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Difference between Calcific tendinitis and frozen shoulder
Introduction to Calcific tendinitis and Frozen Shoulder
Today, many people seek help because they have pain in their shoulder. Frozen shoulder and Calcific tendinitis (or calcareous peritendinitis) are examples of conditions that can affect our shoulder. The causes of developing these two conditions differ, but both frozen shoulder and calcareous peritendinitis cause similar symptoms such as pain and reduced mobility. It is therefore important to be able to distinguish between frozen shoulder and calcific tendinitis.
What is calcific tendinitis?
Definition of calcific tendinitis
Calcific tendinitis means that there has been calcification in or around the muscle tendons in the shoulder joint. Most often it is the supraspinatus tendon that calcifies, but the long biceps tendon can also be affected. The supraspinatus tendon contains an area that lacks adequate circulation and is therefore usually the area that calcifies. An altered anatomical position of the scapula can put increased pressure on the tendons which will lead to calcification to strengthen and protect.
The development of calcific tendinitis takes place in three stages.
Pre-calcification. It is painful to move the shoulder and the range of motion is reduced. The change occurs at the cellular level.
Calcification. Calcium is released from the cells and calcium deposits form. After some time, the body starts to resorb the deposits. This stage can cause significant discomfort.
Post-calcification. During this phase, the deposits are replaced by healthy tissue and range of motion begins to improve.
Symptoms of calcification
Calcific tendinitis can cause several different symptoms. These may include:
Sudden pain or stiffness in the shoulder.
Intense pain when moving the shoulder.
Severe pain that disturbs sleep.
Reduced range of motion.
Soreness in the rotator cuff.
Treatment methods for calcific tendinitis
There are several treatment methods for calcific tendinitis. Some of the most common are:
Shock wave therapy. Shockwaves are directed at the tendon to reduce pain and encourage healing.
Ultrasound. High frequency sound waves are sent to the area. The sound waves break down the calcium deposits.
Injection with saline solution. Injection with saline solution is done directly into calcium deposits. The saline solution should break down the deposits.
Physiotherapy.
Acupuncture.
Surgery. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to manually remove the calcium deposits. About 10% of people with lime shafts need surgery.
What is frozen shoulder?
Definition of frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis or “frozen shoulder” means that the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and it hurts to move the shoulder. The inflammation in the shoulder causes the joint capsule to thicken and shrink, which significantly reduces the range of motion. Frozen shoulder affects about 3% of the population, is most common in middle age and affects more women than men. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
The course of frozen shoulder is divided into three different phases.
A great deal of pain is experienced in the shoulder, especially when moving. Inflammation of the shoulder joint can last from a few months to six months. It causes difficulty sleeping due to a constant shoulder pain. The shoulder also becomes progressively stiffer, probably due to immobilization.
The inflammation and pain are subsiding but the shoulder has become much stiffer. The shoulder joint capsule has started to thicken and shrink.
The third phase is known as the healing phase, which can last a year or more. By now, the joint capsule has thickened and strengthened with more collagen. Mobility slowly starts to return but full mobility is rarely regained. You may have to live with a reduced range of motion and some pain.
Symptoms of frozen shoulder
List and explanation of the most common symptoms.
Pain when moving the arm, especially when lifting it upwards and outwards.
Shoulder pain at rest
Gradual deterioration of range of motion
Severe pain that disturbs sleep
Treatment methods for frozen shoulder
Common treatment methods for frozen shoulder:
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Injections of cortisone
Physiotherapy can be supportive for pain management. Physiotherapy may also be necessary to regain movement and strength.
Surgery may be an option if previous treatment methods have not worked or have not produced satisfactory results.
Key differences between calcific tendinitis and frozen shoulder
Cause and origin
While calcific tendinitis refers to calcium deposits forming in and around the tendons, frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by inflammation, pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Calcific tendonitis appears to result from a different anatomical position of the scapula in relation to the upper arm. If there is increased pressure on the tendons, the cells precipitate calcium to strengthen and protect the structure. The lack of circulation in the supraspinatus tendon causes calcium deposits to form there.
It is not known for sure what causes frozen shoulder to occur. What is known is that unilateral movements, unilateral strain and immobilization of the shoulder for a long time are associated with frozen shoulder. High blood sugar also increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder. The sugar creates an inflammatory process that increases the cross-linking of the collagen in the fascia of the joint capsule, making it more tight. Constant overuse and trauma to the shoulder can also lead to frozen shoulder. Immobilization reduces circulation in the fascia, thickening the joint capsule and reducing mobility.
Calcific tendinitis is more common at a younger age, usually 20-40 years, while frozen shoulder occurs almost exclusively in people between 40-60 years. Both calcific and frozen shoulder cause severe pain, especially at night, and a reduction in arm mobility. Both calcific shoulder and frozen shoulder develop gradually over a longer period.
Common misconceptions about calcific tendinitis and frozen shoulder
There are misconceptions about both calcific tendinitis and frozen shoulder. The most common misconception people have is that they think only older people develop these two conditions.
Many people also believe that frozen shoulder does not need to be treated as it heals on its own. If left untreated, frozen shoulder can cause prolonged pain, reduced mobility and muscle weakness, affecting daily life. It is therefore important to seek help early to prevent the condition from getting worse.
In the case of a calcific tendinitis, it is commonly believed that only the muscles of the shoulder and scapula need to be strengthened. In fact, the altered anatomical position of the scapula is often the result of poor posture. For example, an oblique pelvis will affect the curvature of the spine so that the body’s T-line (between the shoulders) becomes uneven. An uneven T-line will change the angle of the scapula and its relationship to the upper arm
How the FasciaClinics can help
THe FasciaClinics make individual treatment plans as no two people are the same. During your first visit, our therapists will conduct a personalized consultation to evaluate your situation and then create a treatment plan.
A fascia treatment at the FasciaClinics can help relieve tension, improve circulation and promote healing of the shoulder. The benefits of fascia treatment are that it is gentle and non-invasive. The whole body is scanned to find asymmetries and imbalances that may have affected shoulder function. The treatment adjusts the pelvis and reduces tension on the vertebrae. The focus is on correcting imbalances in the body so that the loads are more even.
After the treatment, it is normal to feel tired and sluggish. If the therapist deems it necessary, you may be given advice and exercises to take home. This can help you maintain your positive treatment results and further improve your body ergonomics.
Contact us for more information and support
The FasciaClinics offer a unique and above all effective treatment for shoulder problems. With our deep understanding of fascia and its importance for our well-being, we offer a unique and highly effective treatment. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free future.
