Before getting into calcium deposits on rotator cuff treatment options, lets look at what Calcific Tendonitis of the shoulder is. The symptoms of tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the tendons due to calcium deposits.
Deposits may occur in both shoulders depending on the severity of the case. Shoulder tendonitis affects people of all ages and persons who are predisposed to diabetes.
The calcium crystals are usually 1-2 centimeters in diameter. There may be intermittent pain in the shoulders, neck and back of the arms when calcium deposits are impinged when raising or moving the arms. In severe cases, this can be irritating even in small shoulder movements.
Since calcium can be re-absorbed by the body, it is important to know the calcium deposits on rotator cuff treatment options available.
First visit your doctor. If needed, your physician will prescribe analgesics tablets for pain relief or anti-inflammatory gels for acute episodes and advise you on how to rehabilitate rotator cuff injury.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is usually the best form of treatment. The primary goal of physical therapy in treating calcium deposits on the rotator cuff is to reduce and relieve the pain of the patient and reduce the inflammation. Also, your physiotherapist will show you how to treat rotator cuff naturally with safe simple strengthening exercises.
Ice Packs
Ice packs applied to the shoulders for twenty minutes every couple of hours reduce pain and inflammation. Another form of icing the shoulder is through the use of Aircast Cryo/Cuff. It is the most effective method of treatment and can provide continuous relief for six hours.
Steroid Injection
In severe cases of calcific tendinitis, the doctor may extract the calcium deposits manually if it is in the re-absorption stage. This will give instant relief to the patient. A steroid (cortisone) injection in the shoulder is another option. Cortisone is injected in small doses so only a small amount will be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Shockwave therapy
Over the years, most people with calcium deposits on the rotator cuff show significant response to shockwave treatment. Shockwave therapy is a treatment that applies micro-trauma and will stimulate blood flow in the affected area. This treatment is painful, so most patients need anesthesia to tolerate the pain. Shockwave therapy has a low complication rate compared to steroid injections which can weaken the tissues.
Keep in mind calcific tendonitis has no symptoms that can warn you of this condition. It is important that if you feel pain in your shoulders you visit your doctor and have your shoulder examined.
