Supraspinatus tendonitis Dr Rob Hicks Pain over the top of the shoulder is common.

In this article

What is supraspinatus tendonitis? Symptoms

Causes and risk factors Treatment and recovery

The supraspinatus muscle is in the shoulder and has a tendon that's attached to the bone, called the supraspinatus tendon. Inflammation of this tendon is usually caused by repetitive strain.

The most common symptom is pain, which is often felt over the top of the shoulder and comes on suddenly or gradually.

The shoulder is often stiff and moving the shoulder makes the pain worse. Supraspinatus tendonitis is responsible for around six out of ten cases of shoulder pain.

Trauma is responsible for around one in three cases. Overuse is another common cause, although often no cause for the problem is identified.

It can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 20 and 40.

It's difficult to prevent supraspinatus tendonitis, but regular exercise to keep the shoulder muscles strong and not overusing the shoulder joint can help to avoid it.

Treatment of supraspinatus tendonitis may include:

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication
• Massage with anti-inflammatory creams
• Rest
• Heat and cold treatment
• Physiotherapy
• Osteopathy
• Acupuncture
• Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may offer some benefit

Joint injections with corticosteroids may be recommended. In severe but rare cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Gill Jenkins in August 2009.