same area
Other conditions treated: shoulder
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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