Shockwave therapy for calcification in the shoulder

Shoulder problems are a common problem in the Netherlands. The annual prevalence of shoulder pain is estimated at 31% of the general Dutch population. About the cause of shoulder pain is still much uncertainty. Calcification in the tendons of the muscles around the shoulder may be a possible cause of shoulder pain.



The research will focus on the influence of Radial Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain. Radial Shockwave Therapy is a proven effective treatment for calcification in the shoulder. However, it is unclear whether Radial Shockwave therapy is effective for actual reduction in the lime depot. A pre- and post-test of the deposit will be made by ultrasound.



The primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of rESWT the limestone deposit in patients with type I limestone according to Gartner and Simons in the m. Supraspintus tendon. The secondary objectives are: possible decrease of the calcium deposit in relation with the purchase of any pain and any decrease in the calcium deposit in relation to the degree of disability in activities of daily living (ADL) measured by the Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI questionnaire ).



The above aspects lead to the following questions:

What is the impact of Radial Shockwave therapy on shoulder pain, limitations in activities of daily living and the size of the calcium deposit in patients with diagnosed Type I calcification in the m. Supraspinatus tendon?

- decreased calcium deposit after 4 weeks shockwave therapy

- reduced pain and limitations in everyday activities after 4 weeks shockwave therapy

3 months

shockwave therapy