When Is Shockwave Therapy Recommended for Calcific Tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis involves calcium deposits within a tendon, often around the shoulder. Examination and imaging help confirm the deposit and distinguish it from a rotator cuff tear, arthritis or another cause of pain. Shockwave therapy uses mechanical pulses directed at the area; the intention is to support a plan that also restores shoulder movement and strength.

Not every deposit needs shockwave treatment. Symptoms may settle with time, activity adjustment, pain management and physiotherapy. The clinician considers the deposit's position, shoulder function, symptom duration and other health factors before recommending a procedure.

Arrange an assessment if pain is interfering with dressing, reaching or sleep. Bring previous scan results and list treatments already tried. During recovery, follow the prescribed movement and strengthening programme, avoid repeatedly provoking the shoulder, and report skin irritation or unusual worsening after treatment.

Seek urgent help for a shoulder that becomes hot, red and swollen with fever, sudden severe pain after an injury, new arm weakness or numbness, or chest pain and breathlessness. These symptoms need assessment for causes beyond routine calcific tendon pain.

Ask how the deposit was confirmed, whether its location is suitable for shockwave therapy, what alternatives exist, how many review points are planned, and which exercises should continue between sessions.