Shoulder Tendonitis and Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

Non-surgical shoulder care with Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD, triple board-certified

Shoulder tendonitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. It often hurts when you reach overhead, reach behind your back or lie on that shoulder at night.

At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale finds the source of your shoulder pain with an exam and an ultrasound scan in the office. He then offers exercises, guided injections and, for some patients, PRP.

Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online

Important Notice from IROSM: Your treatment plan is made for you by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez. After an exam at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, he will tell you which option fits your shoulder, including when surgery is the better choice.

What Is Shoulder Tendonitis?

Tendons connect muscles to bone. Shoulder tendonitis means a tendon in the shoulder is irritated and, over time, worn. It usually affects the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and tendons that hold the ball of the arm bone in the socket, or the biceps tendon at the front of the shoulder.

It often comes from repeated overhead activity, such as swimming, tennis, baseball, weightlifting, painting or stocking shelves. It can also build up slowly with age. When the tendon is worn rather than inflamed, doctors may call it tendinopathy.

Shoulder Tendonitis Symptoms

Pain at the front or outside of the shoulder
Pain when lifting the arm, reaching overhead or behind your back
Pain at night or when lying on that side
Weakness or trouble holding the arm in some positions
Clicking or catching with movement

Pain around the shoulder blade can come from the rotator cuff, the muscles around the blade, or the neck. See why neck pain spreads to the shoulder and arm.

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale: Finding the Cause

Shoulder pain has many causes that can feel alike. Dr. Gonzalez uses an ultrasound scan in the office to look at the tendons while you move your arm. This helps tell tendonitis apart from:

Rotator Cuff Tear

A partial or full tear of the tendon. See rotator cuff tear treatment.

Bursitis and Impingement

Pinching and swelling under the roof of the shoulder. See shoulder bursitis and impingement.

Calcium Deposits

Hard calcium in the tendon. See calcific tendonitis.

Frozen Shoulder

A stiff, painful shoulder that loses movement. See frozen shoulder treatment.

IROSM also treats shoulder labral tears.

How to Treat Shoulder Tendonitis

Most people with shoulder tendonitis get better without surgery. Options at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may include:

Specific shoulder exercises: strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, often with a physical therapist. This is the main treatment.
Activity changes: easing off overhead lifting or sports while the tendon settles, without stopping all movement.
Guided injections: a cortisone injection placed while watching on ultrasound can ease pain so the exercises are easier to do.
PRP: for tendon pain that lasts despite exercise, PRP (made from your own blood) may be considered. See PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale.

How long shoulder tendonitis lasts varies a lot from person to person. Read how image-guided injections improve accuracy. Not every treatment is right for everyone, and results vary. Dr. Gonzalez will tell you at your visit which options fit you. If surgery is the better fit, he will explain why and help with a referral.

What the Research Says About Shoulder Tendonitis Treatment

Specific exercises and the need for surgery: In a study of people with long-lasting shoulder pain who were on a waiting list for shoulder surgery, patients were randomly given either a specific strengthening program or general exercises. Far more people in the specific exercise group improved, and fewer of them went on to choose surgery. Holmgren T, et al. Effect of specific exercise strategy on need for surgery in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: randomised controlled study. BMJ. 2012;344:e787. View the study.

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

Providing shoulder tendonitis and shoulder pain treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.

Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Tendonitis at IROSM

How is shoulder tendonitis treated?

For most people, a program of specific shoulder and shoulder blade exercises is the main treatment, along with short-term activity changes. A guided injection may be used when pain holds back the exercises. Dr. Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale builds a plan for your shoulder.

How long does shoulder tendonitis last?

It varies a lot. Mild cases may settle fairly quickly with the right exercises, while long-standing tendon wear can take much longer. Starting the right plan early usually helps.

Is shoulder tendonitis the same as a rotator cuff tear?

No. Tendonitis means the tendon is irritated or worn. A tear means part or all of the tendon has split. They can feel similar, so an exam and ultrasound help tell them apart.

Does a cortisone shot help shoulder tendonitis?

A cortisone injection can ease pain for a while and make exercises easier. It helps most when used as part of an exercise plan rather than on its own.

Is PRP used for shoulder tendonitis?

PRP may be considered for tendon pain that lasts despite a good exercise program. It is placed with ultrasound guidance. Research is mixed and results vary, and Dr. Gonzalez reviews whether it fits your shoulder.

Is shoulder tendonitis treatment covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on the treatment and your plan. Office visits, imaging, therapy and cortisone injections are often covered, while PRP usually is not. Our team explains costs clearly before any treatment begins.

Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?

It depends on your insurance. Many HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans need a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Please check with your plan, or call us at (954) 751-6990 before your visit to confirm.

Find Out What Is Causing Your Shoulder Pain

Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale for an in-office ultrasound of your shoulder and a clear treatment plan.

Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD
Institute: Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
Last reviewed: September 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Shoulder tendonitis treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.

Shoulder Tendonitis and Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

What Is Shoulder Tendonitis?

Shoulder Tendonitis Symptoms

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale: Finding the Cause

Rotator Cuff Tear

Bursitis and Impingement

Calcium Deposits

Frozen Shoulder

How to Treat Shoulder Tendonitis

What the Research Says About Shoulder Tendonitis Treatment

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Tendonitis at IROSM

How is shoulder tendonitis treated?

How long does shoulder tendonitis last?

Is shoulder tendonitis the same as a rotator cuff tear?

Does a cortisone shot help shoulder tendonitis?

Is PRP used for shoulder tendonitis?

Is shoulder tendonitis treatment covered by insurance?

Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?

Find Out What Is Causing Your Shoulder Pain

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