Calcific Tendonitis Shoulder | Shoulder Treatment | Calcific Tendinitis
Calcific Tendonitis Of The Shoulder
You may never have told of calcific tendonitis until you were diagnosed with it – but it actually more common than you might think.
If you are one of the many people who suffer from calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, there are a number of treatment options.
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy, we offer a range of therapies for calcific tendonitis.
Our physiotherapist will work with you to find a treatment plan suited to you.
What Is Calcific Tendonitis?
Calcific tendinitis is caused by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals (calcium deposits) within or around the tendons of the rotator cuff (a group of muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint). In particular, it is caused by calcium deposits or build-up within the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons.
Essentially, calcific tendinitis is a multifaceted condition, with many contributing factors. There is a transformation or a remodeling within the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle from normal ‘tendon tissue’ to calcium build-up, followed by an immune response.
The disease commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. The disease affects more women than men. This condition is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including abnormal thyroid activity, metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes), and genetic predisposition.
Why Do Calcium Deposits Form In The Rotator Cuff?
There have been a variety of etiological hypotheses proposed: degenerative and multiphasic theories are the most widely acknowledged.
Contrary to popular belief, this condition does not occur more frequently in individuals who do heavy physical labor or in overhead athletes, who use their upper limbs a lot.
What Are The Symptoms Of Calcific Tendonitis?
In clinical terms, calcific tendinitis is characterized by severe, disabling pain that arises spontaneously, usually in the morning, particularly around the front of the shoulder, but people with this condition may also report pain at the back of the shoulder around the top of the shoulder blade.
There can be stiffness, giving rise to a frozen shoulder-like clinical picture. The range of motion is usually severely restricted. There is often a burning or prickling sensation in the area around the shoulder joint.
The pain may radiate to the upper arm, neck, and even down the back. The symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with sleep and daily activities.
How Is Calcific Tendonitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of a clinical examination and imaging.
The Treatment Of Calcific Tendinitis – Calcific Tendonitis Surgery?
There are a number of treatment options available for calcific tendonitis, which can be divided into two main categories: surgical and non-surgical.
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy we offer a range of non-surgical therapies for calcific tendonitis.
Other therapies may include:
- Iontophoresis with acetic acid.
- Steroid injections and percutaneous needling.
- Platelet-rich plasma.
How We Treat Calcific Tendonitis In Dublin, Ireland
We use a combination of therapies aimed at reducing the pain and stiffness of calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, and any related neck or arm pain or muscle tightness around the mid-back. These may include:
- Physical therapy.
- Laser Therapy.
- Shockwave Therapy.
- Chiropractic Care.
If you are suffering from calcific tendonitis, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan suited to you.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist will work with you to help manage pain and stiffness.
They will design a treatment plan that works for your needs, your lifestyle, and your schedule. They will give you management strategies that you can use at home to manage your symptoms.
They will use a combination of laser therapy or shockwave therapy, exercise therapy, and hands-on therapy.
Shockwave Therapy
Several studies have reported improvements in pain and function with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), whether radial (rESWT) or focused (fESWT), in calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff, but results vary.
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses pressure waves (sound waves).
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light applied over the painful area. The evidence for laser in shoulder pain is mixed, and how it might affect pain and inflammation is not well established. Results vary.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care may help with neck or mid-back pain that some people with shoulder pain also have. The chiropractor may use techniques such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation or adjustments, aimed at easing stiffness and improving movement.
If you are suffering from calcific tendonitis please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
Visit Us In Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Book An Appointment Today
Our experienced team is here to help, with a range of treatment options, talk to a member of our team today or schedule an appointment online.