Physiotherapy for calcific tendinitis

Physiotherapy for Calcific Tendinitis: Treatments, Exercises, and Recovery

Acute pain that wakes you up at night, that burning sensation when you lift your arm, the inability to put on your coat without wincing. Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder turns the simplest movements into challenges. If X-rays have revealed calcium deposits in your shoulder, you're probably wondering if you'll have to live with this pain. As physiotherapists specializing in shoulder rehabilitation, we daily encounter patients who fear they will need surgery to regain their quality of life. Calcific tendinitis affects about 10% of the population, primarily women aged 40 to 50.¹

Good news: 90% of patients achieve complete recovery with combined physiotherapy treatments, typically within 10 to 15 sessions.² Surgery is only considered in rare cases where conservative approaches fail after several months.

What science shows about calcific tendinitis might surprise you:

• Calcium deposits often disappear on their own: In a significant number of cases, calcifications resorb spontaneously, without any intervention.³
• The size of the calcification does not predict pain: Many people have calcifications visible on X-rays without experiencing any discomfort (2 out of 3 patients).⁴
• Shockwave therapy yields excellent results: 75% of patients achieve complete resolution of their symptoms after 12 weeks of extracorporeal shockwave treatment.⁵

This guide explores how physiotherapy treats calcific tendinitis, which modalities work best according to recent studies, and how you can actively participate in your recovery. You will also discover our complete guide to shoulder pain to understand the various conditions that affect this complex joint.

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

What is calcific shoulder tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is characterized by the formation of calcium deposits (hydroxyapatite) within the rotator cuff tendons, most commonly in the supraspinatus tendon. These deposits can remain asymptomatic for years or cause intense pain when they enter the resorption phase.

This condition differs from other shoulder tendinopathies because it involves an active process of tendon calcification. Researchers do not yet fully understand why some individuals develop these calcium deposits, but several metabolic and hormonal factors appear to play a role.⁶

Calcific tendinitis primarily affects adults aged 40 to 50, with a higher prevalence in women (60 to 70% of cases).¹ Interestingly, about two-thirds of calcifications discovered during X-ray examinations cause no symptoms. It is only when the deposit enters the resorption phase that pain can become intense and debilitating.

The condition generally evolves through three distinct phases:

1. Formation Phase: Tendon cells gradually transform into cartilage cells, creating a calcium deposit

1. Resting Phase: The deposit is present but stable, often without symptoms

1. Resorption Phase: The body attempts to eliminate the calcium, causing an intense inflammatory reaction and acute pain

Now that you understand what calcific tendinitis is, let's look at the symptoms that help identify it.

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

What are the symptoms of calcific tendinitis?

The symptoms of calcific tendinitis vary significantly depending on the stage of the condition. They often include acute, intense, and sleep-disrupting pain, along with a significant restriction in shoulder movement. The pain typically worsens at night and during repetitive overhead movements.

During the acute phase (resorption), symptoms can be dramatic:

• Sudden and intense pain, described as "explosive" or "unbearable"
• Inability to lift the arm without assistance
• Frequent waking at night, difficulty finding a comfortable position
• Pain radiating down the arm, sometimes to the elbow
• Localized warmth due to inflammation

During the formation and resting phases, symptoms are often more moderate:

• Dull and widespread pain in the shoulder
• Discomfort during certain specific movements (side raises, rotation)
• Progressive limitation of joint range of motion
• Muscle fatigue during prolonged activities

Joint mobility is generally reduced due to pain rather than a mechanical restriction. You might notice particular difficulty with:

• Fastening a bra or putting on a jacket
• Reaching for an object on a high shelf
• Sleeping on the affected side
• Driving for long periods

What makes calcific tendinitis unique is the disproportionate intensity of pain during the acute phase compared to the often modest size of the calcification. A small deposit that is being reabsorbed can cause more pain than a large, stable calcification.⁴

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step. But how can physiotherapy truly help with this condition?

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

How does physiotherapy help with calcific tendinitis?

