Shoulder pain that can turn suddenly excruciating, even without a specific movement, sometimes so intense you cannot find any comfortable position? Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a dramatic cause of pain — calcium deposits in the tendon — but, paradoxically, it has a good prognosis: in many cases the calcium reabsorbs on its own, and treatment accelerates the process.
What is calcific tendinitis?
Calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons (most often the supraspinatus). The course has phases: formation (often symptomless), the resorptive phase (when the calcium “dissolves” — the most painful, can be acute and severe) and healing. It most often appears between ages 30 and 50.
Common symptoms
Shoulder pain that can be a chronic dull ache or suddenly acute and severe (resorptive phase), intense night pain, limited movement, sometimes an inability to move the arm during an acute crisis. X-ray confirms the calcium deposits.
Common causes
The exact cause is not fully understood; it associates with age, metabolic factors (thyroid, diabetes) and possibly overload. It is NOT simply “too much dietary calcium”.
Can it be treated without surgery?
In most cases, yes: pain management in the acute phase, physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength, and the deposit often reabsorbs spontaneously. Shockwave therapy (ESWT) has good evidence for accelerating resorption; ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is an option for large deposits; surgery is the reserve for refractory cases.
How we treat calcific tendinitis at Medicine Park
We confirm the diagnosis (with X-ray/ultrasound) and the phase, then build the plan: pain management in the acute phase, maintaining shoulder and cuff mobility without aggravating, a progressive strength programme in the settling phase, plus coordination for ESWT or an orthopaedic consult where the deposit requires it. All in English.
How long does recovery take?
Highly variable: acute crises settle in days–weeks; complete resorption and functional recovery can take months. Guidance shortens the road and prevents stiffening.
When to seek help
If shoulder pain has turned suddenly severe or persists chronically, book an assessment. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
