Also known as calcific tendonitis, shoulder calcification occurs when small deposits of calcium form on the muscles in the shoulder tendon. According to Orthogate.org, this causes the tissue around the calcium deposit to become inflamed and can cause a lot of pain in the shoulder area. While the calcium deposits may be removed by needle, stretching and strengthening exercises can decrease the pressure being applied to the calcium deposits to ease the pain and prevent the person from having a limited range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises will help build the healthy muscle in a weak muscle so that the pressure around the calcium deposits will decrease. According to UW Medicine, a simple shoulder strengthening exercise can be done alone and adjusted as needed. Simulating a bench press exercise, hold a washcloth in front of the body while laying on the bed or floor. Extend the arms outward like someone doing bench presses would. Once the arms are fully extended, lift the entire shoulder up. As this exercise gets easier, switch the objects in the hand until a 1-lb. object is reached. Once the exercise is simple with a 1-lb. object, try doing it with pillows behind the back at an incline.
Stretching Exercises
Many types of stretching exercises loosen the shoulder muscles and help relieve the pressure around the calcium deposits. The anterior shoulder stretch can be done by clasping the hands together behind the back and lifting the arms away from the body without bending. If the arm is too sore to do this stretching exercise, try holding a stick or broom behind the back, instead of clasping hands together, to make the exercise easier.
While there are many other stretching exercises, the flexion is probably one of the easier ones to complete. Stand straight and hold a stick in both hands out in front of the body, palms facing down. Then slowly raise the arms up toward the head. Hold this position for five seconds before bringing the arms down to a relaxing position.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
According to NISMAT.org, some simple range-of-motion exercises can be done for the shoulder. Lying flat on the stomach, on a bench or the edge of the bed, let the problem arm drop to the side and hang limp. Then slowly, move the arm back and forth; take precautions not to use the shoulder muscles. Then, in a standing position, hold a chair and lean forward, letting the problem arm drop to the front. Gripping the chair for balance, slowly rotate the problem arm using body weight. Simple arm circles can also help with range of motion in the shoulder. The range-of-motion exercises are designed to increase the range of motion in the shoulder, relieve pain and loosen the muscles.
Tags: calcium deposits, around calcium, behind back, range motion, 1-lb object, around calcium deposits, clasping hands