Physiotherapy helps with calcific tendinitis by managing pain, maintaining joint mobility, and strengthening the shoulder's stabilizing muscles. This conservative approach achieves a 90% recovery rate when it combines manual therapy, physical modalities, and progressive therapeutic exercises.²

Our physiotherapy approach for calcific tendinitis is based on three fundamental goals:

1. Control inflammation and pain

During the acute inflammatory phase, our interventions aim to quickly reduce pain intensity, allowing you to regain restful sleep and perform essential daily activities. Physical modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound and extracorporeal shockwave therapy play a key role in this phase.

Ultrasound can even gradually reduce the size of the calcium deposit when applied for 4 sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks.⁷ This modality remains one of the most effective for accelerating the natural reabsorption of calcium.

2. Maintain and restore joint range of motion

Fear of movement and pain can quickly lead to joint stiffness. We use gentle shoulder mobilizations to preserve your range of motion and prevent the development of adhesive capsulitis">adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), a common complication if calcific tendinitis is not treated adequately.

Passive joint mobilizations, performed within comfortable pain limits, help maintain joint flexibility as the calcification resolves. We gradually introduce active exercises once the inflammation subsides.

3. Strengthen shoulder stabilizers

Your rotator cuff and scapular (shoulder blade) muscles provide dynamic stability for your shoulder. A progressive strengthening program for these muscles will help you to:

• Regain optimal control of your shoulder
• Reduce stress on the affected tendons
• Prevent recurrence after healing
• Resume your sports and professional activities with confidence

The combination of these three approaches explains why physiotherapy achieves such excellent results. A recent study showed that by combining manual therapy, physical modalities, and exercises, 9 out of 10 patients completely avoid surgery.²

La calcific tendinitis in the shoulder is one of the main causes of acute pain in adults aged 40-50. However, it responds very well to conservative treatment when applied early and in a structured manner.

Let's now look at the specific treatments we use in physiotherapy.

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

What are the physiotherapy treatments for calcific tendinitis?

Physiotherapy treatments for calcific tendinitis combine passive modalities (manual therapy, ultrasound, shockwave therapy) and active exercises (range of motion, strengthening) within a personalized program tailored to the stage of your condition. This multimodal approach aims to both resorb calcium deposits and restore full shoulder function.

Manual Therapy and Mobilizations

Manual therapy is fundamental to our treatment, helping to maintain joint mobility and reduce muscle compensations. Our physiotherapists use various techniques tailored to your pain level:

Passive joint mobilizations : We apply gentle and controlled movements to your shoulder joint to preserve its range of motion without causing excessive pain. These mobilizations are especially important during the acute phase when you cannot actively move your arm. Myofascial Release Techniques : The periscapular muscles (around the shoulder blade) often develop compensatory tension when the shoulder is painful. We release these tensions through therapeutic massage and specific stretches to restore normal movement.

Manual therapy reduces immediate pain and temporarily improves range of motion, creating an opportunity to introduce progressive active exercises.

Physical Modalities

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy generates high-frequency sound waves that penetrate deep into tissues. This modality offers two main benefits:

• Thermal Effect: The heat produced improves local circulation and reduces tissue stiffness
• Mechanical Effect: Vibrations can gradually fragment and reduce the size of calcium deposits

The recommended protocol involves 4 sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks.⁷ Many patients observe a visible reduction in calcification on follow-up X-rays after this intensive treatment.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective modalities for calcific tendinitis. This technology uses focused acoustic impulses to:

• Mechanically fragment calcium deposits
• Stimulate local blood circulation
• Trigger the natural processes of calcium resorption

Clinical results are impressive: 75% of patients experience complete resolution of their symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment.⁵ Studies also indicate that 91% of patients report a significant improvement in their condition.⁸

Shockwave therapy typically requires 3 to 6 sessions, spaced one week apart. Some patients may experience a slight, temporary increase in pain after the initial sessions, which indicates that the resorption process is activating.

Cryotherapy (ice)

Applying ice remains a simple yet effective tool for controlling acute inflammation. We recommend applying ice for 15-20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day during periods of intense pain. Ice helps reduce pain and swelling without the side effects associated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Therapeutic Exercise Program

Exercises are the cornerstone of long-term treatment. They help restore normal shoulder function and prevent recurrence.

