Non-Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Narrative Review

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with shoulder pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. A wide range of non-surgical interventions have been investigated, and uncertainty remains regarding their comparative effectiveness. Objective: This study aimed to summarize recent evidence on non-surgical treatments for rotator cuff tendinopathy and evaluate their reported clinical outcomes. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using Google Scholar to identify studies published between 2020 and 2025 involving adult patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Studies investigating exercise therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), laser therapy, kinesiotaping, and percutaneous electrolysis were considered. Following screening and eligibility assessment, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Exercise therapy was the most extensively investigated intervention and consistently improved pain, function, and shoulder mobility. PRP injections were associated with favorable effects on pain and functional outcomes, although treatment protocols varied substantially. Several studies reported improvements following ESWT in pain reduction and functional recovery. Evidence from a limited number of studies suggests that high-power laser therapy may improve clinical outcomes, whereas evidence supporting low-level laser therapy remained inconclusive. Kinesiotaping and percutaneous electrolysis demonstrated potential benefits, although the available evidence remains limited. Conclusions: Exercise therapy remains the cornerstone of conservative management for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Adjunctive interventions, including PRP, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and high-power laser therapy, may provide additional benefits in appropriately selected patients. However, methodological heterogeneity and differences in treatment mechanisms limit direct comparisons between modalities.