Shoulder and Elbow Pain? It Could Be Calcium Deposits in Your Tendons

Have you been experiencing shoulder or elbow pain that seems to come out of nowhere? Reaching overhead, lifting groceries, or sleeping on your side may suddenly become uncomfortable.

One possible cause is calcium deposits in your tendons. This condition, known as calcific tendinopathy, most commonly affects the shoulder but can also develop around the elbow.

Interestingly, hormonal changes during menopause may also be associated with changes in tendon health.

Let’s explore what causes calcium deposits, how to recognize the symptoms, and which treatments may help you feel better.

What Are Calcium Deposits in Tendons?

Calcific tendinopathy happens when calcium crystals build up inside a tendon. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones.

The shoulder is the most common location, especially in the rotator cuff. These tendons help you lift, rotate, and move your arm.

When calcium deposits develop, they may irritate the surrounding tissue. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and reduced movement.

Although less common, calcium deposits can also develop in tendons around the elbow. They may cause discomfort during gripping, lifting, or straightening the arm.

It’s important to understand that calcium deposits inside tendons are different from bone spurs or calcium buildup in blood vessels.

What Causes Calcium Deposits in the Shoulder and Elbow?

The exact cause of calcific tendinopathy is not fully understood. However, researchers believe several factors may contribute to its development.

Some possible contributing factors include:

• Age-related changes: Tendons naturally change as we get older. These changes may make tendon tissue more vulnerable.
• Repetitive movements: Repeated overhead activities, lifting, and certain sports may place stress on tendons.
• Tendon changes: Changes in tendon cells and tissue structure may contribute to calcium deposits.
• Metabolic and hormonal factors: Certain health conditions, including diabetes and thyroid disorders, have been associated with tendon problems.
• Genetics: Some people may have a greater tendency to develop calcium deposits.

It’s also important to remember that calcium deposits do not always cause symptoms. Some people have them without experiencing pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Calcium Deposits?

Symptoms depend on the location and size of the calcium deposit.

In the shoulder, common symptoms include:

• Pain when raising your arm.
• Difficulty reaching behind your back.
• Discomfort when putting on clothes.
• Pain when sleeping on the affected side.
• Shoulder stiffness and reduced range of motion.
• Sudden, intense pain during certain stages of the condition.

In the elbow, symptoms may include:

• Pain when gripping or lifting objects.
• Discomfort when straightening or bending the arm.
• Tenderness around the elbow.
• Pain during repetitive arm movements.
• Reduced strength due to pain.

Some people experience mild discomfort. Others develop severe pain that interferes with everyday activities.

Can Menopause Be Related to Calcium Deposits?

This is an important question, especially for women over 40.

Research suggests that menopause may be associated with an increased risk of calcific tendinopathy in the shoulder.

During menopause, estrogen levels decline. Estrogen plays several roles in the body. It supports bone health and also influences connective tissues, including tendons and ligaments.

Changes in estrogen levels may affect tendon health, tissue repair, and the body’s response to inflammation.

Research using data from the Taiwan Biobank found an association between menopause and shoulder calcific tendinopathy. Researchers also identified an association with high cholesterol.

However, this does not mean menopause directly causes calcium deposits. More research is needed to understand how hormonal changes may influence tendon health.

This is one reason why women experiencing new or persistent shoulder pain during perimenopause or after menopause should not automatically dismiss it as a normal part of aging.

Persistent pain deserves attention and a proper evaluation.

How Are Calcium Deposits Diagnosed?

If you experience persistent shoulder or elbow pain, a healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and movement.

Diagnosis may include:

Physical examination: Your provider will assess your range of motion, strength, tenderness, and pain patterns.

X-rays: These images can help identify calcium deposits within or around tendons.

Ultrasound: This can help locate deposits and evaluate the surrounding soft tissues.

MRI: An MRI may be recommended when additional information about the tendons, inflammation, or possible injuries is needed.

Getting the correct diagnosis is important because not all shoulder and elbow pain is caused by calcium deposits.

