Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis

Calcium deposits in a rotator cuff tendon can cause shoulder pain and limited motion. Learn about symptoms and evaluation with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff?

Rotator cuff calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium deposits form inside a shoulder tendon. It can cause pain with lifting and sometimes a sudden severe flare with restricted motion. Ultrasound or other imaging can help confirm deposits and distinguish calcific tendinitis from a rotator cuff tear or another shoulder problem; treatment depends on symptoms and findings.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Shoulder condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is calcific tendinitis treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland assesses the deposit and symptom stage before discussing targeted options. Depending on findings, he may consider selected injection-based care such as PRP treatment; other procedures for calcific deposits may be considered by an appropriately equipped shoulder clinician. No one option is right for every deposit.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Treatment may include physical therapy to preserve tolerable motion, temporary activity modification, and appropriate pain relief. Some cases are assessed for ultrasound-guided needling or lavage, or shockwave treatment, depending on availability and suitability.

When other care may be needed: Severe persistent pain, major weakness, or uncertainty about the diagnosis may warrant imaging and shoulder-specialist review. Sudden pain can occur with calcific flares, but other causes should be excluded when symptoms are atypical.

Common questions

Questions about calcific tendinitis

What causes calcific tendinitis of the shoulder?

Calcium deposits form within a rotator cuff tendon. The exact reason is not fully understood; it is more common in adults between roughly 30 and 60 and may relate to changes in tendon cell activity and blood supply.

What are the symptoms of calcific tendinitis?

Symptoms can include shoulder pain that is sudden and severe, often worse at night, with restricted motion. Symptoms may flare as the body resorbs a deposit. Examination and imaging help confirm calcific tendinitis and distinguish it from a tear, arthritis or other causes.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for calcific tendinitis?

Many cases improve with time, activity modification, physical therapy and pain-relief medication when appropriate. Ultrasound or X-ray can confirm a calcium deposit. Persistent symptoms may prompt discussion of shockwave treatment or ultrasound-guided lavage, depending on the deposit and clinical assessment.

What regenerative or injection options may help calcific tendinitis?

Dr. Tortland may discuss ultrasound-guided injection options for persistent pain, depending on deposit size and symptoms. Procedures to remove the deposit may be considered if other care does not help.