Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
(Part 3)
Let us now talk more on the sub-topics the TREATMENT of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and restore function. In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider your age, activity level, and general health.
Nonsurgical Treatment
In most cases, initial treatment is nonsurgical. Many patients experience a gradual improvement and return to function, although it may take several weeks to months for complete recovery.
Rest.
Your doctor may suggest avoiding activities that tend to cause or increase your symptoms.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy.
A physical therapist will focus on restoring motion to your shoulder. Stretching exercises to improve motion are very helpful. When motion and pain have improved, you may begin strengthening exercises.
Corticosteroid injection.
If other treatments do not help your pain, an injection of a local steroid may be helpful. Steroids are anti-inflammatory medicines. The steroid is usually injected into the bursa beneath the acromion. This can be done in the doctor’s office, with or without the use of ultrasound to guide the injection.
Shock wave therapy.
Shockwaves can be generated by specialized machines to deliver energy to the deep tissues of the shoulder. This may break up calcium deposits and promote healing, with the goal of minimizing pain.
Saline lavage.
For a saline lavage, the doctor inserts a needle into the calcium deposits and injects saline with the goal of breaking up the deposits. This is often done under ultrasound (image) guidance. Once the deposits are broken up, they can essentially be sucked out of the tendon. This procedure may or may not be combined with a corticosteroid injection. (To be continued)