Calcific Tendinopathy

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Calcific Tendinopathy

Calcific tendinopathy is a common condition, that occurs when calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons become painful.

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It is most common between the ages of 30 - 50 years. Nobody knows why calcium is deposited in shoulder tendons, but in many cases it may be there for years and not cause any problems. Imaging (such as an x-ray or ultrasound scan) is required to confirm the diagnosis. In  many  cases,  these   calcific  deposits  can  be  managed  non-­‐surgically,  however  in  some   cases  surgery  may  be  required  if  conservative  treatment  measures   do  not  provide  adequate  relief  of  symptoms.    

Resorptive Calcific Tendinopathy
For unknown reasons, the body recognises the calcium and the area becomes inflamed as the body attempts to absorb, and break down the calcium. This is called "resorptive" calcific tendinopathy, and can be a painful condition. The pain can start spontaneously, or it may come on after a minor injury. The acute pain may last up to 2 weeks after which it may resolve on its' own, or may leave residual symptoms that require treatment.
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​Treatment Options

1.   Do nothing.
Once the initial  pain  has  settled,  shoulder  function  can  recover   spontaneously  over  several  weeks  without  the  need  for  any   treatment,  beyond  basic  pain  relief  medications.

2.  Ultrasound-Guided Injection.
An  injection   of  anaesthetic  and   corticosteroid  (anti-­‐inflammatory)   performed  under  the  guidance  of   ultrasound  imaging   can  provide   effective  relief  for  those  cases  where   pain  is  severe  and  disabling. If  the  calcium  deposits  are  large,  causing  interference  with  normal   shoulder  movement  and  ‘impingement’  type  symptoms,  they  can   also  be  treated  with  a  procedure  called  fenestration  (needling    of   the  calcific  deposits  performed  using  local  anaesthetic),  or   barbotage  (injection  of  saline  (salt  water),  local  anaesthetic  and   corticosteroid  (anti-­‐inflammatory)  into  the  calcific  deposits).  Both   of  these  procedures  are  done  under  ultrasound  guidance.  This can be repeated 2-3 times over a period of several months if symptoms are persistent.

3. Surgery
If  the  calcium  deposits  are  large  and  troublesome,  surgical  excision   may  be  required.  Usually,  surgery  is  only  recommended  if  the  other   procedures  (analgesics,  anti-­‐inflammatory  medications  and   injection  procedures)  are  unsuitable  or  have  been  unsuccessful. 
​

​Caledonian Centre, 8 Caledonian Road, St Albans, Christchurch               P:  03 376 4115          M:  021 0281 2329                    E:  admin@advancephysiotherapy.co.nz
  • Home
    • Our Team
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy Specialist Services
    • Physiotherapy Services
  • For Patients
    • What to expect from your Physiotherapy Consultation
    • Working with ACC
    • Shoulder Conditions >
      • Frozen Shoulder
      • Rotator Cuff Tears
      • Calcific Tendinopathy
      • Instability & Dislocation
      • Shoulder Arthritis
      • Fractures
      • Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries
  • For Physiotherapists
    • Referral Forms
    • Published Papers
    • Clinical Guidelines & Resources
    • Courses >
      • Online Course Resources
    • Outcome Questionnaires
  • Contact
    • Clinic Location
    • Make an Appointment
  • News