What causes this painful condition that affects people of all ages and what can you do to lessen or eliminate the pain in your rotator cuff/shoulder? Dr. Jennifer Taniguchi, Orthopedic Surgeon at Glacial Ridge Center for Surgical Care always recommends symptomatic care. Secondly, physical therapy can help with strengthening shoulder muscles and reducing pain. Additional treatment options for rotator cuff tendonitis include Cortisone injections, COOLIEF, and as a last resort after a few months of treatment, arthroscopic (small incisions) surgery may be needed.