If you have experienced pain in the shoulder or arm with no clear cause, you may be dealing with calcific tendonitis. This condition is caused by calcium deposits that form within the tendons of the shoulder. While calcific tendonitis can be painful and uncomfortable, it is important to know that this condition can be managed through medication, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
What is Calcific Tendonitis?
Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits build up in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder. This buildup can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected area. The most common symptom of calcific tendonitis is a sharp pain in the shoulder which usually becomes worse at night or when reaching overhead. It is important to note that calcific tendonitis does not always produce symptoms; however, if left untreated it can lead to decreased range of motion and mobility in the shoulder area as well as impaired performance during activities such as sports or exercise.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Calcific Tendonitis
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for calcific tendonitis because it helps to reduce pain and restore mobility to the affected area. Generally speaking, physiotherapy involves exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint while also promoting flexibility. Some of these exercises may include stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and weight training using light weights or resistance bands. Additionally, physiotherapists may incorporate ice packs or ultrasound treatments into their treatment plans depending on each patient’s individual needs. These treatments help to reduce swelling and inflammation while also providing relief from the pain associated with calcific tendonitis.
Occupational Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis
In addition to physiotherapy, occupational therapy can also prove beneficial for patients suffering from calcific tendonitis. Occupational therapists focus on helping patients develop strategies for managing their day-to-day activities while living with a chronic condition such as calcific tendonitis. During treatment sessions, they will assess each patient’s functional ability and then work with them to develop strategies that will help them better manage their daily activities while avoiding aggravating movements which could worsen their symptoms. Strategies such as proper body mechanics when performing everyday tasks are especially important for people who have been diagnosed with calcific tendonitis because they must learn how to move without causing further strain on their shoulders or arms.
Calcific tendonitis is a painful condition that affects many people every year but thankfully there are treatments available that can help manage its symptoms so that sufferers can get back to living their lives without worrying about flare-ups or debilitating bouts of pain due to this condition. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are two such treatments that have been proven effective in managing both acute and chronic cases of calcific tendonitis over time by reducing inflammation, strengthening muscles around the affected joint area, improving range of motion and flexibility, and helping patients learn how best to manage their daily activities without exacerbating their symptoms further down the line. With proper care from a qualified healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist those suffering from this condition can once again enjoy full mobility without having to worry about flare-ups or prolonged bouts of intense discomfort caused by excessive movement or activity.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or one of the other physiotherapists at CARESPACE Health+Wellness in Kitchener and Waterloo. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
