
Calcific tendinitis is a condition where deposits of calcium build up in a tendon or muscle, leading to pain and reduced movement. It most commonly occurs in the shoulder, but can also occur in the wrists or ankles. The condition is characterised by two types of calcification: degenerative and reactive. Degenerative calcification is caused by wear and tear of the shoulder, and typically affects adults. On the other hand, reactive calcification can occur in people of all ages, and its cause is unknown. Treatment options for calcific tendinitis include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Treatment Options for Muscle Calcification (Calcific Tendinitis)
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment Options | Conservative treatment, surgery |
| Conservative Treatment Options | Rest, hot or cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections |
| Surgery Options | Arthroscopic surgery, open surgery |
| Post-Surgery | Shoulder and elbow motion allowed immediately after the operation as long as the pain is manageable, arm sling required for 3 weeks, passive and active shoulder ROM exercises to start immediately, muscle-strengthening exercises to start 6-12 weeks after the operation |
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What You'll Learn
- Non-surgical treatments: rest, hot/cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and corticosteriod injections
- Degenerative Calcification treatments: anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy
- Reactive Calcification treatments: anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy
- Shockwave therapy: mechanical shocks break up calcium deposits
- Surgery: outpatient arthroscopic surgery to remove calcium deposits

Non-surgical treatments: rest, hot/cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and corticosteriod injections
Calcification of muscles, or myositis ossificans, is a rare condition characterised by the abnormal formation of bone within muscle tissue. This condition typically occurs as a result of trauma or injury to the affected area, such as a deep muscle bruise or repetitive muscle injury. Calcific tendonitis, a common form of muscle calcification, is caused by the inflammation of calcium deposits in the tendons or muscles. This condition can cause severe pain and stiffness, and it can develop anywhere in the body, although it most often affects the shoulder joint.
Non-surgical treatments for muscle calcification include rest, hot/cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and corticosteriod injections. Resting the affected area is crucial for managing pain and preventing further injury. Applying ice packs or cold therapy can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is important to note that ice should not be applied directly to the skin and should not be used within the first 48 hours after an injury. On the other hand, heat therapy can be beneficial after this initial period, as it helps ease muscle spasms, reduces joint stiffness, and improves blood flow to the affected area.
Anti-inflammatory medications, including over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help reduce pain and manage inflammation. These medications are typically recommended for treating tendonitis and other forms of muscle calcification. Additionally, physical therapy can be beneficial in improving the range of motion and promoting healing. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) are physical therapy techniques that reduce pain and encourage healing.
Corticosteroid injections are another non-surgical treatment option for muscle calcification. These injections can improve function, reduce pain, and are generally considered safe. However, there have been reports of soft-tissue calcification as a potential complication of steroid injections. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for muscle calcification, considering the benefits and risks of each option.
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Degenerative Calcification treatments: anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy
Calcification can occur in almost any part of the body as calcium is transported through the bloodstream and is present in every cell. Degenerative Calcification treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to treat calcific tendonitis. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain.
Corticosteroid injections
Steroid injections are a commonly used treatment for calcification. They can improve function, reduce pain, and are considered safe. However, soft-tissue calcification has been reported as a complication of steroid injections for certain tendons.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be used to treat calcific tendonitis. Other treatments for this condition include extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), lavage treatment, and therapeutic ultrasound.
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Reactive Calcification treatments: anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy
Calcification in muscles can be treated in several ways, depending on the location and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatments for reactive calcification:
Anti-inflammatory medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with calcific tendonitis. These can be over-the-counter medications or prescribed by a doctor. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroid injections
Steroid injections are commonly used to treat calcific tendonitis, especially in the shoulder. These injections can help reduce inflammation and improve function and pain. They are considered a conservative treatment option and are generally safe. However, in some cases, they may be associated with soft-tissue calcification as a potential complication.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial in treating calcific tendonitis. This may include exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the affected area. Therapeutic ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to break down calcium deposits, is another physical therapy option. Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) are also physical therapy techniques that help reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave therapy: mechanical shocks break up calcium deposits
Calcific tendinitis is a painful condition that occurs when calcium deposits form in the tendons of the rotator cuff, causing inflammation. This condition typically affects adults and is more common in women. The pain is usually caused by physical activity, especially lifting the arm, and can be severe enough to interfere with sleep.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for calcific tendinitis that has been clinically proven to be effective. It works by delivering mechanical shocks that break up the calcium deposits, promoting faster healing. This treatment does not require anesthesia or incisions, and most patients need only three shockwave treatments with no downtime for recovery.
Radial shock-wave therapy (RSWT) is a type of shock-wave therapy that is pneumatically generated and uses low to medium energy. Clinical studies have shown that RSWT can reduce pain and increase shoulder function in patients with calcific tendinitis. In one study, low-energy shockwave therapy led to significant pain relief and improved shoulder function within the first four weeks of treatment.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as an alternative treatment for shoulder pain, which is one of the most common musculoskeletal pathologies. This treatment option can speed up recovery and help patients return to their normal activities faster.
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Surgery: outpatient arthroscopic surgery to remove calcium deposits
Outpatient arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure that can be used to treat muscle calcification, specifically calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles located in the shoulder that are involved in lateral elevation and rotation of the arm. Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits form in the tendons of the rotator cuff, causing inflammation and pain.
During the arthroscopic surgery, small incisions of a few millimetres are made in the skin to insert a camera and the necessary surgical instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to assess the damage and locate the calcium deposit, which is often not visible as it is inside the tendon. If the deposit is very large, it can deform the tendon, making it easier to locate. Otherwise, a hollow needle is used to explore the tendon and confirm the location of the deposit.
Once the deposit is located, it is removed using an arthroscopic shaver. If there are any unexpected injuries or tears, these can be repaired at the same time through the keyhole incisions. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and dressings are applied. A sling is used to position the arm correctly, and the patient may be able to return home the same day or the day after the operation.
Following surgery, patients typically wear a sling for one to six weeks and begin JPL therapy immediately. Strengthening exercises are usually allowed after four to six weeks, and full unrestricted activity is possible at six to twelve weeks. Most patients will make a good or excellent recovery, but some may experience minor problems such as stiffness or discomfort. A small percentage of patients may require further surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle calcification, or calcific tendonitis, is a condition where deposits of calcium build up in a tendon or muscle, which can lead to pain and reduced movement. It most commonly occurs in the shoulder, but can also occur in the wrists or ankles.
The symptoms of muscle calcification include moderate to severe pain, especially when the arm is lifted. Other symptoms may include stiffness or restriction of shoulder movement, swelling in the joint, and pain at night that disrupts sleep.
The treatment for muscle calcification depends on the type and severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatments include rest, hot or cold packs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication, physical therapy, and corticosteriod injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to break up and remove the deposits.











































