Shoulder pain can make everyday activities difficult, from reaching overhead and exercising to getting dressed or sleeping comfortably. For many people, shoulder pain comes from irritated or damaged tendons around the shoulder.
Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
The first step is identifying exactly what is causing the pain so we can determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves that are delivered through the skin into injured or painful tissue.
The acoustic energy is believed to stimulate several healing processes, including:
- Increased blood flow to the injured area
- Stimulation of tissue repair
- Improved tendon healing
- Changes in pain signaling
- Breakdown and resorption of some calcium deposits
Common Shoulder Pain Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Treat
Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits develop inside a rotator cuff tendon, most commonly the supraspinatus tendon.
It can cause:
- Severe shoulder pain
- Pain when reaching overhead
- Pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder
- Limited shoulder movement
- Difficulty lifting the arm
Shockwave treatment may help reduce pain and improve shoulder function. Research also suggests that shockwave can sometimes help the body gradually break down and absorb the calcium deposit.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Rotator cuff tendinopathy may cause pain when lifting the arm, reaching overhead, exercising, or sleeping on the affected side.
Research shows Shockwave Therapy may help certain patients with chronic rotator cuff tendon pain.
Biceps Tendonitis
The biceps tendon runs through the front of the shoulder and can become irritated or painful.
Patients with biceps tendonitis often experience pain in the front of the shoulder, particularly with lifting or reaching.
Early research suggests that shockwave therapy may help reduce pain and improve shoulder function in some patients with long-head biceps tendinopathy.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, causes significant pain, stiffness, and loss of shoulder motion.
Physical therapy and exercises to restore movement remain important treatments for frozen shoulder. However, studies suggest that adding shockwave therapy to a rehabilitation program may help reduce pain and improve function in some patients.
What Does the Research Say About Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Pain?
Shockwave therapy has been studied extensively for tendon problems throughout the body, including the shoulder.
A 2021 study evaluated shockwave therapy in patients with four different shoulder conditions: rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), and calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy.
The study included 54 patients who completed treatment. After shockwave therapy, researchers found significant improvements in shoulder pain, range of motion, and overall shoulder function.
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that shockwave therapy improved pain and shoulder function in patients with calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Studies have also shown that higher-energy shockwave treatments may help reduce or completely eliminate some calcium deposits.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Pain?
For the right patient, shockwave therapy offers several advantages.
Non-Invasive
Shockwave therapy does not require an incision or surgery.
No Injection Required
There are no needles or medications injected into the shoulder during shockwave therapy.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities shortly after treatment.
Targets the Problem Area
Shockwave therapy allows us to direct acoustic energy toward the tendon or other soft tissue that appears to be causing the pain.
This can be particularly useful for calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, where ultrasound or X-ray can identify the location of the calcium deposit.
Can Be Combined With Physical Therapy
Shockwave therapy is often most effective as part of a complete treatment plan.
Strengthening, stretching, improving shoulder movement, and correcting problems with shoulder mechanics may still be important.
The goal is not simply to temporarily reduce pain but to improve how the shoulder functions.
What Does Shoulder Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?
During treatment, patients usually feel a rapid tapping or pulsing sensation over the shoulder.
Some areas may feel tender during treatment, particularly directly over an injured tendon or calcium deposit. The intensity can usually be adjusted based on the patient’s comfort and the condition being treated.
Treatment is performed in the office and typically does not require anesthesia.
How Many Shockwave Treatments Are Needed?
The exact number of treatments depends on the patient’s condition and response.
Many patients receive 6 shockwave therapy sessions, often spaced out over 4-6 weeks
Some patients begin noticing improvement during the treatment series, while others continue improving over the following several weeks.
Because shockwave is designed to stimulate a healing response, improvement may be gradual rather than immediate.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Shoulder Pain?
You may be a candidate for shockwave therapy if you have persistent shoulder pain related to a tendon problem, particularly if you have:
- Calcific tendonitis
- Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Chronic rotator cuff tendon pain
- Biceps tendonitis
- Certain cases of frozen shoulder
- Shoulder pain that has not improved enough with conservative treatment
The most important step is determining the root cause of the pain.
Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Pain in Rhode Island
At the Pain Center of Rhode Island in Cranston, RI, we specialize in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal and joint pain.
We offer both focused shockwave therapy and radial shockwave therapy for appropriate shoulder conditions.
Our approach begins with identifying the source of your pain. When appropriate, diagnostic ultrasound can help evaluate the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon, calcium deposits, and other structures around the shoulder.
We can then develop a treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis.
If you are looking for shockwave therapy for shoulder pain in Rhode Island, or have been diagnosed with calcific tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or chronic shoulder pain, contact the Pain Center of Rhode Island to schedule an evaluation.
Pain Center of Rhode Island
1150 Reservoir Avenue, Suite 200
Cranston, RI 02920
401-648-6100
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Does shockwave therapy work for calcific tendinitis?
Research supports shockwave therapy as a treatment option for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Studies have shown improvements in pain and shoulder function, and some patients also experience a reduction in the size of the calcium deposit.
Does shockwave therapy help rotator cuff pain?
It may. The strongest evidence is for rotator cuff tendinopathy when calcium deposits are present. Results for non-calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy are more mixed.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Patients usually feel a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment. Sensitive areas may be uncomfortable, but treatment intensity can usually be adjusted.
How long does it take for shockwave therapy to work?
Some patients notice improvement within the first few treatments. Others improve gradually over several weeks as the tissue responds to treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Many shoulder treatment plans involve approximately three to five sessions, although the number varies depending on the condition and the patient’s response.
Is shockwave therapy surgery?
No. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that does not require an incision or surgical recovery.
