Physical Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis

According to Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers, calcific tendinitis "is inflammation and calcification of the subacromial or subdeltoid bursa, resulting in pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion in the shoulder." Working with an experienced physical therapist for calcific tendinitis is extremely beneficial in healing the tissues in the shoulder, pain management of the shoulder and regaining the ability to move your shoulder in a broader range.

Types of Calcific Tendinitis

• There are two types of calcific tendinitis degenerative tendinitis or regenerative tendinitis. Degenerative calcification is formed when you age. Regenerative calcification happens when you become injured and is more likely to cause shoulder pain. In certain circumstances, it can heal itself.

How Calcific Tendinitis Occurs

• Calcific tendinitis can either occur through aging or as a result of an injury. Working with a physical therapist for those afflicted with calcific tendinitis, is critical for recovery. A previous trauma of the joint could result in calcific tendinitis. Swimmers who fail to warm up or overuse their shoulder can become injured and diagnosed with calcific tendinitis. Some of the ways that you could injure yourself and obtain regenerative calcific tendinitis are through frequent lifting, tennis, hammering, swimming and weight lifting.

Physical Therapy

• A physical therapist will help you by conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition, providing you with exercises made specifically for you and your condition, and will assist you in increasing your range of motion. Stretching prior to exercising is extremely important to proper physical therapy.

Symptoms of Calcific Tendinitis

• According to Mosby's Medical Dictionary, calcific tendinitis is "a chronic inflammation of a tendon resulting from an accumulation of calcium deposits in the tissue." It is extremely painful when deposits are reabsorbed into the tissue. Some of the symptoms of calcific tendinitis are restricted movement and pain when lifting the arm. People who suffer from calcific tendinitis (tendon degeneration) usually have problems sleeping at night and should not sleep on the affected shoulder.

Use of Ice Packs

• Jeff Nelson at San Diego Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy in California places ice packs on his patients for approximately 20 minutes after exercising. This helps reduce inflammation and relieves pain. Mr. Nelson also recommends the use of ice packs at home, immediately after doing the at home exercises that your physical therapist has recommended for you. Additionally, ice packs should be used immediately following an injury to reduce swelling.

Use of a Heat Compress

• Heat packs can be used prior to exercising to warm up the muscles and at night prior to sleeping to relax the muscles and alleviate pain. You can apply a warm compress or a warm moist towel.

Internal and External Medication

• Taking naproxen will help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Naproxen is found in Alleve. Products such as tiger balm, bio freeze or a massage oil containing peppermint essential oil are beneficial when applied to the affected area for immediate pain relief. Always consult with your physical therapist and your medical doctor prior to taking any medication.