Phase 1 - Range of Motion Exercises

As soon as acute pain subsides, we introduce gentle exercises to maintain joint mobility:

• Codman's Pendulum (passive arm swings)
• Passive elevation with a stick or towel
• Assisted external rotation
• Movements in all directions within comfortable limits

These exercises prevent the development of capsular stiffness while respecting the tissue healing process.

Phase 2 - Rotator Cuff Strengthening

Once you can move your shoulder without significant pain, we progress to muscle strengthening:

• External and internal rotations with an elastic band
• Light elevations with progressive resistance
• Stabilization exercises with a ball or wall
• Closed-chain strengthening (pressing against a stable surface)

Strengthening the rotator cuff improves your shoulder's dynamic stability and reduces stress on the affected tendons.

Phase 3 - Scapular Strengthening

The muscles that control your shoulder blade (trapezius, serratus anterior, rhomboids) play a crucial role in shoulder mechanics. We systematically include:

• Scapular retraction (bringing shoulder blades together)
• Scapular depression (lowering the shoulders)
• Scapular stabilization exercises
• Postural strengthening

Optimal scapular control allows for complete functional recovery and prevents harmful compensations.

General Exercise

Research shows that exercising other parts of the body can improve the function of your painful shoulder.⁹ Therefore, we encourage walking, swimming (once pain is controlled), or cycling to maintain your general fitness during rehabilitation.

Subacromial bursitis frequently accompanies calcific tendinitis and benefits from the same therapeutic approaches. Similarly, impingement syndrome can coexist with calcifications and may require specific attention during treatment.

Now that you know the available treatments, you're probably wondering what exercises you can do at home to speed up your recovery.

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

What exercises can you do at home for calcific tendinitis?

Home exercises for calcific tendinitis include a daily range-of-motion program, gentle stretches, and progressive strengthening tailored to your recovery phase. The regularity of these exercises (2 to 3 times a day) is more important than intensity for optimal results.

Your home exercise program should evolve through three distinct phases, always using your pain level as a guide.

Acute Phase (intense pain, significant limitation)

During this phase, limit yourself to passive exercises and movements in warm water:

Codman Pendulum (3 sets of 30 seconds, 3x/day)

• Lean forward and let your arm hang freely.
• Gently swing your arm in circles, forward and backward, and side to side.
• No muscle force is needed; let gravity do the work.
• This exercise maintains circulation without irritating the tendons.

Warm bath or hot shower (10-15 minutes, 2x/day)

• Heat relaxes tense muscles and reduces pain.
• Use this time to perform gentle range-of-motion movements.
• Especially useful in the morning to loosen a stiff shoulder.

Passive elevation with assistance (10 repetitions, 3x/day)

• Lying on your back, use your healthy arm to lift the affected arm.
• Lift it as high as comfortable without forcing it.
• Hold for 5-10 seconds, then slowly lower it.

Subacute Phase (moderate pain, returning mobility)

When the pain decreases and you can move more freely, add gentle stretches and active exercises:

Pectoral stretch (3 repetitions of 30 seconds, 2x/day)

• Place your forearm against a door frame.
• Turn your body in the opposite direction until you feel a stretch in the front of your shoulder.
• Breathe deeply and allow the stretch to deepen.
• Shortened pectoral muscles often limit external rotation.

External rotation with light resistance band (2 sets of 15 repetitions, 1x/day)

• Keep your elbow close to your body, with your forearm at a 90-degree angle.
• Pull the resistance band outward while keeping your elbow still.
• Control the return movement; do not let the band snap back.
• Start with very light resistance (yellow or red).

Posterior Capsular Self-Mobilization (3 repetitions of 20 seconds, 2x/day)

• Cross your arm in front of your body, and gently pull your elbow with your other hand.
• This targets the posterior capsule, which is often tight.
• Stop if you feel a pinch in the front of your shoulder.

Functional Return Phase (minimal pain, near-normal range of motion)

This phase focuses on strengthening and preventing recurrence:

Rotator cuff strengthening with resistance band (3 sets of 12 repetitions, 3x/week)

• External Rotation: Keep elbow close to your body, pull elastic band outwards.
• Internal Rotation: Push elastic band inwards.
• Lateral Raise: Lift your arm to the side with slight resistance.
• Gradually increase resistance over several weeks.

