Shoulder Tendonitis Treatment in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD treats shoulder tendonitis and frozen shoulder with injections and Orthopedic care. Same-day or next-day appointments at four Massachusetts offices.
Call 978-969-3624
What is shoulder tendonitis, and how is it treated?
Shoulder tendonitis is inflammation of one or more tendons in the shoulder, often the rotator cuff tendons. It causes pain and limited motion. Rotator cuff tendonitis is closely linked to shoulder impingement, in which the tendons and bursa are pinched under the bone at the top of the shoulder when the arm is raised.
Dr. McLaughlin treats shoulder tendonitis with injections, physical therapy, and other Orthopedic care. He also treats frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), a condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and painful over time.
Call 978-969-3624 for a same-day or next-day evaluation at any of our four offices.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Conditions Tendonitis, frozen shoulder
- Treatment Cortisone injections, PRP, physical therapy
- Diagnosis In-office ultrasound available
- Surgery Rarely required
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Shoulder tendonitis treatment options
Most cases of shoulder tendonitis can be treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin recommends a treatment plan based on the severity and the patient’s needs. Early care often includes rest, ice, avoiding the motions that cause pain, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Physical therapy stretches and strengthens the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder quickly and are often the first step in treating tendonitis.
Learn more →PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use growth factors from the patient’s own blood to support tendon healing. PRP injections are $750 per injection at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Strengthening and stretching exercises help restore shoulder function. Dr. McLaughlin provides expedited PT referrals when needed.
Symptoms and common causes
Shoulder tendonitis often causes pain on the front or outside of the shoulder that worsens when lifting the arm overhead, reaching behind the back, or lying on that side. It usually develops from repeated overhead motion, such as throwing, swimming, racquet sports, painting, or lifting at work, and it can also follow a sudden strain. Pain that keeps you up at night or does not settle with rest is a reason to have the shoulder examined.
Tendonitis or a rotator cuff tear? In-office ultrasound
Tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear can feel alike, but they are treated differently. Dr. McLaughlin uses in-office diagnostic ultrasound to check the rotator cuff for a tear during your visit, many times avoiding the need for an MRI. If more imaging is needed, expedited MRI options are available. Every patient is seen by Dr. McLaughlin himself, and treatment can often begin at the first visit.
Shoulder tendonitis questions
What is shoulder tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis is inflammation of one or more tendons in the shoulder, often the rotator cuff tendons. It causes pain and limited motion.
How is shoulder tendonitis treated?
Shoulder tendonitis is usually treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin may recommend cortisone injections, PRP injections, physical therapy, and activity modification depending on the severity.
Does Dr. McLaughlin treat frozen shoulder?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin treats frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), a condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and painful over time. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
How soon can I be seen for shoulder pain?
Same-day or next-day appointments are available at the Boston, Norwood, Revere, and Beverly offices. Call 978-969-3624, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Boston Concierge Orthopedics is not an urgent care or walk-in clinic, so please call first.
Does Dr. McLaughlin treat shoulder bursitis?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin treats shoulder bursitis, an irritation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions the rotator cuff tendons. It often occurs together with tendonitis. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
Shoulder tendonitis care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions