Shoulder Pain Does Not Have To Be Forever
You may never have told of calcific tendonitis until you were diagnosed with it – but it actually more common than you might think.
If you are one of the many people who suffer from calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, you will be happy to know that there are a number of therapies available to help relieve your symptoms.
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physical therapy, we offer a range of non-surgical and drug-free therapies that have been proven to be effective in treating calcific tendonitis.
Our team of experienced physical therapists will work with you to find the best treatment plan for you and help you get back to enjoying life without shoulder pain.
What Is Calcific Tendonitis?
Calcific tendinitis is caused by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals (calcium deposits) within or around the tendons of the rotator cuff (a group of muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint). In particular, it is caused by calcium deposits or build-up within the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons.
Essentially, calcific tendinitis is a multifaceted condition, with many contributing factors. There is a transformation or a remodeling within the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle from normal ‘tendon tissue’ to calcium build-up, followed by an immune response.
The disease commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. The disease affects more women than men. This condition is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including abnormal thyroid activity, metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes), and genetic predisposition.
Why Do Calcium Deposits Form In The Rotator Cuff?
There have been a variety of etiological hypotheses proposed: degenerative and multiphasic theories are the most widely acknowledged.
Contrary to popular belief, this condition does not occur more frequently in individuals who do heavy physical labor or in overhead athletes, who use their upper limbs a lot.
What Are The Symptoms Of Calcific Tendonitis?
In clinical terms, calcific tendinitis is characterized by severe, disabling pain that arises spontaneously, usually in the morning, particularly around the front of the shoulder, but people with this condition may also report pain at the back of the shoulder around the top of the shoulder blade.
There can be stiffness, giving rise to a frozen shoulder-like clinical picture. The range of motion is usually severely restricted. There is often a burning or prickling sensation in the area around the shoulder joint.
The pain may radiate to the upper arm, neck, and even down the back. The symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with sleep and daily activities.
How Is Calcific Tendonitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of a clinical examination and an MRI scan. The calcific deposits can be seen as bright spots on the MRI scan.
The Treatment Of Calcific Tendinitis – Calcific Tendonitis Surgery?
There are a number of treatment options available for calcific tendonitis, which can be divided into two main categories: surgical and non-surgical.
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physical therapy we offer a range of non-surgical therapies that have been proven to be effective in treating calcific tendonitis.
Our team of experienced physical therapists will work with you to find the best treatment plan for you and help you get back to enjoying life without shoulder pain.
Other therapies may include:
- Iontophoresis with acetic acid.
- Steroid injections and percutaneous needling.
- Platelet-rich plasma.
How We Treat Calcific Tendonitis In Dublin, Ireland
We use a combination of therapies to reduce pain and stiffness associated with calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, and any secondary symptoms such as neck or arm pain or muscle tightness around the mid-back, so you can quickly get back to doing want you love to do. These therapies include:
- Physical therapy.
- Laser Therapy.
- Shockwave Therapy.
- Chiropractic Care.
All of our therapies are non-surgical and drug-free. We have found that this approach, a combination of drug-free, nonsurgical therapies, is the most effective in treating calcific tendonitis.
If you are suffering from calcific tendonitis, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will get you back to enjoying life without shoulder pain.
Physical therapy For Long-term Results
Your Physical therapist will work with you to reduce pain and stiffness and improve your quality of life.
They will design a treatment plan that works for your needs, your lifestyle, and your schedule. They will give you management strategies that you can use at home to manage your symptoms.
They will use a combination of laser therapy or shockwave therapy, exercise therapy, and hands-on therapy.
Shockwave Therapy To Break Up The Excess Calcium
There have been several studies demonstrating the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), whether radial (rESWT) or focal (fESWT), in rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy.
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive, quick therapy that used pressure waves, or sound waves to break up the calcifications.
Laser Therapy For Increased Mobility And Pain Relief
Laser therapy works with the body’s own natural healing abilities to reduce pain and inflammation. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate the body’s cells.
The laser beam is directed at the target area, providing relief from pain and inflammation. The laser also helps to promote cell regeneration and speeds up the healing process.
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physical therapy we use the latest laser technology. Laser therapy is FDA cleared and has a long history of use in dermatology for tattoo removal and hair reduction.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care will help relieve neck or mid-back pain often seen with shoulder pain clients. But also chiropractic care can release tight joints and muscles to help relieve pain and stiffness.
The chiropractor will use a variety of techniques to help restore movement and improve function. These may include spinal manipulation, mobilization, or adjustments.
If you are suffering from calcific tendonitis please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We have the experience and therapies to get you back to enjoying life without shoulder pain.
Visit Us In Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Book An Appointment Today
Our experienced team is here to help, with a wide range of evidence-based treatment options, talk to a member of our team today or schedule an appointment online.