Scapular stabilization (3 sets of 10 repetitions, 3x/week)

• Retraction: Bring your shoulder blades closer together by squeezing them.
• Depression: Lower your shoulders downwards.
• Wall Slides: Slide your arms upwards against a wall.
• These exercises create a stable base for shoulder movements.

Functional Exercise (daily)

• Brisk Walking: 20-30 minutes.
• Swimming (once approved): Use styles that do not cause pain.
• Stationary Bike: Maintains cardiovascular fitness.
• General exercise improves your shoulder function even without directly engaging it⁹.

Warning Signs (when to stop)

Immediately stop an exercise if you experience:

• Sharp, intense pain (not just discomfort)
• Pinching or locking in the shoulder
• Pain that lasts more than 2 hours after exercise
• Sudden weakness or a feeling of instability

These signs indicate that you are progressing too quickly or that an exercise is not appropriate for your current stage of recovery.

Tips to Maximize Results

• Consistency > Intensity: 10 minutes 3 times a day is better than one hour once a week.
• Warm-up: Always start with gentle movements before resistance exercises.
• Gradual Progression: Only increase difficulty when the current exercise becomes easy.
• Tracking Journal: Record your exercises and pain level to monitor progress.
• Patience: Full recovery takes several months, and progress is not linear.

These home exercises complement your physiotherapy treatment but do not replace it. Your physiotherapist will adjust the program based on your progress and ensure you perform movements correctly to avoid harmful compensations.

Now, let's talk about the question all our patients ask: how long does recovery take?

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

How long does recovery take with physiotherapy?

Recovery from calcific tendinitis requires a minimum of 10 weeks of conservative treatment, with complete pain resolution typically achieved after 5 to 6 months of physiotherapy. Optimal results are generally seen within 10 to 15 sessions combining physical modalities, manual therapy, and progressive exercises.²

This duration might seem surprising, but it reflects the biological process of calcium reabsorption, which cannot be artificially rushed. Several factors influence your personal recovery time:

Factors that speed up healing

• Condition Phase: Calcifications in the active reabsorption phase (painful) often heal faster than stable, chronic deposits.
• Size and Location: Small calcifications in the supraspinatus generally respond better than large, multiple deposits.
• Treatment Adherence: Patients who diligently follow their home exercise program recover 40% faster.⁸
• Early Start to Physiotherapy: Consulting within the first few weeks of pain improves the prognosis.
• Absence of Complications: No associated adhesive capsulitis or tendon rupture.

Factors that slow down healing

• Large Calcifications: Deposits larger than 15 mm generally take longer to resorb.
• Metabolic Conditions: Diabetes or thyroid disorders can slow down tissue healing.
• Demanding Professional Activity: Occupations requiring repetitive overhead movements complicate recovery.
• Pre-existing Capsular Stiffness: A limitation in range of motion before the calcification appeared.
• Advanced Age: The body's ability to reabsorb calcium decreases slightly with age.

Typical Recovery Timeline Weeks 1-4 (Pain Control Phase)

• Significant reduction in nighttime pain
• Ability to perform basic daily activities
• Improved passive range of motion with mobilizations
• Tolerance for gentle range-of-motion exercises

Weeks 5-10 (Functional Restoration Phase)

• Minimal daytime pain
• Recovery of 70-80% of normal range of motion
• Introduction of progressive strengthening
• Return to light activities (driving, office work)
• Possible visible reduction of calcification on X-ray

Weeks 11-24 (Return to Activities Phase)

• Only occasional residual pain
• Full or near-full joint range of motion
• Restored muscle strength
• Gradual return to sports and demanding activities
• Consolidating gains and preventing recurrence

Success Rate of Conservative Treatment

Studies report varying success rates between 30% and 80% for conservative treatment of calcific tendinitis.¹⁰ This wide range is due to differences in:

• The treatment protocols used (some more intensive than others)
• The defined success criteria (complete resolution vs. significant improvement)
• Short-term vs. long-term follow-up
• The population studied (acute vs. chronic cases)

Our clinical results at Physioactif, using a multimodal approach combining shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and exercises, consistently achieve a 90% recovery rate.²

When to Consider Other Options

If your symptoms persist without significant improvement after 8 to 10 weeks of intensive and well-conducted physiotherapy, other interventions may be considered:

• Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage and aspiration: A radiologist breaks up and aspirates the calcium deposit under local anesthesia
• Corticosteroid injection: Can temporarily relieve acute inflammation but does not eliminate calcification
• Arthroscopic surgery: Removal of the calcium deposit through small incisions, reserved for refractory cases

Arthroscopic surgery achieves a success rate of approximately 90% but requires a rehabilitation period of 6 weeks to 3 months for complete functional recovery.¹¹ This is why we always prioritize the conservative approach as a first line of treatment.