How Do You Treat Calcium Deposits in Tendons?

The good news is that many people with calcific tendinopathy improve with conservative treatment. Surgery is not always necessary.

The first step is identifying the source of the pain and understanding how the calcium deposit affects the tendon.

At Transitions Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we focus on conservative, individualized treatment approaches designed to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities.

Here are some treatment options that may be included in a personalized care plan.

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of treating calcific tendinopathy.

A Doctor of Physical Therapy can evaluate your movement, strength, flexibility, and symptoms. Based on the results, your therapist can develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises.
• Shoulder and rotator cuff strengthening.
• Exercises to improve shoulder blade stability.
• Stretching to improve flexibility.
• Progressive strengthening to help the tendon tolerate everyday activities.
• Movement education to avoid unnecessary irritation.

The goal is to restore comfortable movement, improve strength, and help you return to your normal activities.

2. Summus Medical Class IV Laser Therapy

Laser therapy may be used as part of a conservative treatment plan for painful tendon conditions.

Summus Medical Class IV Laser Therapy uses therapeutic light energy to target affected tissues. It may help manage pain and support the body’s recovery process.

Clinical guidelines recognize laser therapy as a potential treatment option for symptoms associated with calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Although it may help reduce discomfort, laser therapy has not been proven to dissolve or remove calcium deposits.

At Transitions, Class IV Laser Therapy may be incorporated into a broader rehabilitation program based on the patient’s condition and treatment goals.

3. Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target specific muscles and trigger points.

When shoulder or elbow pain develops, surrounding muscles may become tight or sensitive. This can affect movement and make everyday activities uncomfortable.

Dry needling may help:

• Reduce muscle tension.
• Address painful trigger points.
• Improve muscle function.
• Support more comfortable movement.

It’s important to understand that dry needling does not remove calcium deposits from tendons. Instead, it may help address associated muscle discomfort as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

4. Graston Technique

Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

It uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to help a trained practitioner assess and treat soft tissue restrictions.

Depending on the patient’s symptoms, this technique may be incorporated into treatment to address surrounding muscle and soft tissue discomfort and support mobility.

Graston Technique is not designed to break up calcium deposits inside a tendon. Its role is to address associated soft tissue limitations when appropriate.

A Personalized Approach to Recovery

Not every patient needs the same treatment. Some people respond well to exercise and manual therapy. Others may benefit from combining physical therapy with additional treatment options.

The most important thing is to identify the underlying problem and develop a plan that addresses your symptoms, mobility, and functional goals.

What If Conservative Treatment Isn’t Enough?

If pain remains severe or continues to interfere with daily activities despite appropriate conservative care, your healthcare provider may discuss additional options.

These may include ultrasound-guided needle lavage, a procedure that targets and removes calcium deposits, or, in selected cases, surgery.

These options are generally considered when symptoms persist and initial treatment has not provided sufficient improvement.

How Can Physical Therapy Help You Get Back to Moving?

Living with shoulder or elbow pain can affect more than just your workouts.

It can make simple activities difficult, such as getting dressed, reaching for something on a shelf, carrying groceries, or sleeping comfortably.

Physical therapy focuses on improving how your body moves and functions.

At Transitions Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, treatment can be tailored to your symptoms, mobility, strength, and activity goals.

Your physical therapist can help you:

• Restore comfortable joint movement.
• Improve muscle strength and stability.
• Reduce movement limitations.
• Gradually return to exercise and daily activities.
• Build a plan to support long-term mobility and wellness.

You don’t have to stop being active because of shoulder or elbow pain. The right treatment approach can help you move better and feel stronger.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Shoulder or Elbow Pain

Calcium deposits in tendons can be painful, but they don’t always require surgery. An evaluation can help identify the cause of your discomfort and determine the most appropriate treatment.

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder or elbow pain, stiffness, or difficulty with everyday movements, consider scheduling an evaluation.

At Transitions Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active.

Call or text us at 407-446-2328 to learn how physical therapy can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.