What to expect from shockwave therapy for calcific tendinitis

The clinician identifies the painful area, applies gel, and moves an applicator over the tendon. You may notice tapping, pressure, or brief sharp sensations, especially over the deposit. Treatment intensity can be adjusted to keep the session tolerable. Soreness or bruising may follow, while any change in pain and shoulder movement may take time to assess.

Calcific tendinitis involves calcium material within a tendon, often around the shoulder. Shockwave therapy is intended to influence the treated area; it does not remove the deposit during the appointment. Your plan may also include exercises that restore comfortable range and shoulder control.

Keep the shoulder moving within the range prescribed, but avoid heavy lifting, forceful overhead work, and painful strengthening immediately after treatment unless your clinician says otherwise. Use the agreed pain-relief plan, track night pain and movement, and attend reassessments. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicine, bleeding problems, pregnancy, a pacemaker, or a skin infection before treatment.

Ask for review if pain keeps intensifying, bruising spreads, the skin becomes hot or very red, or shoulder movement declines sharply. Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathing trouble, a newly cold or blue arm, or sudden major weakness after an injury.

Ask how the deposit was identified, why shockwave therapy is suitable, what you may feel during the session, and how many visits are planned. Clarify exercise limits, pain relief, when imaging or another treatment might be considered, and which symptoms require urgent help.