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Calcific tendonitis is caused by calcium deposits in a shoulder tendon, and can be very painful. We confirm the diagnosis with ultrasound, then discuss options such as focused shockwave therapy.
In calcific tendonitis, deposits of calcium build up in a rotator cuff tendon, usually the one at the top of the shoulder. It’s most common between 30 and 60, and more common in women.
Some deposits cause few symptoms. Others cause pain and stiffness, and the body sometimes starts to reabsorb a deposit, which can trigger a very painful flare.
Symptoms
Symptoms of calcific tendonitis
Shoulder pain
Pain at the top or side of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm.
Night pain
Pain that wakes you, particularly lying on that side.
Sudden severe flares
Intense pain that can come on over hours or days as a deposit is reabsorbed.
Stiffness
Reduced movement because of pain.
Treatment options
Treatment for calcific tendonitis
Ultrasound scan
From £120
An ultrasound scan to confirm the calcium deposit and see its size and position.
Shockwave therapy
£90 a session
Focused shockwave therapy, which research suggests may help some people with calcific tendonitis.
Book online or call us. Many of our consultations are free.
02
Assessment
We listen to your history, examine you and, where it helps, scan the area with ultrasound.
03
Your plan
We explain what we think is going on and your options, with costs, so you can decide.
04
Treatment and review
We start treatment if it’s right for you, and check your progress as you go.
The research
What does the evidence say?
A review of trials found that focused shockwave therapy improved pain and function in calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, and that higher energy levels tended to work better [1]. A later review of shoulder shockwave treatments reached a similar view [2]. Results vary from person to person, and we’ll explain what’s realistic for you. Read more on our shockwave therapy page.
Your clinicians
Meet the team
Gary Edwards
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Dr Gabriel Azzini
Doctor, Sport & Exercise Medicine
GMC 7689922
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Calcific tendonitis★★★★★
Attended Gary at the Vale Health Clinic for chronic shoulder calcific tendinopathy… Gary was informative, without being condescending, and explaining everything he was doing and why, as well as being personable and chatty!
Alison W. · 2026 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
Severe plantar fasciitis. Had several sessions with Gary, shockwave therapy. Really has settled down well. Gary provides calm reassurance coupled with great knowledge and expertise in the field.
Graham C. · 2026 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
Gary is very knowledgeable and has given me lots of great advice and the treatment has been great! My pain levels are much better… Booking was easy using the online system and Gary has been very helpful and friendly.
Emily C. · 2023 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
I’ve just had my 6th treatment for plantar fasciitis and I am very happy with the reduction in pain so far. Gary has been so informative and invested in my healing process.
Olivia M. · 2025 · Google review
Achilles tendinopathy★★★★★
Gary was a great help, in particular his recommendations on using the balance pad to strengthen surrounding tendons… It took a long time to notice any major improvement… Give it a go, but please don’t expect it to work quickly and solve everything.
Max E. · 2026 · Google review
Achilles tendinopathy★★★★★
After an initial consultation with Gary for achilles tendonitis, an ultrasound scan followed by shockwave treatment, I then had weekly sessions over a period of 2 months… The shockwave results weren’t instantaneous and the pain sometimes fluctuated.
Mel R. · 2025 · Google review
Tennis elbow★★★★★
I have had 5 sessions with Gary, and so far things are going really well. I am not totally pain free but am now able to do most things without a problem. He gave me gentle exercises to do… Gary is very knowledgeable and takes time to listen to you.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Vavken P, Holinka J, Rompe JD, Dorotka R. Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: a meta-analysis. Sports Health 2009;1(2):137–144. doi:10.1177/1941738108331197
Moya D, Ramón S, Guiloff L, et al. Current knowledge on evidence-based shockwave treatments for shoulder pathology. Int J Surg 2015;24:171–178. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.08.079
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
