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.
I tore my rotator cuff several years ago and despite all the physio the hospital gave me and pain injections I was still left sore and frustrated. It never seemed to heal properly and exercise aggravated it. My Osteopath recommended Shock Wave Therapy.
I can safely say (without exaggeration!) that the treatment with Nim has changed my life! I booked a course and Nim explained everything really clearly, I was skeptical because nothing else had worked. I’m so grateful to Nim because I can now move freely and get back to proper exercise!
I would highly recommend Nim and the Shock Wave Therapy treatment .
I had a bad run in with sciatica earlier this year and I cannot recommend Nim enough. I couldn't sit upright or walk for more than a few minutes at a time before the pain would make me have to lie flat again, so I booked here because it was close enough to my flat that I felt like I could probably hobble over.
I'm glad I did, because Nim was fantastic. I've seen a couple of other physios a few years ago for a hamstring issue and they'd usually do a couple of sessions of massage, recommend a couple of stretches and send me off. Nim preferred to try and work out the root of my problem from the first session and came up with a treatment plan that has worked fantastically and fixed a couple of other issues that weren't bad enough for me to seek treatment. I went from bedbound with pain to being able to do normal activities pain-free, which has been a huge relief.
Thank you Nim!
As a keen tennis player, I had been suffering from painful Achilles tendinopathy with bursitis for several frustrating months.
I had spent lots of money with many physios and tried numerous treatments without much success. I was running out of ideas!
Nim’s approach to my condition was very positive, knowledgeable and caring. She explained in detail the cause of my injury and we agreed a course of treatment.
After one or two sessions with Nim’s superb Focused Shockwave Therapy machine and physio the pain had dramatically reduced.
I am now on a programme of treatments and exercises with full recovery, at last, in sight.
For Focused Shockwave Therapy and physiotherapy, I highly recommend Nim. Thank you Nim!
Nim's magic machine (focused shockwave) is nothing less than miraculous. I first saw Nim 2 years ago with 3 lumbar herniated and degenerated discs, degenerated facets joints and invertebratal endplate degeneration (all confirmed by MRI). The only option I was being offered was spinal fusion once I was in a wheelchair. I had just 6 sessions and I was completely cured and returned to my weightlifting. 2 years later and an accident at work and unfortunately I had new sciatica pain and a new MRI. The MRI confirned a recurring disc protrusion pressing on a nerve and I was pretty much bedridden and in extreme pain. HOWEVER, the new MRI confirmed that one of discs Nim had previously treated was now perfect and rehydrated, the facet joints were normal, the stenosis was cured and the end plates were now only "mildly" degenerated (and the others were cured). To my mind this is absolute scientific, MRI proven testimony to the effectiveness of shockwave. Nim and I are now on our 5th session and I've gone from extreme pain, unable to even wash myself, and lying on the clinic floor crying out in agony (despite very strong painkillers), to being up and about and walking each day. I'm hoping to be back to normal after a few more sessions. For anyone with disc issues seeking to avoid surgery, I can't recommend Nim highly enough! Thanks Nim!
I just recently finished treatment with Nim after suffering with plantar fasciitis and then just as I was due to begin treatment, I unfortunately sprained my foot. Nim’s knowledge and guidance was invaluable and her focused shockwave machine, a godsend. Nim was so supportive and approachable for me in a time that I found difficult both physically and mentally and she was a wonder to work with! After extensive research into other, perhaps less costly options for plantar fasciitis, I decided to bite the bullet after seeing so many great reviews and I’m so glad that I did, I’d never look back now! The treatment has delivered results even better than I could have hoped! Thank you so much Nim !
