Calcific Tendonitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Private Treatment

Reviewed By:
Dr. Sameer Gohir PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN
Muhammad Asim Ishaque MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, Dip. MSK Medicine, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

Understanding Shoulder Pain from Rotator Cuff Calcification

Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life. One common cause is something called calcific tendonitis, where tiny calcium deposits form within the tendons of your rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint, helping you lift and rotate your arm.

Shoulder pain from calcific tendonitis affecting your day? Joint Injection Clinic near Kent and Essex offers care to help ease pain and restore movement.

Schedule your consultation now!
Calcific Tendonitis Pain

What Causes Calcium Deposits in the Rotator Cuff?

While the exact reason isn’t always clear, these calcium deposits are thought to be linked to changes in the tendon tissue. Sometimes, it might be a natural part of the aging process or related to tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) or degeneration (wear and tear) of the tendon. These deposits can cause pain, stiffness, and limit your ability to move your arm.

How Can This Be Treated?

The good news is that there are several ways to manage and treat shoulder calcification. The best approach often depends on the severity of your pain and the size and location of the calcium deposits. Treatments can range from simple methods to more involved procedures:

  • Rest and Medication: Sometimes, giving your shoulder a rest and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physiotherapy: Specific exercises can help improve the strength and flexibility of your shoulder muscles, which can alleviate pain and improve function.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: These procedures are less involved than surgery and can be very effective. They might include:
  • Ultrasound-Guided Needling and Lavage (Barbotage): Using ultrasound to guide a needle, a doctor can break up and remove the calcium deposits by flushing them out.
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): This treatment uses sound waves delivered to the affected area to help break down the calcium deposits.
  • Surgery: If conservative and minimally invasive treatments don’t provide enough relief, surgery may be an option. This usually involves a keyhole (arthroscopic) procedure to remove the calcium deposits.

It’s important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Many people find relief from their symptoms and regain full use of their shoulder.

Private Calcific Tendonitis Treatment & Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage

If calcific tendonitis is causing persistent shoulder pain or limiting your movement despite appropriate conservative treatment, Joint Injection Clinic provides private assessment and treatment for calcific shoulder tendinopathy.

Depending on your symptoms and imaging findings, treatment may include rehabilitation, an ultrasound-guided steroid injection, or ultrasound-guided barbotage where the calcium deposit is suitable for the procedure. Barbotage is not appropriate for every patient, so treatment is recommended only after clinical assessment.

No GP referral is required — you can self-refer.

Calcific Tendonitis Treatment Near You

Private assessment and appropriate treatment for calcific tendonitis are available through Joint Injection Clinic at:

Dartford Clinic – North Kent & South East London

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Dartford

Kings Hill Clinic — West Malling & Mid Kent

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Kings Hill

Canterbury Clinic – East Kent & the Kent Coast

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Canterbury

Romford Clinic – East London & Essex

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Romford

Not sure whether you need barbotage or another treatment? You can book an assessment first and discuss the most appropriate options for your shoulder.

Request a Calcific Tendonitis Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an ultrasound-guided steroid injection may be considered for selected patients with calcific shoulder tendinopathy. Whether an injection is appropriate depends on your symptoms, examination findings and the location of the calcium deposit.

Ultrasound-guided barbotage may be considered when a calcium deposit is thought to be contributing to persistent shoulder symptoms and is suitable for needling and lavage. It is not suitable for every calcific deposit, so assessment is required before treatment.

No. You can self-refer to Joint Injection Clinic for a private assessment without a GP referral.

Joint Injection Clinic provides assessment and appropriate treatment pathways for calcific tendonitis through its clinics in Dartford, Kings Hill (West Malling), Canterbury and Romford. The treatment recommended will depend on your clinical findings.

Other Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Not sure whether your symptoms match this condition? Explore the other shoulder pain conditions assessed and treated at JIC.