Calcific shoulder: what helps with shoulder pain?

With a calcific shoulder, calcium crystals are deposited in a tendon of the shoulder joint, which can lead to at times severe pain and restricted movement. Notably, many calcium deposits disappear again on their own over the course, and the complaints often improve over months. This guide explains what lies behind a calcific shoulder, when you need medical advice and which building blocks can relieve the shoulder in everyday life.

What lies behind the calcific shoulder?

With the calcific shoulder, medically tendinosis calcarea, calcium deposits form above all in the tendons of the rotator cuff, that muscle group which stabilises the shoulder joint. Why the calcium forms is not conclusively clarified. A temporarily reduced blood flow of the tendon and remodelling processes in the tissue are discussed.

The condition often runs in phases. In quiet phases some of those affected notice hardly anything. In the acute phase, when the calcium softens and is broken down by the body, the pain can suddenly become very strong, often at night and when raising the arm. Women in middle age are particularly often affected.

Characteristically, movements to the side and overhead are painfully restricted, while the joint can at times remain free of complaints at rest. Many of those affected report that they can no longer lie on the affected side. Because the complaints occur in bouts, painful and quieter phases alternate. This wave-like course explains why the calcific shoulder often has to be accompanied over months, but in many cases in the end resolves on its own.

When you should seek medical advice

Strong, suddenly shooting shoulder pain, a markedly restricted mobility or persistent night-time pain belong in medical evaluation. Only an examination, usually with ultrasound or X-ray, can make the calcium deposits visible and distinguish the calcific shoulder from other causes such as a bursitis, a tendon tear or arthrosis.

Also when the complaints do not ease despite rest, keep recurring or are accompanied by fever and swelling, an expert assessment is important. The appropriate treatment depends on the phase and the extent of the deposit.

Depending on the findings, the spectrum of medical options ranges from a wait-and-see accompaniment through physiotherapy and pain-relieving measures to special procedures that are considered in stubborn cases. Which option comes into question is decided individually by the treatment team. It is important that you present yourself early, instead of enduring strong pain over a long time, because good accompaniment can noticeably ease the often burdensome acute phase.

Movement and rest in balance

In the acute, very painful phase, relief is in the foreground: movements overhead and heavy lifting should be avoided temporarily. Complete immobilisation is unfavourable, however, because the shoulder otherwise threatens to stiffen. Gentle pendulum movements and light mobilisation keep the joint mobile. This way the shoulder stays supple without heavily straining the irritated tendon. It is important to consistently avoid jerky movements and heavy lifting during this time, since they can intensify the pain.

As soon as the acute pain eases, targeted physiotherapy is an important building block. Exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff and the shoulder-stabilising musculature as well as preserve mobility support the function in the long term. A physiotherapy professional can put together an individual programme.

Helpful are, for example, gentle pendulum exercises in which the arm swings loosely forward, to the side and in circles, without being actively raised. Later, measured strengthening exercises with light resistance are added. It is important to increase the load cautiously and to heed the signals of the shoulder. Anyone who wants too much too early risks a renewed state of irritation. Consistency over weeks brings more here than single intensive sessions.

Warmth, cold and everyday life

In the acute phase many of those affected find cooling soothing, because it calms the irritation. In quieter phases with tension, by contrast, warmth can loosen the musculature. In everyday life it helps to relieve the shoulder ergonomically: adjust the workplace, avoid heavy bags and find a comfortable position for the arm when sleeping. Anyone who works a lot overhead should plan in regular breaks and compensating movements.

For restful sleep it can help to rest the affected arm on a cushion so that the shoulder does not fall inward. Some of those affected prefer to sleep half sitting during this time with support at the back. At work too a lot can be adjusted: place frequently used objects at reach height instead of storing them overhead, and divide activities with a raised arm into shorter intervals. Such small changes reduce the strain on the irritated tendon in everyday life.

Diet and body weight

A balanced, plant-focused diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products, pulses and high-quality fats provides important nutrients and supports a healthy body weight. Fatty sea fish, nuts and vegetable oils contribute omega-3 fatty acids, colourful vegetables and fruit provide secondary plant substances. Enough fluid rounds off the supply. Such a diet does not replace treatment, but forms a good basis for the regeneration of tendons and muscles.

Enough fluid and a protein-rich diet with pulses, fish, eggs or lean meat additionally provide building blocks that the body uses for the renewal of tissue. Anyone who keeps an eye on their body weight also relieves the musculoskeletal system as a whole. It makes sense to approach changes slowly and lastingly, instead of relying on short-term diets that rarely last. Regular, balanced meals give the body a reliable basis.

Nutrients for tendons and connective tissue

Tendons and connective tissue consist to a large part of collagen. For its formation vitamin C is relevant: Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones. In addition: Manganese contributes to normal connective tissue formation and copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissue. For the bony structures of the shoulder, moreover, vitamin D, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, as well as calcium are important.

These nutrients are found in a colourful everyday diet: vitamin C in peppers, berries and citrus fruits, manganese and copper in wholegrain, nuts and pulses, vitamin D the body forms with the help of sunlight. A targeted supplement makes sense above all when a deficiency is present, which is best clarified through a blood test. With vitamin D in particular it is worth taking a look, because many people are undersupplied in the winter months. Nutrients support normal body functions, but do not dissolve existing calcium deposits.

Honestly considered: time and patience

A calcific shoulder can drag on over a longer period and often runs in a wave-like manner. No food supplement and no single exercise makes the calcium disappear. Often the body breaks down the deposit itself over the course. What eases the way there is the combination of adapted movement, physiotherapy and a medically coordinated pain treatment. Nutrients can accompany everyday life, but replace neither diagnosis nor therapy.

For those affected it is often relieving to know that the strongest pain often occurs precisely when the body is actively breaking down the calcium, and is thus to some extent a sign of healing. That does not make the acute phase more pleasant, but takes away the fear that the condition will worsen permanently. Anyone who guides the shoulder cautiously during this time, stays patient and has the complaints accompanied by experts, has good prospects of regaining full mobility.

Suitable products

Anyone who wants to supplement their diet around joints and connective tissue will find in our range Glucosamine & Chondroitin optimised with vitamin C. For the nutrient it contains, the EU claim applies: Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural building blocks that occur in cartilage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does a calcific shoulder disappear on its own?

In many cases the body breaks down the calcium deposit itself over the course, and the complaints improve over months. The course is, however, individually different and should be accompanied medically.

Should I rest the shoulder or move it?

In the acute phase relief is in the foreground, but complete immobilisation is unfavourable. Gentle pendulum movements and later targeted physiotherapy keep the joint mobile.

Does warmth or cold help?

That depends on the phase. In the acute, inflammatory phase many find cooling pleasant. With tension in quieter phases warmth can loosen the musculature.

Can nutrients dissolve the calcium?

No. Nutrients such as vitamin C, manganese or copper contribute to normal connective tissue and normal collagen formation, but do not dissolve existing calcium deposits.

When is a medical examination necessary?

With strong, sudden or night-time shoulder pain, markedly restricted mobility or when the complaints persist despite rest, you should have an expert examination.