Which specialist treats calcific tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis involves calcium deposits in a shoulder tendon. It can cause shoulder pain, pain when lifting the arm, stiffness, and difficulty sleeping on that side. An orthopaedic or sports-medicine clinician examines strength and movement and may use an X-ray or ultrasound to locate the deposit and check for other shoulder problems.

The condition can change over time, so the treatment plan depends on the current pain, range of motion, deposit location, and effect on daily tasks. A physiotherapist may be part of the team even when the first appointment is with an orthopaedic specialist.

Arrange an assessment if shoulder pain persists, arm lifting becomes difficult, or symptoms interrupt sleep. Early care may include activity modification, prescribed exercises, and pain relief chosen with attention to your medical history. Physiotherapy can gradually restore shoulder movement and control.

If symptoms do not settle, the specialist may discuss a cortisone injection, shockwave therapy, or another image-guided option. Shoulder arthroscopy can remove a deposit or treat associated tissue when non-surgical care has not restored useful function. Ask how each option fits the imaging findings and your goals.

Seek urgent care for severe shoulder pain after a fall, a visibly deformed joint, a suddenly unusable arm, fever with a hot or red shoulder, or new chest pain or breathlessness. Arrange a routine appointment for persistent shoulder pain, progressive stiffness, or weakness that makes dressing, reaching, or lifting difficult.

Ask where the calcium deposit is, whether imaging shows another shoulder problem, and what movement is safe now. Discuss physiotherapy goals, the expected role of injections or shockwave therapy, and when arthroscopy would be considered if function remains restricted.