Calcified shoulder

The calcific shoulder manifests itself through a series of characteristic symptoms that can significantly affect those affected in everyday life. The typical signs include pain that becomes noticeable both when moving the arm and when resting, especially at night. This pain can become so intense that it makes lifting the arm or everyday activities such as gripping, combing or dressing considerably more difficult.

In addition, calcific shoulder often leads to limited mobility of the shoulder joint, which can significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected. In addition to the direct complaints in the shoulder area, tension in the neck and shoulder girdle can often be observed. This usually results from the unconscious posture that those affected adopt due to the pain and can lead to additional complaints such as headaches, neck or back pain.

The development of calcific shoulder is a complex process that is still not fully understood. It is assumed that a variety of factors can contribute to the development of this disease. However, there is a consensus that a change in the metabolism of the tendon cells in the shoulder area plays a central role. These changes can lead to the deposition of calcium crystals in the tendons, particularly in the rotator cuff, resulting in inflammation, pain and limited mobility of the shoulder joint. One possible trigger is overloading the shoulder, which can be caused by repetitive movements or unaccustomed strain, leading to micro-injuries in the tendons. Muscular imbalances or postural disorders can also play a role by impairing the centring of the humeral head in the shoulder joint. This leads to repeated pinching of the tendon under the acromion, resulting in micro-injuries similar to overuse scenarios.

Circulatory disorders in the tendons can also contribute to calcium deposits, as reduced blood flow restricts the tendon's self-healing powers and therefore favours the deposition of calcium. In addition, metabolic disorders such as diabetes can increase the risk of a calcified shoulder, as they intensify general inflammatory processes in the body and can therefore also lead to problems in the shoulder tendon area.

The diagnosis of calcific shoulder in our private orthopaedic practice is characterised by special care. We know that calcification in the shoulder does not always cause pain and vice versa. That is why our first step is to take a comprehensive medical history and carry out a thorough examination. This approach allows us to identify the true causes of your symptoms and ensure that our diagnosis is accurate.

State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment allows us to take a detailed look at the soft tissues of your shoulder and the tendons of the rotator cuff. In certain cases, we supplement these examinations with an MRI, which, although it cannot visualise the calcium, can show tendonitis, partial tears or bursitis in even greater detail than ultrasound.

In our practice, we take our time for you: we usually schedule an hour for the first appointment so that we can carry out a really thorough anamnesis and examination and start treatment straight away. We allow 30 minutes for subsequent treatment appointments so that we can always examine and treat you thoroughly, intensively and effectively. 

Although cortisone injections can relieve pain in the short term, we refrain from using cortisone injections in our practice due to the considerable long-term disadvantages. Not only can they weaken the tendon structure and thus significantly increase the risk of tears, they can also reduce the essential blood supply to the tendons, resulting in delayed healing. There is also a risk that cortisone has a negative effect on cartilage metabolism and therefore promotes the development or progression of osteoarthritis. The treatment also harbours the risk of blood pressure crises or blood sugar imbalances. In view of these risks, we prioritise alternative, safer and regenerative therapeutic approaches that are geared towards the long-term health and well-being of our patients without risking the aforementioned cortisone side effects.

Self-exercises are essential for shoulder health in order to maintain mobility and relax the tissue. Movements should be performed in a low-pain range to avoid pain provocation. Regular sporting activity, combined with a specific exercise programme, supports prevention and helps to compensate for occupational or sporting strain. In acute phases of pain, applying an ice pack or taking painkillers for a few days can provide relief. 

Make an appointment at our practice now to have your calcific shoulder treated by our experienced doctors. We will help you to overcome your pain and regain your quality of life.