Calcific Tendinitis Treatment with Shockwave Therapy
A calcium deposit in your shoulder can bring pain ranging from a dull ache to something genuinely severe. Shockwave therapy is one of the best-evidenced non-surgical options for calcific tendinitis, often recommended before more invasive alternatives are considered.
What Is Calcific Tendinitis?
Calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium deposits form within one of the rotator cuff tendons — most commonly the supraspinatus tendon at the top of the shoulder. It's thought to relate to areas of reduced blood supply within the tendon, and it affects an estimated 2.5% to 7.5% of shoulders in the general population. It follows a somewhat unpredictable course: some deposits sit quietly for years, while others trigger an intensely painful flare-up as the body attempts to resorb the calcium on its own.
Calcium gradually accumulates within the tendon. Often minimal or no pain during this phase.
The deposit is present but relatively stable, with a dull, activity-related ache if any symptoms at all.
The body actively breaks down the deposit. Frequently the most painful stage, as the calcium can cause significant local irritation.
How Shockwave Therapy Helps
Unlike some other conditions shockwave therapy treats, calcific tendinitis has a very literal, mechanical target: the calcium deposit itself. A systematic review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, drawing on 20 randomised controlled trials, found that high-energy shockwave therapy was consistently and significantly better than placebo for reducing pain, improving shoulder function, and resorbing calcium deposits.
Acoustic pulses help fragment the calcium deposit, supporting its gradual resorption by the body and reducing mechanical irritation.
Alongside the mechanical effect, shockwave supports the same blood flow and pain-signal benefits seen in other tendon conditions.
Smaller deposits (under roughly 11mm) tend to show near-complete resorption in most cases; your physiotherapist calibrates the treatment plan to your specific deposit.
The evidence base specifically supports high-energy shockwave protocols for driving calcium resorption, which is why an accurate diagnosis and calibrated treatment plan make a real difference.
A course of treatment often runs slightly longer than for other conditions — sometimes 5 or more sessions — spaced a week or two apart to allow resorption to progress between visits. If your shoulder is in the midst of a severe, acute resorptive flare, your physiotherapist will assess the right timing for treatment as part of your initial consultation.
Is It Right for Your Shoulder Pain?
Calcific tendinitis is typically confirmed via X-ray, sometimes alongside ultrasound imaging. If you've had a calcium deposit identified, or you're experiencing the characteristic dull-to-severe shoulder pain, an assessment can confirm whether shockwave therapy is a suitable option for your specific deposit and stage.
Living with Calcific Tendinitis Pain?
Book an assessment to find out whether shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you.
Meet Our Shockwave Therapy Specialist
At Benchmark Physio, our Shockwave Therapy sessions are performed by Ng Hong Kai. Hong Kai shares an unwavering passion for the field and has over 12 years of experience with musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
As the Clinic Director and Chief Physiotherapist, Hong Kai’s commitment to quality care is also evident through his extensive credentials. Under Hong Kai’s guidance, you can be assured of receiving treatments rooted in expertise, experience, and genuine passion for your wellbeing.
Ready to embark on a journey towards better musculoskeletal health free from pain? Schedule your consultation with us today.