62 patients with rotator cuff tendinosis were randomized to receive either xylocaine and betamethasone or xylocaine alone. Over 6 months, there was significant no difference observed between the two groups for pain, function, quality of life, active internal rotation, active external rotation, or the Neer impingement sign. Active forward elevation was greater in the betamethasone group compared to the xylocaine only group at 2 weeks, but the difference was not significant at any other time. Significant improvement was noted in both groups for all outcome measurements.