Personalized Prognosis

During your first visit, we evaluate all these factors to give you a realistic estimate of your recovery time. This prediction becomes more precise over the weeks based on your response to treatment. Some patients recover much faster than expected, while others require an adjustment to their treatment plan.

The key is to have realistic expectations while remaining optimistic. Calcific tendinitis heals in the vast majority of cases, but it requires time and perseverance.

Now, an important question: when should you consult a physiotherapist?

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

When to consult a physiotherapist for calcific tendinitis?

You should consult a physiotherapist as soon as you experience sudden and intense shoulder pain, significant functional limitation, or if your symptoms persist beyond 8 to 10 weeks. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve your chances of a quick and complete recovery.

Warning Signs Requiring Prompt Consultation Sudden Acute Pain Without Trauma

Calcific tendinitis in the resorption phase often causes explosive pain that appears overnight without an identifiable injury. If you wake up one morning with intense shoulder pain that prevents you from moving your arm, consult within 48-72 hours. The sooner we intervene, the faster we can control the inflammation.

Inability to Lift the Arm

A sudden loss of more than 50% of your range of motion, especially anterior and lateral elevation, indicates significant inflammation. This limitation can quickly progress to adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) if left untreated. The optimal window for intervention is 2 to 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms.

Persistent Night Pain

If you cannot sleep on the affected shoulder and pain wakes you up multiple times per night for more than a week, a consultation is necessary. Night pain often characterizes the acute inflammatory phase, which responds very well to physical modalities and manual therapy.

Symptoms That Persist for 8-10 Weeks

Even if your pain is moderate, its persistence beyond 2 to 3 months warrants a professional evaluation. At this stage, more active treatments like shockwave therapy may be necessary to stimulate calcium resorption.

Difference Between Self-Management and Professional Help You can likely manage on your own if:

• The pain is mild to moderate (3-5 out of 10)
• You retain more than 75% of your range of motion
• Pain does not interfere with your essential daily activities
• You observe gradual improvement over 7-10 days with rest and ice
• No history of shoulder problems

You should consult a physiotherapist if:

• Pain is greater than 6 out of 10 or is progressively worsening
• You are losing range of motion despite your efforts
• Daily activities become difficult (dressing, driving, working)
• Ice and rest do not provide relief after 2 weeks
• You have a history of shoulder problems (rotator cuff tear, capsulitis)
• X-rays have confirmed the presence of calcifications

What an Early Assessment Can Prevent

Early diagnosis and treatment of calcific tendinitis prevent three common complications:

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Approximately 30% of untreated calcific tendinitis cases develop secondary capsular stiffness.¹² This complication adds 6 to 12 months to recovery time and requires much more intensive interventions. By seeking early consultation, we help maintain your joint mobility while the calcification resolves.

Chronic Rotator Cuff Weakness

Prolonged avoidance of certain movements due to fear of pain can lead to muscle imbalances and rotator cuff atrophy. The sooner we reintroduce a supervised exercise program, the better you can preserve your muscle strength.

Chronic Pain Development

Pain that persists for several months without adequate treatment can develop a central sensitization component, making recovery more complex. Early intervention keeps the problem localized to the tissue level, which is much easier to treat.

What Happens During the First Visit?

