Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective treatment for calcific tendinitis, particularly when seeking faster recovery times, or when traditional methods such as rest, and medications have not alleviated symptoms.
FSWT targets the calcified deposits within the tendons with high-energy sound waves, which can help break down these deposits, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. By promoting tissue healing and improving blood flow, fSWT facilitates faster recovery and enhances the flexibility and function of the affected tendon, offering a non-invasive alternative to more traditional procedures such as steroid injections or surgery.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Calcific Tendinitis?
Calcific tendinitis is a condition characterised by the formation of calcium deposits within a tendon, often but not exclusively affecting the shoulder's rotator cuff tendons. These deposits can cause pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
The exact cause of calcium deposit formation is not always clear, but it is believed to be related to degenerative changes in the tendon.
The calcium deposits often form as a result of tissue damage or inflammation. Repetitive strain or injury to the shoulder can increase the risk of developing calcific tendinitis.
Symptoms include:
Collapsible content
Pain
Typically sharp or aching pain, especially during movement or at night.
Swelling
The area around the affected tendon may become swollen.
Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty moving the affected joint fully due to pain and stiffness.
Tenderness
The area over the tendon may be tender to the touch.
If you think you have calcific tendinitis and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Calcific Tendinitis
- Breaks down calcifications
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves tendon function and mobility
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Calcific Tendinitis
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for calcific tendinitis usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinopathy.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Accelerated Healing
Focused shockwave therapy promotes faster healing, often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of calcific tendinitis, focused shockwave therapy in conjunction with physiotherapy provides long-term relief and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating calcific tendinitis, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis
Fast recovery
For those with a physically demanding lifestyle or job, and prolonged downtime due to pain and limited mobility would be disruptive.
Pain restricting function
If the calcific tendinitis severely limits motion in the affected joint (usually the shoulder) and makes daily activities, such as lifting the arm, dressing, or sleeping, difficult.
History of recurrence
If you have a history of recurrent episodes of calcific tendinitis, and previous standard treatments have provided only temporary relief.
Large calcium deposits
If imaging (e.g., X-rays or ultrasound) shows large or symptomatic calcium deposits that are not likely to resolve quickly with traditional treatment.
To avoid surgery or injections
If you prefer to avoid invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery (e.g., needle aspiration, arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits).
Worsening condition
If you have completed several weeks of therapy aimed at improving range of motion and strengthening surrounding muscles, but symptoms remain unchanged or worsen.
Standard treatments ineffective
If you continue to experience significant pain despite using standard methods, such as rest, ice, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or activity modification, for 4-6 weeks.
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can break down calcium deposits and relieve pain, promoting faster healing and avoiding prolonged discomfort.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
Received 6 weeks treat on shoulder and I was very pleased with the outcome, Nim gave me guidance on further work after treatment which to strengthen both shoulders next and hips.
Excellent!!!!
I first found Nim and her Shockwaves treatment in 2020 when I had severe Plantar Fasciitis in one foot - I couldn’t walk at all, it was horrendous. She had me back on my feet with Shockwaves treatment and specially made insoles.
Then last October I had a bad fall and broke two vertebrae in my upper back and damaged the surrounding muscles - I was in total agony. Thankfully I was able to see Nim, and after having Shockwaves treatment for a few weeks the pain was more or less gone. She also gave me stretching exercises etc.
I will always return to Nim whenever I need to. I say she has “magic hands” as she finds the problem immediately and her massages are second to none!
I highly recommend her as she’s also a really lovely person.
