Can Shoulder Tendonitis Lead to a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Shoulder pain is more than just a nuisance—it’s often a signal that something deeper is going on. One of the most common shoulder conditions seen in Los Angeles orthopedic practices is 🥇 Los Angeles Shoulder Tendonitis Symptoms, Treatment, Pain Relief | Beverly Hills, which can, if left untreated, progress into something far more serious: a rotator cuff tear.

At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we’re known for advanced orthopedic solutions, including robotic-assisted hip and knee surgeries. However, our team, led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Kabaei, also evaluates and treats a wide range of joint and tendon disorders—including shoulder injuries that often begin as tendonitis.

What Is Shoulder Tendonitis?

Shoulder tendonitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the shoulder—most commonly those of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tendonitis typically develops from overuse, poor posture, repetitive overhead movements, or gradual degeneration due to aging.

Common symptoms include:

• Dull, aching shoulder pain
• Pain that worsens at night or with certain motions
• Limited range of motion
• Weakness or stiffness in the shoulder

Can Tendonitis Become a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Yes. If shoulder tendonitis is not properly treated, it can progress into a partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear. This transition usually happens over time as the inflamed tendon continues to degenerate or fray. In some cases, a minor injury or lifting movement may cause a weak tendon to rupture completely.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, rotator cuff tears affect approximately 2 million people in the U.S. annually. Chronic tendonitis, especially in individuals over age 40, significantly increases the risk of a rotator cuff tear.

In Los Angeles, where many patients maintain active lifestyles or jobs involving repetitive shoulder movement, untreated tendonitis is a common precursor to rotator cuff injury.

How Can You Prevent Progression?

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we recommend:

• Physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility
• Activity modification to reduce stress on the shoulder joint
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Ultrasound-guided injections for targeted relief
• In some cases, minimally invasive surgery to repair damage before it worsens

We work closely with patients from Santa Monica to Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills to Pasadena, to catch rotator cuff issues early and preserve long-term shoulder function.

Meet Dr. David Kabaei – Los Angeles Orthopedic Specialist

Dr. David Kabaei brings world-class training and compassionate care to every case. He earned his neuroscience degree from UCLA, his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed advanced orthopedic training at Montefiore/Einstein Medical Center. His fellowship in joint reconstruction was completed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Certified by both the California Medical Board and the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Kabaei is widely regarded as a regional expert in complex orthopedic trauma, joint reconstruction, and robotic surgery. He sees patients at DOCS Orthopedic Hospital, Cedars-Sinai, and Providence St. John’s in Santa Monica.

Shoulder Pain in LA? Don’t Wait for a Tear.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion, don’t ignore the signs. Tendonitis may seem minor, but without treatment, it can lead to lasting damage.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kabaei and the team at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, serving patients across the greater Los Angeles area. We’ll help you identify the cause of your pain and take steps to protect your shoulder before the condition worsens.