CALCIFIC TENDINITIS OF THE SHOULDER

This is a painful disorder, some say this is the worse pain possibly in the shoulder joint. Can be acute or chronic that is characterised in the rotator cuff tendons.

This condition often wakes during a nights sleep, elevation of the arm can cause pain and the patient can complain of weakness, snapping and catching of the shoulder.

The supraspinatus is the most commonly calcified, like a number of the tendinopathies this is thought to minor traumatic episodes , fibrosis and subsequent degeneration.

There may be mechanical irration by deposits when the arm is abducted and these deposits impinge on the acromion.

Often diagnosed by Xray and ultrasound and clinic assessment.

Predominant age 30 -50 years of age, women twice as likely as men.

As usual a conservative approach, late stages Radial Shockwave is endorsed by NICE publication 2003. Recent studies have shown that Focused Shockwave may have the edge with this condition and as a consequence FSWT has been introduced to this practice.

As always, no medication no anesthesia and hugely successful.

SUBACROMIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Also known as Rotator Cuff Disease, rotator cuff tendinosis and shoulder impingement syndrome, this is often caused by trauma, inflammation or deterioration. There are similarities across all the conditions we describe. These are usually degenerative in nature, confirmed by lab work, but there is often a new found injury to the effected area. This is usually diagnosed by a clinical assessment and often an MRI or Ultrasound scan that essentially excludes other pathologies (possibilities). We see them most commonly in throwing sports, golf, volleyball, gymnastics, and it is probably the most common condition that's present in the shoulder today.

SIS is the most common form of shoulder pain, repetition as mentioned above as main risks however pain is often along the side and front of shoulder, pain and weakness is noticed lifting the arm sideways.

Treatment for this condition used to be pretty uncomfortable, but thankfully new hand pieces, like the Evo Blue have made it a lot easier on patients, leading to greater compliance (people completing the course of treatment).

As with all Shockwave treatments you will generally benefit from a hand piece that consistently delivers the agreed frequency, maximising the energy put into the tissues. More energy into the tissues means more cavitation and, as we explained earlier, more cavitation is a major mechanism in terms of repair in the healing process.

Following a conservative approach and a period of 6 months of no improvement then shockwave should and often is a consideration.

Next Steps

Here are the 3 steps to discover if Shockwave is right for you:

• If you want to read more about Shockwave Therapy, download a free copy of The Shockwave Solution book
• If you have a specific condition, however you are not sure Shockwave is an appropriate course of treatment, complete a free, confidential Online Assessment.
• If you are ready to see if Shockwave is right for you, call to schedule an assessment appointment 020 8662 1155