Calcific Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, 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.

Get Help for Calcific tendonitis at Joint Injection Clinic

Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits build up in the tendons of the shoulder, causing intense pain and limiting movement, especially when reaching overhead or lying on the affected side. If shoulder pain is making work, exercise, or daily activities difficult, professional treatment can help you recover more comfortably.

At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team offers evidence-based care to reduce pain, improve shoulder movement, and support your recovery.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


Using ultrasound-guided assessments for accurate diagnosis, precision-guided injections when required, and tailored rehabilitation plans, we help manage pain while restoring shoulder mobility so you can return to your normal routine confidently.

Schedule your consultation now!