How effective is physiotherapy for calcific tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis involves calcium deposits within a shoulder tendon. Pain and restricted movement can be intense, particularly when the shoulder is inflamed. Physiotherapy may first focus on comfortable mobility, reducing protective stiffness and finding positions that allow sleep and daily tasks. As irritability settles, strengthening can restore shoulder-blade and rotator-cuff control. The programme should match the stage of symptoms: forceful stretching or heavy loading during a very painful phase may aggravate the shoulder. Physiotherapy supports recovery but cannot promise that a deposit will dissolve; a clinician can discuss other options when pain or restriction persists.

Have the shoulder assessed before starting demanding exercises, particularly if pain began suddenly or movement is severely limited. Use the prescribed range-of-motion work gently and keep loads close to the body while the shoulder is irritable. Progress strengthening in small steps, monitoring how the shoulder responds later that day and the next morning. Tell your therapist about night pain, work overhead, sport and any previous shoulder treatment so the plan fits your actual demands.

Seek prompt review for sudden severe pain with inability to lift the arm, a hot swollen joint, fever, new numbness or weakness after injury. Arrange follow-up when movement remains restricted, pain repeatedly interrupts sleep or the programme causes a sustained worsening. Persistent symptoms may need confirmation of the diagnosis and discussion of treatments beyond exercise.

How irritable is my shoulder, and which exercises are suitable now? Is imaging needed to confirm the deposit? When should we consider another treatment? Which symptoms mean I should stop exercising and seek review?