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:
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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.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
