How Do You Treat Calcific Tendonitis in the Shoulder?
If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, deep pain in your shoulder that seems to come out of nowhere, you may have been dealing with calcific tendonitis. This condition occurs when calcium deposits build up in the tendons of the rotator cuff—most commonly in the supraspinatus tendon—leading to inflammation, pressure, and pain. While the condition can be quite uncomfortable, the good news is that it’s very treatable, and surgery is rarely needed.
What Causes Calcific Tendonitis?
The exact cause of calcific tendonitis isn’t fully understood. It tends to occur more commonly in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and is not always linked to injury or overuse. For reasons not entirely clear, calcium crystals begin to deposit in the shoulder tendon, triggering inflammation. Over time, the body may begin to reabsorb these deposits, which is often the most painful phase of the condition.
Common Symptoms
Calcific tendonitis may cause:
- Sudden or gradually increasing shoulder pain
- Pain that worsens at night or with overhead activity
- Limited range of motion
- A catching or snapping sensation during movement
Pain levels can vary depending on the stage of the calcium deposit—whether it is forming, resting, or being reabsorbed.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In many cases, calcific tendonitis improves without surgery. Initial treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and managing pain:
1. Rest and Activity Modification
Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder can help reduce symptoms and give the tendon time to heal.
2. Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Applying ice and using NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling.
3. Physical Therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve range of motion and support healing.
4. Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, a steroid injection can significantly reduce inflammation and pain in the short term.
5. Ultrasound-Guided Needling (Barbotage)
This minimally invasive procedure uses a needle to break up and remove calcium deposits under ultrasound guidance. It can be a highly effective option when conservative measures fail.
6. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves to help dissolve calcium deposits and stimulate healing in the tendon.
Surgical Treatment (When Necessary)
Surgery is usually considered only when conservative treatments fail and symptoms persist for several months. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove the calcium deposits and clean the tendon area while preserving the structure of the rotator cuff.
What to Expect from Recovery
Most people respond well to non-surgical treatments and notice improvement over several weeks. Recovery may take longer if the calcium deposit is large or if surgery is required. In either case, physical therapy is often an important part of the healing process to restore shoulder mobility and prevent recurrence.
In Summary
Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder can be painful but is highly treatable. With proper diagnosis and a structured treatment plan—often without surgery—most patients can return to normal activities with little to no long-term shoulder issues.
If you’re experiencing unexplained shoulder pain or limited motion, talk to a specialist to determine whether calcific tendonitis may be the cause—and what treatment options are right for you.