Your first physiotherapy consultation for calcific tendinitis includes:

Comprehensive Assessment (45-60 minutes)

• Detailed history of your symptoms and limitations
• Examination of your active and passive range of motion
• Rotator cuff muscle strength tests
• Postural and scapular mechanics assessment
• Palpation to identify sensitive areas
• Specific orthopedic tests

Imaging Review

If you have recent X-rays confirming calcification, please bring them or ask your doctor to send them to us. These images help us to:

• Precisely locate the calcium deposit
• Estimate its size and density
• Determine the probable phase (formation vs. resorption)
• Plan the most appropriate treatment modalities

Personalized Treatment Plan

At the end of your first visit, we will provide you with:

• A clear diagnosis of your condition
• Realistic treatment goals
• A detailed treatment plan including modalities and exercises
• An estimate of the number of sessions required
• Recommendations for self-management at home

Don't delay your consultation hoping it will "go away on its own." While some calcifications may resolve spontaneously, the painful period can last for months without treatment. Physiotherapy significantly speeds up this process and helps you avoid potentially serious complications.

You are now ready to take action.

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

What is the next step to treat your calcific tendinitis?

The next step is to get a comprehensive professional evaluation of your shoulder to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the phase of your condition, your functional goals, and your activity level. This initial evaluation allows us to determine which physiotherapy modalities will yield the best results for your specific situation.

As physiotherapists specializing in shoulder rehabilitation, we understand the impact that calcific tendinitis can have on your quality of life. Our evidence-based conservative approach combines manual therapy, physical modalities (ultrasound, shockwave therapy), and progressive therapeutic exercises to offer you the best possible success rate.

What's Included in Your First Visit to Physioactif

Your initial consultation (45-60 minutes) includes:

• Comprehensive Biomechanical Evaluation: We analyze your range of motion, muscle strength, posture, and scapular mechanics to identify all factors contributing to your pain.

• Review of Your X-rays: If you already have images confirming calcification, we examine them to precisely locate the deposit and determine the optimal treatment strategy.

• First Treatment: You won't just leave with a diagnosis; we immediately begin interventions to control your pain (gentle mobilizations, physical modalities as indicated).

• Personalized Exercise Program: You receive specific exercises to do at home, with demonstrations and real-time corrections to ensure correct execution.

• Detailed Treatment Plan: Together, we establish realistic goals and explain the estimated number of sessions, recommended frequency, and expected results at each phase.

How We Create Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Our treatment plan is specifically tailored to you:

• Acute Phase: If you are experiencing an acute inflammatory crisis, we prioritize rapid pain control with shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and gentle mobilizations to help you sleep and perform essential activities.

• Subacute Phase: As inflammation subsides, we gradually introduce active exercises and strengthening to restore your full function.

• Functional Return Phase: We guide you safely back to your sports, professional, and recreational activities with a relapse prevention program.

Our 90% success rate with combined treatments demonstrates the effectiveness of this structured and progressive approach.

Appointment Booking Process

Booking an appointment is simple:

1. Book Online: Visit our website and select a convenient time at one of our 5 clinics.

1. Call Directly: Our receptionists will answer your questions and direct you to the most qualified physiotherapist for your condition.

1. No Medical Referral Needed: In Quebec, you can consult a physiotherapist directly without a medical prescription.

What to bring to your first appointment

To maximize the effectiveness of your first visit:

• Recent imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI of the shoulder if available (even if several months old)
• Insurance card: Most private insurance plans cover physiotherapy (check your annual coverage)
• Appropriate clothing: Wear a loose-fitting top that allows your shoulder to be easily exposed (tank top, short-sleeved t-shirt)
• Medication list: Note any anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications you are currently taking
• Questions: Prepare your main questions so you don't forget anything

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder can be frustrating and painful, but it responds remarkably well to conservative treatment when applied early and in a structured way. Don't let the pain settle in and limit your daily life for months. Every week of delay increases the risk of complications like adhesive capsulitis.

Book an appointment today to start your journey towards a pain-free shoulder.

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Here's the good news: physiotherapy offers effective solutions to treat this condition.

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1. Rio E, Kidgell D, Purdam C, et al. Isometric exercise induces analgesia and reduces inhibition in patellar tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(19):1277-1283.

1. Louwerens JK, Sierevelt IN, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MP. Evidence for minimally invasive therapies in the management of chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1240-1249.

1. Balke M, Banerjee M, Vogler T, et al. Acromial morphology in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(2):415-421.

1. Reilly P, Macleod I, Macfarlane R, Windley J, Emery RJ. Dead men and radiologists don't lie: a review of cadaveric and radiological studies of rotator cuff tear prevalence. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2006;88(2):116-121.