Shoulder calcification occurs when calcium deposits form on the various tendons and ligaments within the shoulder capsule, often causing pain, swelling and joint freezing. Depending on the severity of the condition, many patients can benefit greatly from a physical therapy treatment plan under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
Initial Therapy Exercises
According to Orthogate.com, most shoulder calcification occurs on the tendons of the rotator cuff in the shoulder capsule. Initial treatment should focus first on minimizing the amount of inflammation and pain in the joint before moving on to weight-bearing or resistance-assisted exercises in a therapeutic context. Therapists will typically introduce assisted passive stretching techniques for the patient, often focusing most on bending and extending to start. Maintaining the shoulder's natural range of motion is vital to the continued success of therapy, and stretching exercises will also help promote blood flow in the shoulder muscles, which can aid in the healing process. In less severe cases of calcification, some patients may be able to start strengthening exercises early in treatment.
Mid-Therapy Exercises
Therapeutic treatment plans will continue based on the pain and discomfort in the patient, especially when considering the unpredictability of inflammation involved in shoulder calcification. According to Orthogate.com, most therapists will implement modalities such as ultrasound to help further minimize this inflammation while also attempting to break down the calcium deposits in the shoulder. Ultrasound treatments can be continued for up to six weeks for maximum benefit. Weight-bearing exercises focusing on shoulder bending and extension should typically be started a few weeks after the start of therapy in order to strengthen stabilizer muscles surrounding the joint and to minimize muscle atrophy (especially in the event of a surgical procedure needed to remove calcium deposits from the shoulder tendon). Heat and ice treatment will also be continued at this time to further minimize swelling and pain in the joint. Shoulder abduction (lifting the arm to the side of the body) can also be attempted with low weight or resistance.
Discharge and Home Therapy
At the conclusion of a therapeutic treatment plan, patients should typically regain full range of movement within the shoulder joint, including shoulder bending, extension and abduction. Therapists will also normally prescribe a home therapy program for the patient to continue passive stretching and strengthening exercises on his own outside of the therapy clinic.
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